The Pocomoke City Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved final site plans on May 28 for the redevelopment of the former Newberry Building at 153 Market Street, clearing the way for a mixed-use project that will bring new apartments and retail space to downtown.
The project, submitted by Bret Davis of Davis Strategic Development, includes eight apartments on the second floor and three to four retail spaces on the ground floor. The commission’s review focused on final interior and exterior renovation plans for the building.
During the meeting, consultant Brent Jett of GMB told the commission the project had previously been reviewed and approved in 2025, complies with the property’s B-1 zoning designation, and has already received Fire Marshal approval. He noted that construction is already underway.
Davis told commissioners that no substantive changes had been made to the plans since the previous approval. He explained that the project occupies a zero-lot-line property and does not include privately owned parking areas or sidewalks. The development has already received city building permits, and interior demolition and roof work are currently in progress.
Parking remained one of the primary discussion points. Commissioners asked whether the residential units would require additional handicap-accessible parking or other parking accommodations. Project representatives stated that downtown zoning regulations do not require additional parking for the development and that existing city-owned parking is intended to serve the downtown district.
Several commissioners expressed concern that parking demand could become an issue in the future as downtown redevelopment continues. Davis suggested that angled parking along Vine Street could potentially create additional parking capacity if needed, though he emphasized that any such improvements would be the city’s responsibility because they are located on public property.
Commissioners also discussed the building’s appearance. Davis said the exterior will retain many existing architectural elements, with updated colors and lighting. He indicated that the rear portion of the property will continue to include a farmer’s market space that can accommodate deliveries through the existing loading dock.
When asked about the construction schedule, Davis said the project is expected to be completed sometime in 2027, though specific construction milestones remain subject to change.
Following discussion, the commission unanimously approved the concept and final site plans as submitted. Before the vote was finalized, the city attorney noted for the record that commissioners who were not on the board during the project’s earlier review had reviewed the previous meeting materials and minutes before participating in the decision.
