Onley Planning Commission to continue Emergency Action Plan work; council asks A‑NPDC review of shortened Comprehensive Plan

Onley — The Onley Planning Commission presented a shortened draft Comprehensive Plan and asked Council for permission to work on an Emergency Action Plan (EAP); Council approved the request during its Aug. 5 meeting.

Councilmember Brian Corbin told members the Comprehensive Plan draft has been reduced from 33 pages to 15 and indicated he feels it is ready for adoption. Town Attorney Carl Bundick recommended sending the draft to the Accomack‑Northampton Planning District Commission (A‑NPDC) for review before final action. Council asked staff to circulate the draft to A‑NPDC and revisit adoption at the following meeting.

Planning Commission work on an EAP had been previously requested; Town Manager Susan Rillo said she consulted VRSA at her request and VRSA recommended the town adopt an EAP and provided templates. Rillo also advised coordinating the town’s planning with Accomack County and noted the town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan as a resource. Council voted unanimously to have the Planning Commission continue EAP work in conjunction with Accomack County (motion by Bill Ferguson; second by Kate Hill).

Resident Billye D. Custis requested changes to the Comprehensive Plan related to medical facilities; Rillo asked that proposed edits be emailed to Deborah Bliss, the Planning Commission chair.

What’s next: The town manager will forward the Comprehensive Plan and EAP drafts to A‑NPDC and the Planning Commission will return recommended edits and the EAP progress to council at the next meeting.