TOWN OF, ONANCOCK  ONANCOCK Live it Love it VIRGINIA FOUNDED 1680  15 North Street Onancock, VA 23417  Meeting Notice  Planning Commission Meeting  Tuesday July 21,2020  at 5:30 p.m.  The Onancock Planning Commission will hold a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 21, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 15 North Street, Onancock, Virginia 23417 Masks are required and physical distancing will be practiced.  (757) 787-3363 Phone  (757) 787-3309 Fax  www.onançock.com Website    Town of Onancock,Virginia Planning Commission AGENDA July 21,2020 5:30 p.m.  1. Call to Order and Roll Call  2. Review of the Minutes from the February 18, 2020 Meeting  3. Items of Business  a. Discussion oft the Comprehensive Plan  4. Public Comment 5. Adjourn    Town of Onancock Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday February 18, 2020 5:30P.M.  Call to Order and Roll Call:  Chairman Judith Grier called the meeting to order at 5:301 P.M.  Commission members Bill Bagwell, Robert Bloxom, Larry Frey, Judith Grier, Scott Schreiber and Matt Spuck were present. Commission member Ridgway Dunton was absent. Town Manager Bill Kerbin and Deputy Clerk Mariellen Mearsheimer were present. Onancock residents John Boddie, Mayor Fletcher Fosque and Janet Fosque, Barbara Johnsen and  Jim McGowan were also present.  Minutes:  Chairman Grier asked for a motion to approve the. January 21, 2020 minutes. Commission member Robert Bloxom made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Commission member Larry. Frey seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.  Items ofBusiness: (RAFT) Text  a. Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan - Draft Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool Chairman Grier asked ife everyone had read the summary of the RAFT text prepared by Jim McGowan and stated the RAFT text would be part oft the Town's Comprehensive Plan. Mr. McGowan stated he read through the forty-seven page RAFT document and summarized the scores and recommendations from that report. He also read through the Main Street Program and has text for that as well but did not get it sent out to the Commission members. He stated one of his concerns with the RAFT document is with the maps; they show the area but not a lot of detail for Onancock. He stated that the maps show that al lot of the worst problems are outside of Commission member Schreiber asked how the report fits into the Comprehensive Plan? Commission member Spuck asked ifa a snapshot in time belonged in the Comprehensive Plan? Mr. McGowan answered, not necessarily. He stated they made five recommendations and the recommendations could be put in at the end oft the plan. The recommendations are to complete the comprehensive plan, design ai resilient waterfront, repair the bulkhead and the boat ramp, improved drainage to prevent flooding, and investigate how investments ini resilience now will promote economic development in the future. The report indicates 2065 as the date given to make improvements associated with sea level rise but Mr. McGowan was not sure what kind of sea level rise they are talking about. He also stated ift the Town wanted to protect the wharf, the parking lot at the wharf would have to be raised. Mr. McGowan asked, how do you time that?  Onancock.  Do you wait fori it to get bad or plan for it in the future?  1    Commission member Bagwell stated the Eastern Shore Historical Society is raising the deck seven inches, in front ofThe Old Hopkins Brothers Store Property at the wharf and it was pointed out tol him that any higher and you would have problems with the finger piers, getting on Commission member Schreiber asked how the RAFT plan fit into what residents need to do to protect their property and asked ift the Town can require residents to follow standards set for town public properties. Mr. McGowan stated the town could require a certain elevation level or freeboard level and stated that Accomack County had al high rating in the state for flood planning because ofe extra requirements in the county zoning ordinance. Mr. McGowan stated he is looking at. Accomack County's Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. McGowan finished by stating the maps in the RAFT plan are more appropriate for County planning than for the Town and the  and off boats.  Planning Commission needs better maps of Onancock. Chairman Grier thanked Mr. McGowan for all his hard work.  b. Preliminary Discussion on Homestays in Business District Downtown (B1) Chairman Grier had Town Manager William Kerbin read an email sent to the Planning Commission by resident Caleb Fowler (6 Queen Street) who was unable to attend the meeting. (See attached email). In summary the Fowlers intend to submit an application that would permit 58 Market Street being used as an airbnb. They are uncertain about how to apply since 58 Market Street is in the B1 Business district. Mr. Fowler stated the property was built as aj private home and as far as anyone knows, it has continually been occupied as a residence. He stated there were three options 1; Add airbnbs as aj permitted use in the B1 district by right under Section 24-32. 2; Add airbnbs as a special exception in the B1 district under Section 24-33.3; Recognize its' defacto residential status and allow the use as a special exception. Mr. Fowler stated in his letter that once they know how the Planning Commission would like toj proceed they would submit an Commission member Robert Bloxom asked how many residences are in the B1 district? Commission member Bagwell asked if this would enable someone to buy a building and turn it Commission member Spuck asked if we allow mixed use, business downstairs, residence Commission member Bagwell stated it would not be automatic, you would need a special Commission member Bagwell stated that the objections to airbnbs are in residential areas and noted that Mr. Fowlers property at 58 Market Street has businesses on all sides. Commission member Bloxom asked ifit could be re-zoned residential since it has always been Mr. Kerbin stated Town Attorney John Custis was looking into that. Commission member Scott Schreiber asked what the Commission members thoughts were about Mayor Fosque pointed out that the Fowlers residence at 6 Queen Street which is in Residential Chairman Grier asked ify you allowed special exceptions in the Business Downtown district (B1)  application and appear before the Commission.  