Accomack Board to hire Berkley Group to update Comprehensive Plan

Accomack County is moving forward with a major update to its Comprehensive Plan, a guiding document that shapes land use, growth, and development across the county for decades to come. County staff voted to  recommend The Berkley Group, a Virginia-based planning and consulting firm, to lead the review and revision process, following a competitive request for proposals that drew six responses. A staff selection committee ranked Berkley highest, citing the firm’s experience and approach to community-focused planning.

The county’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted before 2010, and officials say much has changed since then. The update is required under Virginia law and is intended to bring the plan in line with current data, best practices, and state code requirements. Equally important, staff say the revised plan should be more readable and approachable for residents. While the existing document contains extensive data, officials acknowledge it is highly technical and difficult for the public to navigate.

Under the proposed scope of work, Berkley Group would conduct a comprehensive review of county policies, ordinances, and planning documents, analyze population trends and projected growth, and assess future land use needs over the next 20 years. The consultant would also work closely with the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, county administration, and other staff, while actively engaging citizens to help shape a shared vision for Accomack County’s future.

Several major developments will factor into the update, including the new Hampton Roads Sanitation District force main serving the Eastern Shore, the growing presence of Rocket Lab and other aerospace and defense interests, and the continued influence of NASA, the U.S. Navy, and private contractors in northern Accomack. The plan will also need to account for the Eastern Shore Rail Trail, evolving concepts like placemaking, and strategies to address affordable and attainable housing.

Transportation and land use will be key focus areas, particularly along the Lankford Highway, the county’s primary corridor. Officials will review village development areas, population trends, and the availability of land to determine whether changes or expansions are needed, especially in Atlantic, Wattsville, and potentially near Captain’s Cove if sewer service becomes available.

Public participation will play a central role in the process, with plans for multiple public meetings, surveys, pop-up events, and design workshops. The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider approving Berkley Group under the consent agenda, which allows routine items to be approved in a single motion unless a board member requests further discussion.