2024 Accomplishments

You may not see some of the projects we completed this year. Here is a short list:

• Renovated police station
• New Welcome Center and Public Restrooms. The Welcome Center still has to be furnished
• Installed new playground equipment in our Northeast neighborhood
• Painted and repaired the windows at Town Hall
• Implemented dozens of security cameras throughout the town
• We installed air conditioning in the big room upstairs in the Town Hall to make it more available to the community
• Distributed facade grants for local businesses
• A fence was installed around the old oak tree behind the movie theatre.
• We donated a parcel of land to Habitat for Humanity, and building we begin soon
• Helped launch and administer the Lilliston building renovation grant
• The town has a new website and app.
• The Town formed an Economic Development Authority (OEDA) to oversee the Lilliston grant and pursue future grants
• We completed a Town Plan for parking, signage, and lighting. All 3 will be implemented in 2025.

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2025 Projects

Here are the projects we are going to complete in 2025:

• Renovate the Town Square with new lights, flower beds, and grass
• New street signs throughout downtown
• Put in a new basketball court in the Northeast Park
• Install a patio at the wharf (between the ramp and Mallards) to sit, watch the sunset, and enjoy where we live
• Fully renovate and reconfigure Queen Street and its public parking area with new lights, plantings, and paving
• Wayfinding signs from the Town Entry to the Wharf
• A new entryway sign will differentiate Onancock from every other town

The federal government paid for most of these projects from ARPA (COVID money).

These projects did not increase your taxes, but they will make Onancock an even more special place to live and work.

Public Works

This year has been exceptionally busy with several above-and-beyond projects, each saving the town money.

When you see Dereck, Terry, and Victor, please take a moment to thank them and praise them for their work for you and our community.

Administration

2024 has been a difficult year for the administration because of several changes in regulations and software in addition to the full plate they already have. You would never have known that because of Debbie and Mariellen's heart and dedication to this town and you.

Please take a moment when you pass Town Hall and stop in to say thank you. Because of the nature of their jobs and responsibilities, Debbie and Mariellen rarely give good news or receive positive feedback. They work very hard for you, and I hope you can find a way to thank them.

Police

Our police force patrols our town day and night to ensure our safety. Their response time for an Onancock call is 3 minutes or less. They don't hesitate for us, and I hope you won't hesitate to thank them and wish for their health and safety.

Christmas in Onancock

Thank you!

Your friends and neighbors did incredible work to make Christmas in Onancock a reality and a joyful occasion for everyone who attended. I hope you enjoyed all the events:

• Lights on the Lawn Illumination
• Santa by Boat with 16(!) kayaking reindeer
• Free Christmas movie (subtitled - International Film)
• Kerr Place Holiday Dinner
• Holiday Artisan Market at Historic Onancock School
• Eastern Shore Madrigal Singers at North Street Playhouse
• Onancock Homes Tour
• Cokesbury Music Festival
• Santa's Mixed Bag Goes to Hollywood (North Street Playhouse)
• Another free kids' movie (Elf)
• Annual Christmas Parade

These events are all made possible by the sponsors, volunteers, and the OBCA. Please consider joining their team - "many hands make light work."



Photo: Lisa Celentano Gurney