[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                                                                         APPENDIX 38











                                 Nassawadox Town Plan


                              Adopted February 11, 1991


                                     Prepared by:
                          N
                           -ssawadox Town P
                           a.              lanning Committee

                          Honorable Patricia S. Stith, Mayor
                              Honorable Claude F. Jones
                                 Mrs. Marsha D. Carter
                                  Mr. A. Wayne Mears
                                Mr. George B. Satchell
                                  Dr. Drury M. Stith


                                      Adopted by:
                              The Nassawadox Town Council

                          Honorable Patricia S. Stith, Mayor
                                 Honorable Jeff Walker
                               Honorable Claude F. Jones
                            Honorable Elizabeth J. Rodgers
                              Honorable John Hallett, Sr.
                              Honorable Felton T. Sessoms
                                Honorable Louise Church








                         Technical Assistance Provided by the:

                  Northampton County Joint Local Planning Commission
                                       and the
                                 Accomack-Northampton
                              Planning District Commission



                            With assistance provided by the
                          Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972
                                  Administered by the
         HD        Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management,
         268        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
         N37
        N37
        1*991
        c.2











                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                  Pacfe


          I.   Introduction                                         1

               The Comprehensive Plan                               1
               State Planning Legislation                           2

          II.  Inventory and Analysis                               5

               History of the Area                                  5
               Natural Resource Features                            8
               Population                                          17
               Housing                                             23
               Economic Characteristics                            30
               Transportation                                      34
               Community Facilities                                39
               Existing Land Use                                   40
               Needs Summary                                       45

          III. Goals and Objectives                                51

          IV.  Plans and Action Programs                           56
          V.   Action Agenda    U - S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA 64
                                COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
                                2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                                CHARLESTON, SC 20405-2413











                                     LIST OF TABLES




           Table                                                            Page

           Table 1   Number of Housing Units, 1970     1980                   26

           Table 2   Characteristics of Year-Round
                     Occupied Housing Units, 1980                             28

           Table 3   Value of Specified Owner
                     Occupied Housing Units, 1980                             29









                                    List of Figures



          Figure                                                        Page

          Figure  1:  Historic Population Change: 1900 - 1980
                      Eastern Shore of Virginia                           19

          Figure  2:  Population Estimates: 1980 - 1988
                      Eastern Shore of Virginia                           19

          Figure  3:  Historic Population Change: 1960 - 1986
                      Northampton County                                  20

          Figure  4:  Historic Population Change: 1960 - 1986
                      Town of Nassawadox                                  20

          Figure  5:  Population By Age Group: 1970 - 1980
                      Northampton County                                  21

          Figure  6:  Population By Age Group: 1980
                      Town of Nassawadox                                  21

          Figure  7:  Population By Sex and Race: 1980
                      Town of Nassawadox & Northampton County             22

          Figure  8:  Household Characteristics: 1980
                      Town of Nassawadox                                  27

          Figure  9:  Household Characteristics: 1980
                      Population 65 and over
                      Town of Nassawadox                                  27


          Figure  10: Employment By Industry: 1980
                      Northampton County                                  32

          Figure  11: Employment By Industry: 1980
                      Town of Nassawadox                                  32

          Figure  12: Labor Force Characteristics: 1980
                      Northampton County                                  33

          Figure  13: Labor Force Characteristics: 1980
                      Town of Nassawadox                                  33

          Figure  14: Traffic Data U.S. Route 13 Corridor                 35

          Figure  15: Existing Land Use: 1989
                      Town of Nassawadox                                  43




                                          iii











                                    LIST OF MAPS





         Map                                                         Page

         Map  1:    Location Map                                        6

         map  2:    Soils Map                                         10

         Map  3:    Chesapeake Bay
                    Preservation Act Map                              16

         Map  4:    Housing Map                                       25

         Map  5:    Transportation Map                                37

         Map  6:    Existing Land Use Map                             41

         Map  7:    Future Land Use Map

































                                          iv











                                    I. INTRODUCTION

          The Comprehensive Pean

          The purpose of a comprehensive plan is to give direction to both
          public and private decisions so that the most beneficial
          arrangement of land uses can be recognized. The comprehensive plan
          also facilitates the orderly and economic provision of public
          services for present and future residents.

          A comprehensive plan provides a basis for intelligent discussions
          by town residents and elected representatives concerning the future
          development of their community.      It also coordinates decision
          making within and between public and private activity in the
          endeavor to achieve a healthy and balanced environment, as well as
          a high quality of life.

          The most frequently asked question concerning the process of
          comprehensive planning is: "Why bother to do it?"     one reason is
          that every governing body in the Commonwealth is required to adopt
          a comprehensive plan.        But more importantly, an adopted
          comprehensive plan can provide a backbone and framework for
          decision making in Nassawadox. A comprehensive plan attempts to
          address and anticipate aspects of a community that are crucial in
          determining the overall quality of life that its residents
          presently enjoy and hope to preserve in the future.              Past
          experience has shown that planning and foresight are essential to
          a community's health.     once undesirable development begins, is
          recognized, and addressed, it is often too late to take effective
          measures to prevent it.

          To be effective, the plan must be geared toward the social,
          economic, and environmental provisions that currently prevail.
          Yet at the same time, it must promote the balanced services,
          environment, and facilities required by the populace of the future.
          By adopting such a plan, decisions which will be made, monies which
          will be spent, and programs which will be initiated or amended can
          be accomplished in an orderly and logical manner.

          More specifically:

               An economically healthy balance of land uses is represented
               in a comprehensive plan.      This provides a framework for
               consideration of rezoning applications; and

               Use permits, subdivision plats, site plans and general
               development proposals can be reviewed within a more
               comprehensive frame of reference and not approached on a
               piecemeal basis; and









                Programs for the improvement and/or expansion of public
                utility systems can be undertaken in a more judiciou@ manner;
                and

                Public services and facilities can be provided in a more
                economical and efficient manner; and

                A comprehensive plan will promote the accommodation of a wide
                variety of housing types, densities, and price ranges and
                should accommodate housing demands of all income levels; and

                once officially recognized, features of architectural or
                historical significance and areas of natural beauty can be
                more effectively preserved, protected, and integrated into an
                orderly pattern of development.

           State Planning Legislation

           The process and purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is outlined
           clearly in the Code of Virginia, Title 15.1, Article 4, Section
           446 through Section 457.    This section of the Code is presented
           below.   The commission referred to in the Code is the local
           Planning Commission.