into a residential structure?  upstairs, would you then be able to make the residence an airbnb?  exception.  used as ai residence? spot zoning?  1A shares a border with the 581 Market street property. how would that change the flavor of downtown?  2    Resident Janet Fosque (161 Market Street) asked ift this change were made would the zoning ordinance then allow for one. homestay per landowner in town or one: per district? Mr. Kerbin stated it would be only one homestay per landowner in town. Mayor Fosque asked ift the owners can rent out each room in the house as airbnbs orj just rent the Mr. Kerbin stated that iti is not specified in the zoning ordinance. Commission members agreed Discussion followed, after which the Commissioners agreed the best course of action for the Fowlers would be to ask the Town Council for a text amendment to rezone the property, then  whole house as an airbnb?  the: zoning ordinance needed to be more specific. apply to the Planning Commission for a Homestay.  Public Comment:  Town resident Mr. Boddie (5 Sturgis Street) was surprised not to see any mention oft the sewer treatment plant in the RAFT document and thought it should be part oft thej planning process. Commission member Bloxom stated that there was only a small portion of the property that was ini the flood zone but not the facility itself and the elevation was. high enough that it was not a concern oft the people that did the RAFT planning and added if the Town decided to keep the Commission member Spuck asked if there was at timeline established for finishing the Chairman Grier stated there was ai timeline established when the group began working with Mr. McGowan and that he did not want to work on the plan in aj piecemeal fashion. She told the group she had contact with Mr. McGowan on a regular basis and would find out more about  treatment plant we might be able to look at flood insurance.  Comprehensive Plan?  when to expect a document ready for discussion.  Adjourn:  Chairman Grier asked for a motion to adjourn. Commission member Bloxom made a motion to adjourn. Commission member Bagwell. seconded the motion. The motion was approved by  unanimous voice vote.  The meeting adjourned at 6:10 P.M.  Judith Grier, Chair  Mariellen Mearsheimer, Deputy Clerk  3    Onancock Main Street Initiative (OMSI)  Strategic Plan 2020-2021  Our Vision: Historic downtownOnancock is the commercial and cultural heart of ai thriving  waterfront community.  Our Mission: Make Onancock the place where residents are proud to live,and visitors want to return. We will do this by forging community partnerships, cultivating downtown businesses,ennancing our artistic and recreational assets, and celebrating our historic and cultural character. Virginia Main Street: Onancock Main Street is an affiliate of Virginia Main Street. Thev Virginia Main Street Pogansapesematonsases economic and community development program that follows the Main Street Approachb by the National Main Street Center. Virginia Main Street isal Main Street America State Coordinating Program that offers a range of services and assistance to communities  interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. The Four Points of al Main Street program:  Organzation- As strong organizational foundation is crucial for a sustainable Main Street revitalization effort. This element of the Main Street Four Points focuses on building collaboration among ab broad range of public and private sector groups.organzations and Promotion- This element deals with marketing the district's assets to residents, visitors, investors and others through special events,retail promotion: and activities that improve the Design- - Thise element focuses on improving the prysicalenvronment by renovating buildings, constructing compatible new buildings, improving signs and merchandise displays.creating attractive and usable public spaces and ensuring that planning and: zoning regulations support Economic Vitality- This element concentrates on strengthening the district's existing economic basev while finding wayst to expand its economy andi introduce compatible new uses. This work is rooted in a commitment to making the most of a community's unique sense of place and existing historic assets,h harnessing localeconomic opportunity and creating a supportive business  constituencies.  way the district is perceived. Main Street revitalization.  environment for small businesses ande entrepreneurs  Background and Context: The Town of Onancock has! been a Virginia Main Street affiliate for about two decades. In: 2017,ar renewed effort began to put into place the organization and structure needed to pursue Virginia Main Street Designation, the! highest levelawarded by the Virginia Main Street organization andt to take advantage of available resources and grant funding opportunities. Onancock Main Street Initiative (OMSI)is ar non-proltorganzation whose purpose ist to support downtown revitalization efforts, ensuring that downtown Onancock is a commercial and cultural center for Over the past two years, the Onançock Main Street Initiative has solicited and analyzedi input from the Town, business owners, community members and visitors to Onancock to identify what these stakeholders feel is most important to increasing the vibrancy of our downtown. Additionally, a series of large ands small meetings have been held to discussand refine these findngs. Based on these findings  residents and visitors.  and these meetings, our vision and mission statements were developed.    