Oak Tree Clarity

There has been a lot of talk and news about the oak tree behind the movie theater. I want to try to clarify what is and is not happening.

• The Town is updating Queen Street and the parking lot. This budgeted project will include traffic patterns, parking spaces, lighting, and landscaping.
• All adjacent property owners and stakeholders met to discuss needs and ideas for the area.
• Three years ago, we secured a grant to care for the oak tree (lightning protection, canopy cleaning and pruning, asphalt removal, ground cover under the canopy, and some branch cabling).
• The tree is currently dropping branches.
• At the end of this season, the Farmer's Market needs to move away from the private property it has been allowed to use.
• The area where the tree lives is a proposed area for the Spring-Fall Farmer's Market.
• A small shed-like building will be placed behind the Welcome Center for the Winter Market. This building and the Winter Market have nothing to do with the tree.
• We had an informal assessment of the tree performed by an ISA-certified arborist. We are now obtaining a formal written assessment.
• At no time has anyone suggested that the tree be removed to make room for more parking.
• Our insurance company and attorney have been involved with the conversation.
• No decision has been made about whether or not to cut down the tree. Safety is our highest concern.

Coastal Square

This is a housing project on Fairgrounds Rd, approved by the County (as it is not in town). The developer has applied to the town to provide water service, which would significantly increase the town's water volume after the phased project is complete.

Can the town's equipment and infrastructure handle this increased volume?

• Yes, but we are confirming. The system was initially constructed to process 219m gpy (gallons per year). The town currently withdraws 80+ m gpy, and this project (after all 12 phases) has aggressive estimates of using 40 m gpy.
• The Town is contracting with an engineering firm to inspect and verify our existing equipment to ensure it can produce this additional volume.

Will this affect the water quality or the condition of the aquifer?

• DEQ is the state agency that manages groundwater withdrawal. A technical report is required that thoroughly answers all these questions. It is available on our website.
• The author of this report is presenting at the 8/26/24 Town Council meeting and will address these questions.

How much will this cost the town and how will it affect my water rate?

• The developer is responsible to connect to our current water distribution system at their expense.
• Adding volume to our distribution will reduce your water rates. More people will be paying the costs and debt for the system.

The Town Council has much to consider, and you will be informed throughout the process.

Brief Project Update

• The Police Station renovation is on time and is expected to open at the end of August.
• The Welcome Center and public restrooms will follow behind that by about a month (the front and rear doors are delayed in delivery).
• Smaller projects like air conditioning the upstairs of Town Hall, and the patio at the Wharf are out to bid.

CBES Bike Tour - Onancock

On October 26, over 1,200 riders will start and finish the ride in Onancock. Every business should consider how to capitalize on this influx of people in town for both Friday and Saturday!