           "In the preparation of a comprehensive plan the commission shall
           make careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing
           conditions and trends of growth, and of the probable future
           requirements of its territory and inhabitants. The comprehensive
           plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing
           a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the territory
           which will, in accordance with present and probable future needs
           and resources best promote the health, safety, morals, order,
           convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the inhabitants."

           "The comprehensive plan shall be general in nature, in that it
           shall designate the general or approximate location, character, and
           extent of each feature shown on the plan and shall indicate where
           existing lands or facilities are proposed to be extended, widened,
           removed, relocated F vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed in
           use as the case may be."

           "Such plan, with accompanying maps, plat, charts, and descriptive
           matter, shall show the commission's long-range recommendations for
           the general development of the territory covered by the plan. It
           may include, but need not be limited to:

                The designation of areas for various types of public and
                private development and use, such as different kinds of
                residential, business, industrial, agricultural, conservation,
                recreation, public service, flood plain and drainage, and
                other areas;



                                             2








               The designation of a system of transportation facilities such
               as streets, roads, parkways, railways, bridges, viaducts,
               waterways, airports, ports, terminals, and other like
               facilities;

               The designation of a system of community service facilities
               such as parks, forests, schools, playgrounds, public buildings
               and institutions, hospitals, community centers, waterworks,
               sewage disposal or waste disposal areas, and the like;

               The designation of historical areas and areas for urban
               renewal or other treatment; and an official map, a capital
               improvements program, a subdivision ordinance, and a zoning
               ordinance and zoning district maps."

          IlIn the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the local commission
          shall survey and study such matters as the following:

               Use of land, preservation of agricultural and forestal land,
               production of food and fiber, characteristics and conditions
               of existing development, trends of growth or changes, natural
               resources, population factors, employment and economic
               factors, existing public facilities, drainage, flood control
               and   flood damage      prevention   measures,     transportation
               facilities, the need for housing, and any other matters
               relating to the subject matter and general purposes of the
               comprehensive plan.

               Probable future economic and population growth of the
               territory and requirements therefor."

          "The comprehensive plan shall recommend methods of implementation.
          Unless otherwise required by this chapter these may include but
          need not be limited to:

               An official map;

               a capital improvements program;

               a subdivision ordinance; and

               a zoning ordinance and zoning district maps."

          "Whenever the     local   commission   shall have recommended a
          comprehensive plan or part thereof for the county or municipality
          and such plan shall have been approved and adopted by the governing
          body, it shall control the general or approximate location,
          character and extent of each feature shown on the plan.
          Thereafter, no street, park or other public area, public building
          or public structure, public utility facility or public service
          corporation facility other than railroad facility, whether publicly
          or privately owned, shall be constructed, established or

                                            3








          authorized, unless and until the general location or approximate
          location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted to and
          approved by the local commission as being substantially in accord
          with the adopted comprehensive plan or part thereof. In connection
          with any such determination the commission may, and at the
          direction of the governing body shall, hold a public hearing."

          "The commission  shall communicate its findings to the governing
          body, indicating its approval or disapproval with written reasons
          therefor.   The  governing body may overrule the action of the
          commission by a vote of a majority of the membership thereof.
          Failure of the   commission to act within sixty days        of such
          submission, unless such time shall be extended by the governing
          body, shall be deemed approval.      The owner or owners or their
          agents nay appeal the decision of the local commission to the
          governing body within ten days after the decision of the
          commission.    The appeal shall be by written petition to the
          governing body setting forth the reasons for the appeal.            A
          majority vote of the governing body shall overrule the commission."

          "Widening, narrowing, extension, enlargement, vacation or change
          of use of streets or public areas shall likewise be submitted for
          approval, but paving, repair, reconstruction, improvement, drainage
          or similar work and normal service extensions of public utilities
          or public service corporations shall not require approval unless
          involving a change in location or extent of a street or public
          area."

          "Any public area, facility or use as set forth which is identified
          within, but not the entire subject of, submission under either
          15.1-475 for subdivision or 15.1-491 for development or both may
          be deemed a feature already shown on the adopted master plan, and
          therefore, excepted from the requirement for submittal to and
          approval by the commission or the governing body; provided, that
          the governing body has by ordinance or resolution defined standards
          governing the construction, establishment or authorization of such
          public area, facility or use or has approved it through acceptance
          of a proffer made pursuant to 15.1-491.11

          The Code of Virginia also provides requirements for Plan review in
          Title 15.1, Section 454.

          "At least once every five years the comprehensive plan shall be
          reviewed by the local commission to determine whether it is
          advisable to amend the plan."








                                           4





          Location            II. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

          The Town of Nassawadox is located in Northampton County on the
          lower portion of the Eastern Shore of Virginia (Map 1)            The
          Eastern Shore of Virginia includes Accomack and Northampton
          Counties and forms the easternmost part of Virginia's Coastal Plain
          physiographic province. The peninsula is bounded on the east by
          the Atlantic ocean, on the west and south by the Chesapeake Bay,
          and on the north by the state of Maryland.         The peninsula is
          connected to the Virginia mainland by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-
          Tunnel.


          Historical Perspective

          History of the Area. The Eastern Shore of Virginia was one of the
          original eight (8) counties (shires) of the Commonwealth, when
          Virginia was divided for governmental purposes in 1634.           The
          Eastern Shore was originally one county named Accomack. Accomack
          is a shortened version of Accawmacke which was the indian name for
          the area. In 1643, the Commonwealth changed the name of the County
          from Accomack to Northampton. The Commonwealth divided the County
          in 1663 and named the lower portion Northampton and the upper
          portion Accomack. In 1690, the County seat of Northampton County
          was established in the Town of Eastville.

          Northampton County, for political purposes, is divided into three
          magisterial (election) districts. The three districts      are named
          the Eastville Districtl the Franktown District, and the    Capeville
          District.    Nassawadox is located in the Franktown        District.
          Northampton County is governed by a six member             Board of
          Supervisors. The Board consists of two representatives     from each
          magisterial district.     There are five incorporated      Towns in
          Northampton County. Each of the five towns elects a mayor and Town
          Council to attend to town business.

          Nassawadox History. According to Ralph T. Whitelawls, Virginia's
          Eastern Shore, Vol. 1, 1957, there were five patents of 600 acres
          to 1200 acrest centered on the present Nassawadox cross-road
          (around Route 606). The owners of the plantations or large farms
          bordering present-day Nassawadox included Thomas Badger in 1811,
          John Carpenter in 1809, John T. Elliott in 1833, James W. Rogers
          in 1857, Rowland Doughty in 1838, Obedience Kelly in 1837, Thomas
          T. Upshur heirs (Brownsville) in 1910 and Orris A. Browne
          (Woodstock) 1897.

