Onancock public hearings on parking and special-use permits draw neighbor objections; council tables both

Onancock residents at a joint Town Council and Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 26 pressed officials over draft changes to downtown parking rules and special-use permit (SUP) language, asking the bodies to slow the process and preserve neighborhood protections.

On Article II (stopping, standing, parking), speakers said a proposed three-hour downtown parking limit would hurt businesses and be difficult to enforce. Mary Clements, a downtown business owner, said she has been raising parking concerns for years and warned that uneven enforcement could lead to legal challenges; Priscilla Hart and Cherie Tapman said three hours is insufficient for patrons and for residents with mobility needs. Several commenters urged clearer signage, district-specific rules and designated accessible parking. The hearing closed at 8:35 PM and the council tabled the matter until Sept. 9.

On Article XV (special-use permits), neighbors including Rosemary Paparo and Patsy Felthousen objected to removing text that they said had previously required the council to strongly consider nearby residents’ opinions before issuing an SUP; speakers also questioned language that would allow tenants to apply for SUPs and asked who would apply when a lessee (for example, Friends of Onancock) occupies a property. The SUP hearing closed at 8:49 PM and council likewise tabled action until Sept. 9.

No votes were taken on the ordinances at the Aug. 26 meeting; councilmembers and commissioners said they wanted more input and time to consider revisions before making policy changes.