Organizationally, al board of directors has been actively engaged, andi in 2019,0SMas.hevdoles non-profit status. OMSIhas developed relationships with the Town,downtown businesses, community organizations, the ESVA Chamber of Commerce and ESVA Tourism. A position description fora program manager! has! been developed and we are actively seeking an individual to fill this position. We have developed at two-year strategic plan to guide our activities over the next 24 months.  Our Goals: 2020- -2021  1. Apply for and receive Virginia Main Street Designation.  2. Increase the organizational capacity of the Onançock Main Street Initiative 3. Develop andi implement acomprehensive funding strategy to sustain the organization. 4. Inp partnership with the Town, develop branding for the Town of Onancock. 5. Prioritize grant opportunities and apply for at leasti two substantial grants in the nextt two years.    Onancock Main Street Initiative (OMSI)  Strategic Plan 2020-2021  Goall. Apply for and receive Virginia Main! Street Designation.  Achieving designation status will allow OMSIto take advantage of many additional services provided by the Virginia Main Street (VM)organzation, including organizational support, technicalassistance and consultation, branding andi image development, public relations, as well as access and scholarships to VMS seminars and training. The value of these services is estimated to be around $100,000overa  three-year period. Objectives:  a. Attend "2020 ayP-MoMDN/aaNp to understand application process Gather necessarydata and complete application by March 31,2020 deadline Goal2. Increase the organizational capacity oft the Onancock Main Street Initiative. Successful Main Street programs are able to capitalize on the contributions of many stakeholders in a variety of roles. In this way the community works together to achieve revitalization goals.  Receive designation status  Objectives:  a) Fillprogram manager position in early 2020 and establish OMSIphysical office b) Establishand strengthen partnerships with the Town,businesses, civic organizations and other C) Expand board membership to include critical skill and experience sets d) Establish committees to achieve the strategic goals through volunteer reçruitment Goal3. Develop and Implement a comprehensive funding strategy to sustain the  stakeholders and community partners  organization.  Consistent and reliable funding is essentialto sustaining the OMSI organization. As a non-profit, we will needi to explore and take full advantage of all potential sources of funding in order to provide support to  our downtown community Objectives:  a) Develop a 3-year budget to identify expenses and funding needed b) Engage services provided by' Virginia Main Street to assisti in identifying potential funding sources and developing as strategy to secure required funding c) Implement strategy and ensure adequate funding is achieved    Goal 4. Inp partnership with the Town, develop branding for the Town ofOnancock. Ad defined look and message for Onancock will consistently convey who we are, what we have to offer and the experience people will have living, working and visiting our town. Itwill set from other towns, as well as help generate pride among residents, businesses and visitors who can clearly articulate our assets. Itwill serve as a promotional tool for our town and our businesses.  Onancock apart more Objectives:  a) Identify professional firm with which to collaborate b) Partner with Town to develop  brand  c) Promote consistent use of brand on Town and business signage and language Goal 5. Prioritize grant opportunities: and apply for at least two substantial grants int the Anir important source of funding for OMSland for downtownrevtaization projects will be grant funding. We need to understand the range of grant opportunities available to us, and identify those that are most promising and work toward maximizing our ability to successfully: yapply and receive  next two years.  this funding. Objectives:  a) Compile a comprehensive list of grant opportunities andi identify application requirements, timelines, partner organizations, match requirements, and other b) Prioritize these grant opportunities considering Owsloganzatonaineeds current business needs, ability to improve the oamboanphpcaematoment and ability to strengthen c) Identify two to three grants that would have the most opportunity for success over the next  pertinent information the downtowneconomic base two to three years  d) Complete the application process for at least two of these    Onancock Main Street Initiative  The Onancock Main! Street Initiative (OMSI) is a! 501 (c)3 non-profit organization established in 20191 to support downtown revitalization efforts and ensure that downtown Onancock is at thriving commercial and cultural center for residents and visitors. The Town of Onancock has been a Virginia Main Street affiliate for about two decades. The Virginial Main Street program offers a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. In 2017 a renewed effort began to establish thei formal organization and structure needed to pursue a full Virginia Main Street Designation for Onancock, the highest level awarded by' Virginia Main Street. The Virginia Main Street Designation will enable Onancock to take full advantage of Virginia Main During its formation, OMSI solicited and analyzed input from the Town, business owners, community members and Onancock visitors toi identify what these stakeholders feel is mosti important toi increasing the vibrancy of our downtown. The pnancock Main Street Initiative. Strategic Plan includes the  Street's resources and other grant funding opportunities.  following goals for 2020 and 2021:  1. Apply forand receive Virginia Main Street Designation.  2. Increase the organizational capacity of the Onancock Main Street Initiative. 3. Develop and implement. a comprehensive funding strategy to sustain the organization. 4. In partnership with the Town, develop brandingi for the Town of Onancock. 5. Prioritize grant opportunities and apply fora at least two substantial grants ini the next two years.