          In 1884, there was little evidence of a community or town. Through
          the efforts of area residents, the mail route for the Eastern Shore
          went through Nassawadox. John T. Rogers was a major contributor
          in the establishment of the mail route through the Town.         Soon
          after the mail route was established a post office was built with

                                            5












                                                                      Iiq-,--,.ERT MAP 1
                   N                                                  Location Map







                                                         O@CCOMACK


                                                                      i: 01
                                                             Exmore...,.





                          Al                   Nassawadox

                                                       13







                    %Z


                                Eastville








                                  A     heriton


                 Cape
               Charles









                                                              0

















                                                                                                         0    1   2   3   4    5
                                                                                                                  Miles








          office of the Virginia Health Department. The exception may be new
          development associated with the Northampton-Accomack memorial
          Hospital which currently operates a wastewater t!reatment facility.
          A soil survey is one tool a locality can use to determine the
          general capability of land. However, a site by site examination
          of a specific area must be conducted to determine proper
          development procedures.

          A comprehensive soil survey for Northampton County was published
          in 1990.    The soil survey can be used to identify the general
          location of soil associations. A soil association is an area of
          land comprised by one or more soil types that occur in a
          characteristic pattern. The association may consist of soils that
          are similar or that differ widely in characteristics. Each soil
          association, however, has a certain repeating pattern of soils and
          other features that give it a characteristic landscape.

          Preliminary analysis of the 1990 Northampton County soil survey
          provides the soil association classifications for the Town. These
          classifications are exhibited on the Nassawadox Soil Map, (Map 2).
          Below is a description of the soil associations found in
          Nassawadox.

          Bojac - Munden - Molena: The soils of this association are mostly
          level and well drained. They are considered to be the best soils,
          generally, for development.      However, problems with erosion,
          excessive wetness, and shallowness do exist in some areas.

          Nimmo - Munden - Dragston:     The soils of this association are
          nearly level, but with the exception of the Munden sandy loan, are
          poorly drained and, therefore, not always suitable for development.
          The Munden sandy loam is moderately well drained and as a basic
          soil type is usually suitable for development.

          Nimmo - Arapahoe: The soils of this association are nearly level
          but poorly drained. If these soils are properly drained, they may
          be suitable for development. However, these soils are generally
          not the best for development purposes.

          Carolina Bays. Carolina bays, prominent geomorphic features of the
          Eastern Shore of Virginia, are wet, shallow, elliptical
          depressions. Poquoson is the technical name for a Carolina Bay.
          These land forms occur along the Atlantic       Coastal Plain from
          Florida to New Jersey. Carolina bays on the     Eastern Shore occur
          from sea level to the highest elevations on the peninsula.
          However, most of the bays are located along the central  part of the
          mainland.   Nassawadox does not have a Carolina bay      within its
          incorporated limits. However, Carolina bays are found   adjacent to
          the Town limits.

          Formation of a Carolina bay is marked by a pronounced rim giving
          the feature a circular or ellipsoidal shape. In aerial photography

                                           9













                            NmA
                                                          MuA-Y-

                                                           00 r,@,
                                                        z             N
                            B A'@%@@


                                                       M'uA





                             ,40000,-
                         ---oo,             NmA"           BhB


                                       DrA


                                                                /Nm








                                V1,
                   BkA


       BhB


                                            NmA




            Map
            SOILS
      TOWN OF NASSAWADOX

      BhB Bojac loamy sand
      BkA Bojac sandy loam
      DrA Dragston fine sandy loam
      MuA Munden sandy loam                             0  200 400 ï¿½00 -MQ-00 Feet
      NmA Nimmo sandy loam

                                          DrA








                                    10








           the rim appears higher in elevation and lighter in color than the
           interior. The interior of the bay appears as an oval depression
           and is darkel! in color than the rim, indicating wetness. The soil
           type found in the interiors of Carolina bays is Nimmo. Nimmo is
           a wet soil that does not percolate and is unsuited to development.
           Interiors of Carolina bays could be important non-tidal wetland
           areas.


           Ground   Water.    The availability of water will play an ever
           increasing role in the development of the Eastern Shore and the
           Town. The water needs of-the Eastern Shore, except for a portion
           of irrigation water, are supplied by ground water.          No maj or
           streams or any other surface water supplies exist to aid in
           providing potable water for human needs.           Ground water is
           replenished by rainfall.

           The Eastern Shore ground water system is generally in a dynamic
           equilibrium. When water is pumped from the aquifers, changes in
           the equilibrium occur. An optimum balance between withdrawal and
           recharge, defined as the safe yield, can be maintained through the
           continuous observation of water levels and water quality. Problems
           that occur when this balance is interrupted can be classified into
           the following three main categories:

           Saltwater intrusion - Pumping close to the bay or ocean or close
           to the bottom interface will cause the interface to move towards
           the well field and eventually contaminate the aquifer.

           De-watering - Excessive pumping of the aquifer will cause
           consolidation of the formation making it poorly transmissible and
           reducing its storage capacity.

           Well interference - This is probably the largest problem in the
           county. Wherever large quantities of water are withdrawn, a cone
           of depression will develop and thus lower the water level in the
           aquifer. Smaller pumps and shallow wells will not be able to work
           against the increased draw down and water cannot be delivered.

           In recognition of the importance of the ground water resource, the
           Eastern Shore was declared a Groundwater Management Area in 1976.
           The major impact of this designation was that all ground water
           users of 10,000 gallons per day (gpd) or more were subject to a
           Virginia State Water Control Board (VSWCB) permit process. While
           agricultural users are exempt from this process, most agricultural
           users participate in a voluntary reporting program.               The
           designation has also resulted in a number of research efforts by
           the VSWCB and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

           Ground Water Acruifers.  For purposes of this plan, aquifers are
           classified into three types: 1) Pleistocene aquifers, also known
           as the water table, at 0 feet - 45 feet of depth yielding generally
           poor quality water; 2) Miocene aquifers at 45 feet to 450 feet of

                                            11








          depth yielding good quality water;      and 3) Upper Crustaceous
          aquifers at 1,100 feet of depth on Tangier Island, deeper on the
          mainland, which yield good quality water on Tangier Aut salty water
          on the mainland of the Eastern Shore.

