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Residents oppose proposed boundary line adjustment at Onancock public hearing
Summary
At a Sept. 22 public hearing, multiple Onancock residents opposed a proposed boundary line adjustment, citing inadequate notice, possible tax and service impacts, and concerns about county zoning that could allow higher‑density housing; council took no vote.
Dozens of residents told the Onancock Town Council on Sept. 22 that they oppose a proposed boundary line adjustment (BLA) that would redraw town limits around properties west of Hill Street, south of Liberty Street and extending to Tower Road.
The public hearing opened at 7:06 p.m. under Virginia Code §15.2‑3107, and most speakers said they had not been adequately notified or that the adjustment would unfairly benefit a single property owner. "My name is Pam Fitzpatrick. I live at 60 Hill Street, and I'm here joining my neighbors to represent our shared opposition to this proposal," Pam Fitzpatrick told the council, saying nine of the 21 affected lot owners submitted letters of opposition at a recent Accomack County meeting.
Residents raised specific concerns about taxes, loss of county services and the potential for higher‑density development. Jim McGowan noted that the parcel is zoned R20 in Accomack County (roughly 20,000‑square‑foot lots), while Town Manager Matt Spuck told the council the county has the area designated "village development," which could permit higher‑density housing than Onancock currently allows.
At least one speaker, Jay Miller, urged the council to move the matter forward so the Planning Commission and Town Council could consider development questions; most others asked the council to delay action and require more engagement with affected property owners. The minutes state only five of the 21 lots in the proposed adjustment are currently undeveloped.
Following public comment, councilmembers asked for clarification on zoning and options if the BLA proceeds. Councilmember Joy Marino said she would like to delay any vote for clarification; the council did not take a final vote on the adjustment at the meeting.
The council indicated the BLA would move into council discussion (per a motion earlier in the meeting) but recorded no formal action approving boundary changes during the Sept. 22 session. The council may consider the item again after staff provides additional information and follow‑up with affected property owners.
