Pocomoke City State of Pocomoke City report by Mayor Michael McDermott
State of the City Report
By Michael A. McDermott, Mayor
(Downloaded February 5th, 2006)
As we turn the corner into 2006, it is good to review the progress of the city with a view toward the future. 2005 was a year of changes which impacted many aspects of Pocomoke City. The coming year will see further changes and transitioning, but my commitment to an open, approachable government will continue to guide our actions.
Last spring, we had just over 500 dwelling units at some stage in the development pipeline. That number has grown to 750. All of this projected, planned growth is identified as in-fill development (all built within the current corporate limits requiring no annexations). The types and styles of the housing will range from town houses and duplexes to larger, single family homes. It represents a good mix of available housing for families at various economic levels.
The focus on in-fill development is in line with the concepts being outlined by our updated Comprehensive Plan. The draft plan has been presented to the Planning and Zoning Board and is currently under review. The board is hopeful the plan can be presented for public comment by early spring. Following the adoption of the plan, the city will move into a review of current zoning templates now in effect to see if any will require modification.
Financially, the city is on strong footing. A Reserve Fund was established in December at the recommendation of our Accounting/Auditing Firm. Our debt service is not impaired and investments made by the city in the way of infrastructure, improvements and planned growth have created a positive cash flow for the city. We have been able to cut the tax rate in half on manufacturing equipment and look forward to additional reductions in the future. Creating a positive environment for commercial and industrial growth to flourish will remain a primary focus in the coming years.
In the spring, we will see the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology locate their offices in our Industrial Park. Other tenants are expected to follow as Pocomoke City develops as an incubator for space based and other advancing technologies. This is one of the biggest opportunities projected in the region, and it is right in our own backyard. We will work closely with Worcester County and the Department of Economic Development to create and maintain a strong environment conducive for this emerging technology.
2006 will see a concerted effort to improve city parks and establish new opportunities for recreational activities. Upgrades include a large bandstand, improved Nature Trail, and a potential joint venture with Worcester County which would develop land around the 4th Street MAC Center as a park. We are also exploring the creation of a Skate/Bike Park to meet the needs of our community.
Citizens can look for continued and growing opportunities to be involved in the governmental process in the coming year. There will be public meetings addressing the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning process. There will be meetings scheduled to receive input on the Skate/Bike Park concept and development. Efforts will be made this year to establish a community organization called Friends of the Park which will act as a vehicle to assist the city with improvements, upgrades, and beautification of our current park facilities. We will continue to work together with the Pocomoke Garden Club and the Downtown Association to further this process.
There will be efforts targeting neighborhoods with specific needs. Neighborhood meetings and clean up times will be encouraged and developed with the city providing assistance in the process. We will look for ways to help and encourage citizens as they work to strengthen and beautify their individual neighborhoods.
County requirements and our moral responsibilities will find us aggressively pursuing recycling with our city refuse. We will need the assistance and compliance of our citizens to insure that our costs for disposal remain static as we increase the percentage of recyclables in our weekly collections. Citizens will be kept abreast of any required changes before they occur.
2006 will see the further redevelopment of our downtown core. This will include restaurants, eateries, and other enterprising business drawn to our beautiful river front. At center stage should include the grand reopening of the MARVA Performing Arts Theater slated for early summer.
If the city were a convertible, I would tell you to “hold onto your hat!” The best is yet to come, and the future of Pocomoke City never looked brighter.
For more information on the happenings in Pocomoke City, please visit our website at cityofpocomoke.com.