          The Pleistocene and Miocene aquifers are recharged primarily by
          rainfall, estimated to average 43 inches annually on the Eastern
          Shore. The upper Crustaceous aquifer is more complex. The water
          in this aquifer originates from sources across and under the
          Chesapeake Bay, and is recharged from a number of sources.       The
          water contained in the upper Crustaceous is very salty and cannot
          be used as a potable water source.

          Ground Water Ouantity.   The total available water supply on the
          Eastern Shore is difficult to determine.       A 1982 VSWCB study
          estimated total volume for the Eastern Shore to be at least 17
          million gallons per day (mgd). The 1987 VSWCB Eastern Shore Water
          Supply Plan has revised these estimates upward to 29 - 78 mgd.
          VSWCB methods of determining these estimates appear to be
          generalized and the estimated degree of certainty appears to be
          low. Fortunately, more studies are presently being undertaken by
          the VSWCB and the USGS which will provide better estimates in the
          spring of 1991.

          Nevertheless, current available estimates of total Northampton
          County ground water supply appear to be in the range of 9.4 mgd to
          23.8 mgd.    This estimate is an Accomack-Northampton Planning
          District Commission (A-NPDC) staff extrapolation of VSWCB data in
          the 1987 Eastern Shore Water Supply Plan.

          Ground Water Ouality. The 1987   'Eastern Shore Water Supply Plan by
          the VSWCB indicates that the quality of water from the Miocene
          aquifers is generally good, though moderately hard.      There are
          localized iron problems throughout the county.     Fluoride levels
          are very low or absent. Some shallow wells are slightly brackish
          due to saltwater contamination.     Some shallow wells have shown
          evidence of high nitrate levels, indicating contamination from
          organic wastes. Deeper wells have also shown some evidence of high
          chloride levels, but there has been no sign of nitrate
          contamination in the deeper wells.

          Ground Water Demand. The VSWCB estimates that total 1986 ground
          water demand for the Eastern Shore was 14.5 mgd. Currently, the
          only major pumping station in the Nassawadox area is the
          Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital with an average daily use
          of .073 mgd.    The Towns of Exmore, Eastville, and Cape Charles
          currently provide municipal water service to their residents in
          Northampton County. Exmore currently withdraws .122 mgd of ground
          water, Eastville uses .036 mgd of ground water and Cape Charles
          uses .181 mgd of ground water. Significant industrial ground water
          users in the County include H. Allen Smith Seafood, Inc. at .060


                                           12









           mgd, American original, Inc. at .109 mgd and Bay Shore Concrete at
           .065 mgd.

           Irrigation is another type of ground water usage in the county.
           Data on irrigation usage is currently being collected through the
           Virginia Polytechnical Institute & State University (VPI&SU)
           Extension Service in the county.       Irrigated land in Northampton
           County doubled between 1982 (4,174) and 1986 (9,547). The Service
           estimates that 2.3 mgd was the average daily use in 1986 for
           irrigation purposes. However, during the main irrigation period
           of May 20 to August 20, approximately 8.9 mgd were used for
           irrigation.

           Surface Water Ouality. The Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital
           operates a small biological treatment system which discharges to
           Warehouse Creek, a tributary to Nassawadox Creek. The system was
           upgraded in 1982, and now receives both the hospital waste water
           as well as the waste water from a nearby nursing home.               The
           facility is in compliance with permit limits.                 Shellfish
           condemnations have been imposed on the headwaters of both Warehouse
           and Nassawadox Creeks.

           Flood Hazard Areas. Nassawadox is not located in the Northampton
           County 100 year flood plain.         The Town's location has been
           classified as being in an area of minimal flooding, Zone C, by the
           U.S. Army Corps Engineers Wave Study for Northampton County.

           Drainage. The Town of Nassawadox is located adjacent to Warehouse
           Creek. Warehouse Creek drains into Nassawadox Creek which drains
           into the Chesapeake Bay.     Because the Town is relatively level,
           drainage is a problem during heavy rains or during any duration of
           rain.   Stormwater drainage is a common problem in many areas on
           the Eastern Shore. The problem could best be addressed in the Town
           through a stormwater management plan that would address topography,
           land-use, and the existing drainage infrastructure.

           Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.      In 1988, the Virginia General
           Assembly adopted the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.          The Act
           established a cooperative state and local program to protect the
           water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in
           Tidewater Virginia through improved land use management. Tidewater
           Virginia includes the forty-six cities and counties and forty-three
           towns which border on tidal waters that drain into the Chesapeake
           Bay. Through the Act, the General Assembly created the Chesapeake
           Bay Local Assistance Board.

           The Board was authorized to develop and adopt Regulations to
           protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Localities were
           required to implement the Regulations within one year of their
           adoption by the Board.       The Board adopted the Regulations on
           September 20, 1989 and localities were then required to implement
           the Regulations by September 20, 1990.       The Regulations require

                                             13








           that localities develop land use measures through Comprehensive
           Plans, Zoning, Subdivision and other land use ordinances to protect
           the water qudlity of the Chesapeake Bay.

           The Regulations are in the form of minimum guidelines that
           localities are to use in developing a local Chesapeake Bay
           Preservation Act Program. Localities can adopt stronger programs
           based on local need.       Under the regulations localities are to
           establish the physical boundaries of Preservation Areas and adopt
           land use regulations to protect the water quality of the Chesapeake
           Bay.   Preservation Areas consist of two geographic land areas:
           Protection Areas and Management Areas.

           Land area to be included as Protection Areas in a local program
           are: shoreline areas, tidal wetlands, non-tidal wetlands which are
           adjacent to or connected by surface flow to tidal wetlands or
           shoreline areas and a 100 foot vegetative buffer landward of the
           other features. Localities may include other lands as Protection
           Areas if those lands are deemed necessary to protect the water
           quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Only water dependent activities are
           to be allowed within Protection Areas. Protection Areas provide
           the greatest benefits to water quality protection and land use is
           strictly monitored in these areas.        Any development that occurs
           within the Protection Areas must provide a water quality assessment
           to assure the locality that certain performance criteria for runoff
           and phosphorus loadings are met. Guidelines for the water quality
           assessment are provided in the Regulations.

           Management Areas include lands adjacent to and landward of
           Protection Areas.      Management Areas include those lands which
           localities determine are necessary to protect the water quality of
           the Chesapeake Bay. The extent of the Management Area designation
           by a locality is up to the discretion of the locality. Land to be
           considered for inclusion in Management Areas includes; floodplain
           areas, highly erodible soils, steep slopes, highly permeable soils,
           other nontidal wetlands, and other lands necessary to protect water
           quality.    Development is not restricted in a Management Area.
           However, guidelines are provided for the method in which
           development is to occur. Guidelines include a site plan review,
           with stormwater management and landscape elements.

