Building a community through careful planning
By Gwen and Jim Skeens

Managing growth to avoid urban sprawl is considered first priority for Mayor Michael McDermott of Pocomoke City and his council. Last year when he took office, there was no comprehensive plan devised to address the changes that were affecting the city and surrounding area so Mr. McDermott advised his staff of the necessity for guiding smart growth through the development of a specific city plan, rather than allowing developers to dictate future growth. Updating the plan every three years to address cyclical change would   also be necessary. 

This past year, Pocomoke City worked in conjunction with Worcester County to create a companion plan that would be compatible with development scheduled for the southern portion of the county.  To prevent sprawl,  “in-fill” development within the natural boundaries of the township  (Route 13 and the Pocomoke River) receives careful scrutiny.

A 600-acre tract of land on the western side of the city has been designated as the natural area for future expansion, taking into consideration the protection of the city’s water aquifers. 

In recent years, the beauty and ease of the Eastern Shore has seduced many urban dwellers to seek residence on the Delmarva Peninsula.  With the surge of retirees and new families moving to the coastal region, small towns are showing rapid commercial and residential growth.  As the Route 13 corridor continues to be expanded with commercial development to accommodate growth, Pocomoke City is positioned most advantageously.

Prospective big-box stores such as Lowe’s, and Wal-Mart will provide a regional shopping sub-center for residents south of Salisbury.  Residents of Captain’s Cove and Snow Hill, with the newly planned development of Summerfield, will patronize Pocomoke businesses for many of their shopping needs.

The grand opening of Lowe’s, slated for June 1, will bring to 300 the new jobs created this year throughout the area.  The State Highway Department working with Pocomoke City planners are establishing traffic patterns and service roads that will assist in eliminating congestion and unsafe conditions as businesses continue to develop.

Some years ago, Pocomoke City planners had the foresight to designate land for an   industrial park. Presently the land is being evaluated as a possible site for the manufacture of housing, similar to Nanticoke homes.  Pocomoke is poised to accept light industry, technology and manufacturing jobs with the intention of providing employment for residents.

A program to develop area parks in conjunction with Wallops and the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology will also provide employment opportunities for local youth.

Mayor McDermott anticipates Pocomoke City will become a commercial hub for the lower shore, not dependent on tourist dollars, but thriving as a working business community. 

In the past, Pocomoke has accommodated citizens who sought work force housing as well as those seeking higher priced homes.  Recently, the availability for moderately priced housing has decreased.   “We don’t want to lose that aspect of who we are, because diversity creates a family type community.   The city needs to provide for a good mix of people with opportunities for all.”

Mayor McDermott is very enthusiastic regarding the business development on the perimeter of Pocomoke and realizes the revenue generated by commerce will allow the city to improve its infrastructure, and supply additional housing for residents without having to increase taxes.  At the present time, 750 housing units are being developed with an average of two and a half persons per unit. 

Estimates are that in five years Pocomoke’s population will be about 7,500 and in ten years about 10,000.   The city  “state of the art” water and sewer facility is only at 30 percent capacity and will allow for substantial development. For the first time in years the city budget is stabilized and a contingency fund is available.

Mayor McDermott would like to change zoning so that old homes that have become multiple family dwellings could be reclaimed by citizens and restored to their former single-family grandeur.  Preserving the culture of the past, assimilating citizens of varying economic levels into a productive community, encouraging ownership and providing affordable housing are major objectives of the city administration.

“Building a community that will serve as a model for other small towns across America is our goal.” 

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