The Pocomoke City Planning and Zoning Commission convened on January 22 with a new member, swiftly electing its new leadership and setting the stage for an anticipated busy period of training and review of significant development projects.
The meeting began with the reordering of the agenda, moving directly to the appointment of a Chair and Vice Chair. Nola Tullar nominated Harold White, Jr. for the position. After clarifying the requirements, White accepted the nomination, which was seconded by Jessmin Duryea and unanimously approved. Subsequently, Tullar nominated Duryea as Vice Chair, a motion that was also seconded and approved.
A key focus of the meeting was the discussion of operational procedures and mandated training. Commission Attorney Erica Witz detailed the commission’s rules of procedure, which she stated were “implemented… the summer of 2024,” covering aspects like public hearings and evidence presentation. Commissioners were encouraged to review these rules. The requirement for all members to complete a mandated planning and zoning training course within six months was emphasized, asking for certifications to be submitted to staff.
The importance of the Open Meetings Act training was also underscored. Witz explained its significance, particularly for potential closed sessions and agenda adherence, stating it helps “know what things can be discussed in an open session, what things should be discussed in closed session,” and to “keep people on track to make sure we’re not discussing something that wasn’t on the agenda.” Tullar added his perspective on the value of this training, noting, “I found that to be more interesting than the Planning and Zoning training course I did because… it sort of, to me, brought all the pieces of the puzzle together a little bit clearer.”
Looking ahead, the commission was briefed on a robust pipeline of development projects for Pocomoke City. There was confirmation that plans are actively being received for a new WaWa location, which will require annexation into the city. Also highlighted was the need to review several projects carried over from October. A significant update was the increased support from GMB, the city’s consulting firm. GMB “will provide the staff report… and they will attend the meeting,” to answer technical questions and ensure thorough preparation.
Other upcoming projects mentioned include “Visions International LLC,” a development comprising four lots on Cedar, a proposed solar farm on Ocean Highway, and a potential new development off 6th Street. The Drawbridge Villas residential development is also progressing by building in phases of six units at a time. Chairman White requested updated plans for this development.
The next regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled for the fourth Thursday in February at 6:30 PM. Witz reminded new commissioners, or those not present at prior discussions, that “anyone new to vote on something that’s carried over from a previous meeting, they have to review the minutes.” White also sought guidance on potential conflicts of interest related to his own development work, to which Witz advised him to “email me ahead of time” for clarification if he feels a conflict exists.
With new leadership at the helm and a clear understanding of the substantial work ahead, the Pocomoke City Planning and Zoning Commission is poised for an active period of oversight and decision-making on the city’s growth.