           In accordance with the guidelines established by the Regulations,
           Preservation Areas were identified and mapped, (Map 3).                 An
           inventory of land characteristics was prepared using the United
           States Geological Survey (USGS) 1: 24, 000 topographic maps, the non-
           tidal wetlands maps prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
           the Northampton County soil maps, highly erodible soils maps
           prepared by the VIRGIS lab at VPI&SU and highly permeable soils
           maps prepared by the VIRGIS lab at VPI&SU.          From this inventory
           geographic areas to be designated as Preservation Areas were
           mapped.


                                               14









          Protection Areas were limited to the minimum areas required under
          the regulations. These areas include all lands 100 feet landward
          of the tidal shoreline area with the 100 foot bufIfer extending to
          a nontidal wetland area that is adjacent to the tidal shoreline.
          The minimum area was chosen because the tidal shoreline has little
          slope, and the tidal shoreline becomes intermittent as it enters
          the Town limits. This area was deemed sufficient to meet the water
          quality protection standards of the Regulations.

          mapping resources that were reviewed in determining the extent of
          Management Areas were identified above. Nassawadox is not located
          in either the 100 or 500 year flood plain. No areas have slopes
          of greater than 10%, while the soil type may be highly erodible,
          the relative flatness of the land reduces the erodibility factor.
          A majority of the Town area does contains highly permeable soils.
          Development in highly permeable soils may create water quality
          problems through fertilizer use and leachate from septic tanks.
          Therefore, in order to provide the greatest water quality
          protection, it was determined that all of Nassawadox not designated
          as a Protection Area should be designated as a Management Area.































                                           15






















                                                                                                      ............    ...



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                                                                                            .............                                                                                                    ........
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                                                                                                                               ............
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                                                                                                                           .........              ...... .. .....
                                                                                          .......................... ........                     ......
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                                                                                                                                                  .. .....................                       .... .
                                                                                                               .............
                                                                                               ...................
                                                                                              .............

                                                                                                                                                                ................
                                         ........ . .
                                                                                         ......................



                                                                                                                                                                ..........


                                                 ....                                               ..........
                                                                                                                                                                .......................
                                                                                                                                                                ........................      ...
                                                                                                 ....................
                                                                                                                                                                .... ... .. . ..                                                        ....
                                                                                                                                    ...................................
                                                                                                ...................... ..
                                                                                                                                                                .........   ...
                                                                                                        ........           ....
                                                                                                                                                                                 . ....               ........
                                                                                                                                                                . ........ . ....
                                                                                                                                                                .............
                                                                                                                                                  .................
                                                                                                                                                  ..................                                                                                      X
                                                                                                                                                  ..........
                                                                                                                                                                .......... ...   ... .....


                                                                                                                                   ......................
                                                                                                                               ............................


                                                                                                                               ...........                                           ........
                                                                                                                               .........................
                                                                                             ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                              ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                              ..........

                                                                                                                                                                                                     .... x.x-

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .............
                                                Map 3

                                                                                                                                                                    ........... .......
                              CHESAPEAKE                                  B                                      .....    .. .. .... ....                                                                                  ......
                                                                                                                .. ... ..... ..... ......
                                                                                                                ..... ...... ..... .....                                                                                         . . ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .......... ....
                            PRESERVATION                                      ACT
                                                                                                                   ..'::i
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         z  . ..........
                           TOWN OF NASSAWADOX                                                                                                     ....                       . ......... ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                              ............
                                                                                                                                                                                              .............
                                                                                                                                                                                              .............
                                                                                                                                                                                              ....... . .....
                                                                                                                                                                                              ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    :@Y
                                                                                                                                                                     .......                  .........
                                                                                                                                                  ... . . ....... ......        .... ......
                                                                                                                                                  ... . . .......  .......
                                        Protection Area
                                                                                                                                                  ... . ......
                                                                                                                                                                .. .. ............
                                                                                                                                                  . .........
                                                                                                                                                  . .. . .........
                                        Management Area
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               200 400 600 Boo 1000 Feet
                                                                                                                                                                .... ... ...
                                                                                                                                                                ............
                                                                                                                                                                ............
                                                                                                                                                                ...........















                                                                                                                                                  16









          Population

          This sebtion assesses the size of past and present populations,
          their characteristics, and trends of change.

          Historic change.    Population on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
          peaked in the 1930's and only recently has it begun to show signs
          of increasing (Figure 1).    The population of the Eastern Shore
          decreased steadily from 1930 to 1970. Between 1970 and 1980 the
          population increased and recent population estimates indicate the
          population of the Eastern Shore is continuing to increase although
          only slightly (Figure 2).       However, the population growth,
          according to recent estimates,  is isolated to Accomack County.

          Northampton County's population declined from 16,966 in 1960 to
          approximately 14,500 as of 1986, (Figure 3).     The population of
          Nassawadox has increased slightly over last 20 years and in recent
          estimates has exceeded the 1960 population of 650 residents to
          approximately 670 residents in 1986 (Figure 4).

          Population estimates from the Center for Public Affairs for
          Counties and Cities in Virginia indicate that the population of
          Northampton County is continuing to decline. The 1987 population
          estimate for the County is 14,500 and the 1988 estimate for the
          County is 14,200. The Center does not prepare population estimates
          for towns.


          The 1990 Census will provide new information on population change
          and growth. When the 1990 Census data is published this section
          of the Plan should be revised to include that data.

          Age Groups. The largest age group population in Northampton County
          (Figure 5) and the Town of Nassawadox (Figure 6) is the 60 and over
          age group. In Northampton County, the 60 and over group did not
          experience the largest increase in population between 1970 and
          1980. The 20-24 age group and the 25-29 age group experienced the
          largest increases.    The other age groups remained relatively
          stable. However, the 5-9 and 10-14 age groups experienced declines
          between 1970 and 1980.

          In the Town of Nassawadox, the age groups with the largest
          populations are the 60 and over, the 45-54 and the 10-14 age group.
          As stated abovel, the 60 and over age group is significantly larger
          than the other age groups.    The 10-14 age group is largest age
          group of the under 45 age groups. With the exception of the 60 and
          over age group, Nassawadox does contain some balance to the age
          groupings.

          Gender and Racial Characteristics.     The most recent gender and
          racial and characteristics for the Town, (Figure 7), are taken from
          the 1980 U.S. Census. Gender characteristics for the Town indicate
          that in 1980 45 percent of the population were men and 55 percent

                                          17








          of the population were women.    The Town was divided equally in
          terms of its racial composition in 1980. Again, because this data
          is almost 10 years old its use for planning pureoses is limited.

