Planning commission outlines comprehensive plan update, targets public review this fall

Kasey Grier of the Planning Commission presented a near-complete draft of Onancock's five-year comprehensive plan, saying the document incorporates required state topics such as transportation and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act considerations and optional topics like arts and culture.

Grier noted a walking survey documented 72 brick-and-mortar businesses, most maps have been completed and a new map shows VDOT-controlled roads and sidewalks. She described the plan's structure as 23 chapters grouped to support a forward-looking vision emphasizing a year-round community and said the draft will include goals and action steps, with a public-comment period expected in October 2026, cleanup in November and a first reading by Council in December 2026. "One water" was clarified as an integrated approach to water infrastructure, stormwater, and recreational use, and Greg Temple is drafting the water issues section.

The presentation flagged data and records challenges: staff identified a need to improve town records management and tax and water data systems to better support housing and water-consumption analysis. Grier said the team plans to provide a more finalized table of contents, data points and maps in September and to return with a PowerPoint and additional data. The Council did not take final action at the meeting; the plan will return for public review and subsequent council consideration.