Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Revival topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Onancock Main Street presents strategy to fill downtown storefronts
Summary
Onancock Main Street leaders told the Planning Commission their top goal is to fill downtown storefronts by promoting the town’s history, culture, walkability and nature; commissioners asked questions and a resident urged the organization to focus on drawing people into town.
On Aug. 4, 2025, leaders of Onancock Main Street (OMS) presented a strategic direction to the Town of Onancock Planning Commission aimed at filling downtown storefronts.
Lisa Fiege, president of OMS, told commissioners, “The goal is to fill downtown storefronts.” OMS board members Cindy Mackey and Michael Hartman described a brand architecture centered on four pillars — history, culture, town walkability and nature — and said the group is promoting those pillars via social media to attract visitors and businesses. The presenters said the plan emphasizes downtown identity and retail activation rather than offering specific incentives or funding requests at this meeting.
The presentation drew questions from commissioners about implementation and coordination with town planning. In the public-comment portion following the presentation, Jeff Albrechtson urged OMS to prioritize filling storefronts and to focus on drawing people into town.
No formal action was taken by the commission on the OMS presentation; the item was for information and discussion. The OMS materials and a fuller plan are available in the Planning Commission packet referenced by staff.