          Population Ranking on the Eastern Shore.      The 1986 population
          estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that Nassawadox is the
          fourth largest Town in Northampton County and the eighth largest
          on the Eastern Shore.         Northampton County contains five
          incorporated Towns.

          Summary. The most significant population data is the indication
          that the population of the Town has increased despite the estimates
          that the County population is declining.      The population data
          included in the Plan will need to be revised with the publication
          of the 1990 census.
















































                                          18






                                                                                    Figure 1



                                                  .4         HISTORIC POPULATION CHANGE: 1900 - 1980
                                                                              Eastern Shore of Virginia
                                                  60-  Population (Thou3ands)

                                                  50   . ........................ ..........  ......... ........... .......... ................................................


                                                  40   - --------  .......... ... ........... .......... ......... .......... ...... ... ..........


                                                  30


                                                  20-                                                        . . . . . .


                                                  10--

                                                   0 J-
                                                          1900    1910      1920    1930      1940    1950      1960     1970      1980
                                                                                              Year

                                                             ACCOMOCk County        MNorthampion County            ERTF, Eastern Shore


                                               Source: U.S. Census. 1900 - 1980.





                                                                                    Figure 2




                                                                     POPULATION ESTIMATES: 1980 - 1989
                                                                              Eastern Shore of Virginia

                                                       Population (Thousands)
                                                  50-



                                                  40   . .........  ......... ..........  ......... . ......... ........ ... ..... ............. ..........



                                                  30--



                                                  20
                                                                                                                   IL

                                                  10



                                                    0
                                                          1980    1981      1982    1983      1984    1985      1986     1987      1988
                                                                                              Year

                                                             Accomack County        M Northampton County           EFER Eastern Shore


                                               Source: Local Population Estimates,
                                               Center tor Public Service, UVA, 1988.
                                                                              EM
                                                                     Effi                        Effli
                                                                     Hii                         EH I
                                                                     Hil                         EEf I
                                                                     E!Eii                       H@ I                                                        I
                                                                                                 EH I

                                                                          M   ail
                                                                          =   H
                                                                          w   EH
                                                                          01  EER
                                                                          M1  afl
                                                                          M@@
                                                                          =//EEH
                                                                          WAJ
                                                                          07,Eff       X
                                                                          W@g





















































                                                                                           19






                                                                        Figure 3




                                                   HISTORIC POPULATION CHANGE: 1960 - 1986
                                                                   Northampton County


                                            Year



                                            1960



                                            1970



                                            1980



                                            1986

                                                 0              5@00            10@00           15000            20000

                                                                       Population (Thousands)
                                                                     M Northampton County


                                        Source: U.S. Census 1960 -1986.







                                                                        Figure 4




                                                   HISTORIC POPULATION CHANGE: 1960 - 1986
                                                                    Town of Nassawadox


                                            Year



                                            1960



                                            1970



                                            1980



                                            1986


                                                  0      100     200     300      4@O     5@0     6@O     7@O      800

                                                                        Population (Hundreds)
                                                                      M Town of Nassawadox


                                        Source: U.S. Census. 1960 - 1986.











                                                                             20






                                                                                                                     Figure 5



                                                           4                               Population By Age Group: 1970 - 1980
                                                                                                                Northampton County
                                                                       3500-      Population (Thousands)

                                                                       3000       . .................................................................................................................................


                                                                       21500      . ..............................................................................................................................


                                                                       2000       . .............................................................................................................................


                                                                       1500       - ----------------------  ...................................................................................................


                                                                       1000-                                      .....   .....    .....- ........................................................
                                                                         500-                                                                                                             T
                                                                             0-
                                                                                   0-4     5-9 10-14 15-19 20-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4960-5455-59 60
                                                                                                                              Age Group

                                                                                                                             1970        M 1980


                                                                   Source: U.S. Census, 1970 - 1980.







                                                                                                                     Figure 6




                                                                                                  POPULATION BY AGE GROUP: 1980
                                                                                                                   Town of Nassawadox


                                                                                  Population (Hundreds)
                                                                       120


                                                                       100        . .............................................................................................................................


                                                                         80       . ..................................................................................................... . ..............


                                                                         60       - --------------------------  ...................... ........... ...I..................... . .............


                                                                         40--                                                               .............


                                                                         20--           +


                                                                            0
                                                                                  0-4       5-9     10-14 15-19 20-24             25-29 30-34 35-44 45-54 55-59                       60+
                                                                                                                                   Year


                                                                                                                                       1980


                                                                   Source: 1980 U.S. Census.











                                                                                                                              21






                                                            Figure 7




                                               POPULATION BY SEX AND RACE: 1980
                                             Town of Nassawadox & Northampton County


                                    Sex & Race



                                           Male




                                         Female




                                          White



                                      Non-White



                                                0      10     20     30     40     50     60     70
                                                                     Percentage

                                                     Town of Nassawadox       Northampton County


                                  Source: 1980 U.S. Census.





























































                                                                 22









           Housing

           The number, household type, condition, availability and value of
           the housing in Nassawadox is discussed is this section.

           Housincr Units.   The 1980 U.S. Census indicated that Nassawadox
           contains 242 housing units of which 99 percent were year round
           housing units and 96 percent were occupied, (Table 1).

           In 1989 A-NPDC staff prepared a land use survey for the Town and
           found a total of 227 housing units.      Of the total housing units
           found in Nassawadox, 214 were single-family homes, 11 were mobile
           homes and 2 were multi-family units.

           Household Type and Relationship. Households are categorized into
           two classes, family households and non-family households. Family
           households are those households which contain individuals related
           by birth, marriage or adoption. Non-family households are those
           households which contain individuals that live alone or only with
           persons who are not related.

           The majority of household types in the Town of Nassawadox are
           family households. Family households comprise 89 percent of the
           total households and non-family households comprise 11 percent of
           the total households (Figure 8). A total of 83 percent of the non-
           family households are female headed (Figure 9).

           Northampton County Household Comparison. Households in Northampton
           County are generally similar in composition to households in Town.
           However, the percentage of family households in Town is less than
           the percentage of family households in Northampton County, 89
           percent. A total of 71 percent of the non-family households are
           female headed in the County.

           Housing Conditions.    The majority of the owner occupied housing
           units in Nassawadox are in standard condition and contain indoor
           plumbing, (Table 2).       However, the most significant housing
           condition factor in Town is the poor condition of rental units.
           Approximately 53 percent, 42 units, of the 1980 rental housing
           stock contained plumbing deficiencies. The 1970 census indicated
           that 54 housing units in Town were in substandard condition.

