Accomack Board of Supervisors Votes to Table Onancock Boundary Adjustment

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted to postpone a request from the Town of Onancock to expand its boundaries.

At their August 20th meeting, the Board voted to send the proposal to a public hearing. The request would add more than 84 acres of mostly undeveloped land along Liberty and Hill Streets to the town’s incorporated area.

Under Virginia law, a boundary line adjustment requires both the town and county to notify property owners, hold public hearings, and finalize an agreement that must be approved by the Circuit Court. This process is different from annexation.

The land in question is currently zoned for residential use and designated for village development. If approved, the change would allow Onancock to extend water and sewer service into the area, paving the way for higher-density housing. Supporters note the plan aligns with the County’s Comprehensive Plan, which encourages growth around towns to preserve farmland and natural areas.

Officials say the county would not lose significant revenue if the adjustment goes through, though property owners would begin paying town taxes and fees in exchange for expanded services. One early concern involved sewer treatment capacity at the Onancock plant, but town and county leaders have reached an agreement to ensure the expansion is covered under the town’s allocation.

The County’s public hearing on the proposal has been formally advertised, and the Onancock Town Council will hold its own hearing September 22nd at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

Accomack County Administrator  Mike Mason said that ultimately the boundary adjustment would be decided by the circuit court.

Six property owners addressed the Board and shared concerns that the affected property owners received very little information on the boundary adjustment.  Grayson Willaams noted that questions such as what affect the boundary adjustment would have on taxes and supporting documents should have been provided.  The consensus among those who spoke was to request the county delay approving the matter until their questions were answered.

Chairman Jackie Phillips said that he too thought that the county should delay a vote on the issue until Onancock has held its public hearing on September 22.

A motion was made to table the issue and it was unanimously passed.