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Residents press for transparency on planning appointments, water rights and school costs
Summary
Multiple public commenters raised concerns: a letter read by Priscilla Hart asked whether Onancock water rights had been given away; others urged full disclosure and public forums about the school’s repair cost estimates and planning commission appointments.
Residents used the public‑comment period to press the council on several issues. A letter read by Priscilla Hart on behalf of Dana Simpson asked directly about water rights and whether they had been conceded, asking: "Is the sale of Onancock's Water still under consideration? Yes or no?" Council members did not provide a direct answer during the meeting.
Other commenters urged transparency and thorough planning on the school assessment and parking‑lot master plan. Several speakers referenced prior engineering and cost studies, including a Becker Morgan assessment (2011) and more recent construction surveys; Patsy Felthausen told the council that past reports place the likely cost of full repairs at $5–7 million and urged open town‑hall discussion before committing taxpayers to large expenditures. Commenters also suggested improvements to meeting recordings (a lavalier mic for a frequently speaking council member) to aid public review of proceedings.