           A 1990 housing condition survey, performed by the A-NPDC, found 57
           substandard housing units within the Town limits, (Map 4). A total
           of 37 housing units were identified without indoor plumbing and 20
           housing units with plumbing were identified as being substandard.
           The substandard housing units are located through the Town.
           However, concentrations of substandard housing units were
           identified in three separate neighborhoods. The neighborhoods that
           contain substandard housing units also lack paved roads, lighting,
           sidewalks and other capital improvement features.


                                             23









           Housing Value.    The median value for owner occupied housing in
           Nassawadox, for 1980, was $34,412, (Table 3). Nassawadox, in 1980,
           contained the third highest median housing value of the five
           incorporated Towns in Northampton County. Nassawadox contained the
           seventh highest median housing value of the 19 Towns on the Eastern
           Shore.    However, the Town ranked behind both Accomack and
           Northampton Counties in median housing value.         The low median
           housing value is probably linked to the high percentage of
           substandard housing in Town.

           Summary. According to the data, the majority of the owner occupied
           housing units in Nassawadox are in standard condition.             The
           majority of housing units in Nassawadox are owner-occupied with a
           median value in 1980 of $34,412.       In 1980, 89 percent of the
           households were family households. of the non-family households
           83 percent were female headed households.

           The 1990 A-NPDC housing condition survey identified three areas in
           which approximately 37 units exist without indoor plumbing and
           additional 20 units are in substandard condition.





































                                            24









           Mr. Rogers serving as the first post master. Mr. Rogers's effort
           in establishing the mail route through the Town and a post offibe
           in the Town were instrumental in the development of Nassawadox.
           Mr. Rogers is also credited for naming the Town after Nassawadox
           Creek. Another name that had been suggested for the community was
           "Upshur Station". Upshur Station was suggested as a name for the
           Town in view of the large Upshur plantation named "Brownsville".
           Brownsville contained about 1200 acres and was located just to the
           east of Nassawadox. Today, Brownsville is listed on the Virginia
           Register of Historic Places, the National Register of Historic
           Places, and serves as the home of the Nature Conservancy's Virginia
           Coast Reserve.


           Residents were attracted to the Nassawadox area due to the
           establishment of services such as the mail route, post office,
           general store and lumber mill.        Businesses had the ability or
           desirability to locate in Town due to the establishment of a
           population base.     The railroad became the next catalyst for new
           development on the Eastern Shore in the late 1800's.

           The Pennsylvania Railroad was established on the Eastern Shore in
           1884.   The railroad track followed basically the mail route.            A
           number of new Eastern Shore towns developed along the railroad line
           providing loading stations for goods and lodging for travellers.
           The Railroad also carried seafood and produce to northern markets,
           improved the mail service and brought in goods from the north.
           Through passengers on the railroad, the Eastern Shore become known
           to northern sportsmen. These 5portsmen came to the Eastern Shore
           to fish and hunt at Hog Island or the Broadwater Club.

           Significant structures in Nassawadox that were built along what is
           now Route 600 include a small school and in 1908 a Methodist
           Chapel. Mr. Rogers built a hotel just west of the railroad, and
           a large store on the east. He also owned the livery stable. The
           Walker family, from Oriole, Maryland, along with the Holland
           family, established the Northampton Lumber Company, which was
           incorporated in 1903, with a sawmill to supply building materials.

           Automobiles made the Eastern Shore more accessible and brought
           additional people to Town. By 1915, the Buick and overland travel
           agencies were established in Town along with two auto garages. On
           the west end of Town a combination hotel, barroom, and theater was
           built. The building burned about 1920 but another was soon built,
           adjacent to the Town drug store, in time to show "The Birth of the
           Nation".   Electric power came to Town from the ice plant located
           in Exmore in the early 19001s.

           The Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital, established in 1928,
           solidified the importance of Nassawadox to the Eastern Shore. The
           Hospital is the only major medical facility on the Eastern Shore
           and is one of the Shore's largest employers. The Town contains a
           majority of the physician practices on the Eastern Shore.

                                               7








           Construction of U.S. Route 13 began the same year the hospital
           opened.   Construction of the highway reduced the demand on the
           railroad for transportation of goods and people.       Transportation
           of produce and other goods to market areas was now conducted by
           trucks.   Truck farming reduced the dependence on the towns as
           market centers which affected the economy of many towns.            In
           addition, from 1930 to 1970 population levels on the Eastern Shore
           declined dramatically and development slowed. However, through the
           changes, Nassawadox has retained much of its character from the
           1930's.


           Natural Resources

           To insure that future development in Nassawadox is compatible with
           the natural environment, it is necessary to understand the natural
           resources which exist in the Town.     This section summarizes the
           condition of the natural resources and attempts to identify
           problems that may occur with new or existing development.

           Climate.    Nassawadox experiences mild winters and warm, humid
           summers due to its location near the Atlantic Ocean and the
           Chesapeake  Bay. The temperature averages 39 degrees in January and
           78 degrees  in July.   Average annual rainfall is 43 inches.      The
           prevailing  winds come from the south to the southwest off        the
           Chesapeake  Bay.

           Size. The   corporate limits of Nassawadox encompass approximately
           270 acres.

           Topography. Ground slope is one of the more important aspects of
           topography  as the use and maintenance of land depends upon it.
           Nassawadox  does not have land that cannot be developed due to
           slope. Nassawadox's topography is for the most part level, with
           slopes between 0 - 2 percent.      The elevation of Nassawadox is
           approximately between 35 and 40 feet.

           Soils. The basic soil profile for the Eastern Shore consists of
           eight to ten inches of loam to sandy loam topsoil and roughly
           thirty inches of sandy loam subsoil. Below 44 inches there is
           a continuous sand strata. A seasonal high water table determines,
           to a large degree, the use of these soils for agricultural and
           development purposes.

