Pocomoke City Council spent much of the evening work session on Monday, November 3rd discussing plans for the community center, debating possible locations, funding requirements, and how to gather more public input before moving forward.
Community Center Discussion Dominates Work Session
City Manager Brandy Matthews told the council that the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for the proposed community center is tied to the area’s low-to-moderate income (LMI) designation. The downtown site, near the former armory property, qualifies under federal guidelines.
“In order for us to receive the grant, the project has to be located where the greater portion of the LMI population is,” Matthews explained. She cautioned that relocating the project could change its eligibility and risk losing as much as $800,000 in funding.
Some residents have circulated an online petition asking the city to consider other sites, including land near Pocomoke Middle School, citing transportation access. Mayor Todd Nock acknowledged the petition and said the city would “have the conversation” with Worcester County Public Schools if council agrees, but warned that any partnership would need to fit the existing grant structure.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Change.org petition was started by Arrowhead editor and author of this article, Chip Choquette. View it here: https://c.org/8VbPQBpSvG
A councilperson said he supported working with the county schools but emphasized that “we can always say no.” He and other members expressed that, while they were open to other options, they didn’t want to slow the project or lose grant funding.
Council members agreed that the four finalist design proposals for the center would be posted on the city’s website for public review, with a Facebook link directing residents to provide feedback via email. Comments will be turned off on social media to prevent arguments, but the mayor asked everyone to share the post on their own pages to boost participation. View the proposals here: https://www.cityofpocomoke.com/news/pocomoke-city-requesting-public-input-design-pocomoke-family-life-center
“It’s not fair to say that we’re not including the public when the public isn’t saying anything,” Mayor Nock said. “We hope to have a space where everybody can find something to do.”
Council members spoke in favor of design concepts by WGM and Jonathan Selwell, noting Selwell’s inclusion of multi-use studios, a stage, and outdoor fitness areas. Councilwoman Diane Downing highlighted the potential for a youth recording and production studio, while others favored downtown proximity for its potential to help “revitalize” local businesses.
The mayor concluded that he would contact Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Annette Wallace to discuss possible collaboration but said the downtown site remains the current plan unless funding or partnership opportunities change.
Ordinances and Resolutions Reviewed
Following the community center discussion, the council briefly reviewed three pending legislative items:
- Ordinance 2026-O-3, which would prohibit keeping lodgers, roomers, or boarders by a resident family in residential zones, was discussed without objection.
- Resolution 2026-R-02, which would impose a temporary moratorium on Planning & Zoning matters, was deferred because the Planning Commission currently lacks a quorum after members Michael Blake, Nola Tullar, and Chip Choquette resigned after a contentious meeting in October. Mayor Nock said he plans to recommend new commission appointments soon.
- Discussion of a Special Event Permit and Use Fee Ordinance was postponed due to time.
Regular Meeting: Minutes, Bills, and Mix-Up
During the regular session, council approved minutes from September 15, September 19, and October 20, along with the current bill list.
A procedural mix-up arose when Resolution 2026-R-07, listed on the agenda as the city’s participation in the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal Program, was read aloud using the text for the unrelated CDBG grant. To ensure accuracy, council tabled the second reading and public hearing until the next meeting. City staff apologized for the error and confirmed it was her mistake in preparing the packet.
Community Recognition
A councilperson congratulated the Pocomoke High School field hockey team on advancing to the state semifinals, where they’ll face Liberty High School at Crofton High School on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
With no public comments, the council adjourned shortly after 7:00 p.m.