           The suitability of soils is basic to the design, layout and grading
           of development, and the operation of septic tanks. Soil factors
           such as percolation, depth to water table, absorption rate,
           shrink-swell conditions, wetness and filtering action all affect
           development. In addition, due to the lack of a central waste water
           treatment facility, serving the Town, most new development will be
           required to utilize an individual waste water treatment facility,
           i.e. septic system, or package treatment plant. Permits for the
           development of new drain-fields must be obtained from the local

                                            8



























                                                                                                            N


                                         V//































                 Map 4
       HOUSING CONDITION
                SURVEY
         TOWN
                OF NASSAWADOX



        * Substandard units
            without indoor plumbing                                                   Q--   0 409 r2QO aw-00 Feet
        * Substandard units
            with indoor plumbing







                                                        25











                                        TABLE 1


                                NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS
                                      1970 - 1980



                                            Northampton County       Nassawadox

                                                           Percentage
                                          1970     1980      Change        1980

         Total Housing Units              5,798    6,132      5.4%         252

         Year-Round Units                 5,468    6,048      9.5%         249

          % of Total Units                94.3%    94.4%      0.1%         99%

         Occupied Year-Round Units        4,680    5,394      13.2%        241

          % of Year-Round Units           80.7%    88.9%      8.2%         96%

         Persons per Household             3.1      2.7      -14.8%        2.61





         Sources: U. S. Census of Population and Housing, 1970 and 1980.
























                                           26






                                                               Figure 8



                                                HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS: 1980
                                                           Town of Nassawadox










                                                                                             Male
                                       Family                                                 27%
                                         89%

                                                                                                Nonrelative
                                                               Non-Family                           2%

                                                                         Female
                                                                           71%

                                              All Households             Non-Family Households







                                 Source: 1980 U.S. Census,






                                                               Figure 9




                                                    HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS: 1980
                                                          Population 65 Years and Over
                                                               Town of Nassawadox









                                                Family
                                                 65%,@-
                                                                                                   Male
                                                                                                    15%


                                                                                                    Nonrelative
                                                                            Female                      2%
                                                 @@N.n-famljy                83%
                                                                  35%
                                                   All Households              Non-Family Households







                                     Source: 1980 U.S. Census.
                                                                              4 MC
                                                                                       @27







                                                                    27











                                         TABLE 2


                CHARACTERISTICS OF YEAR-ROUND OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS
                               Town oF Nassawadox, 1980



                                           OWNER OCCUPIED     RENTER OCCUPIED


                                                  1980                1980


         Total Units                               161                 80

            Percentage (1)                         67%                 33%

         With Plumbing Deficiencies (2)              4                 42

            Percentage (3)                           3%                53%

         With Crowded Conditions (4)                 6                   6

            Percentage                               4%                  8%

         Median Number of Rooms                      6.6                 4.4






         1:    Percentage of all Occupied Year-Round Units.

         2:    Units lacking complete plumbing facilities or exclusive use
               of facilities.

         3:    Percentage of total owner occupied or Renter Occupied Units.

         4:    Number of units with 1.01 or greater persons per room.



         Sources: U. S. Census of Population and Housing, 1980.












                                           28












                                         TABLE 3


                           VALUE OF SPECIFIED OWNER OCCUPIED
                                  HOUSING UNITS, 1980


                                     Northampton County           Nassawadox

                                    Number Percentage      Number Percentage

          Less than $10,000           387      15.0            9        6.0

          $10,000 - $14,999           291      12.0           13        9.0

          $15,000  - $19,999          236       9.0           10        7.0

          $20,000  -  $24,999         331      13.0            8        6.o

          $25,000  -  $29,999         244      10.0           15      11.0

          $300,000 -  $34,999         211       8.0           17      12.0

          $35,000  -  $39,999         170       7.0            8        6.0

          $401000  -  $49,999         230       9.0           20      14.0

          $50,000  -  $79,999         296      12.0           27      19.0

          $80,000  -  $99,999           47      1.5            5        4.0

          $100,000 -  $149,999          68      3.0            6        4.0

          $150,000 -  $199,999           7      0.3            2        1.0

          $200,000 or More               4      0.2            0        1.0

          Median Value                   $25,300                $34,412





          Source:   U. S. Census of Population and Housing, 1980.










                                            29










          Economic Characteristics

          In order to gain an effective understanding of Nassawadox and its
          residents,    the   following     section   explores    the     economic
          characteristics of the Town. Included in this section are
          discussions regarding employment, income and the economic activity
          within the Town.

          Employment Sector.        Three employment sectors, professional
          services, retail trade and wholesale trade dominated the employment
          population characteristics of Northampton County residents in 1980,
          (Figure 10) .    The retail trade employment sector includes all
          retail type activity and contained 28 percent of the total
          employment population. This is the largest employment population
          sector.


          In Nassawadox, the largest employment sector is professional
          services (Figure 11) . The professional services employment sector
          includes doctors, lawyers and other professionals. This employment
          sector contains 26 percent of the total employment population. The
          retail trade employment sector contains 20 percent of the
          Nassawadox employment population.       The manufacturing employment
          sector includes, processors, fabricators and other machine
          operators and contains 17 percent of the employment population.
          Combined, these three sectors of the employment population contain
          63 percent of the employed population.

          Labor Force.    In 1980 approximately 66 percent of the available
          work force of Nassawadox was employed, (Figure 12) . The male labor
          force comprised 55 percent of the total labor force, with females
          comprising 45 percent of the total labor force.

          Income.    According to the 1980 U.S. Census, 42 percent of
          Nassawadox households earned less than $7,500, (Figure 13).
          Incomes of  $7,500 or less were considered at or below poverty level
          by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development in
          1980. A much higher percentage of households in Town were at or
          below poverty level than were at or below poverty level in
          Northampton County.      In Northampton County 28 percent of the
          households had incomes of $7,500 or less.

          The next largest income group found in the Town is the $12,500 to
          $24,999.    This income group contains 25 percent of the total
          households. Northampton County had 34 percent of its residents in
          this income group.

          Using the $12,50b to $24,999 income classification as a range, 58
          percent of the households earned less than $12,499 in 1979 and 43
          percent earned more than $12,500. In Northampton County 53 percent
          of its households earn less than $12,499 and 47 percent earn more
          than $12,500.


                                             30









         Economic Activity.     The economic base of the Town is centered
         around medical services, community health services, and mental
         health services.     Heritage Hall Nursing Home, the Northampton
         County branch of the Health Department and approximately 28
         physician practices are all located in Nassawadox.

         The commercial center or downtown area of Nassawadox is located on
         the east side of U.S. Route 13 on Route 606. The commercial center
         consists of a small grocery/deli, a few variety shops, a bank and
         the U.S. Post Office. Expansion of the downtown will be difficult
         as the area is limited in size and the majority of buildings are
         currently occupied. The largest building in the area is currently
         vacant.   The overall size of the downtown is small and does not
         provide space for expansion of commercial uses.

         Because of the limited nature of the downtown and the overall
         attractiveness of U.S. Route 13 for commercial development.
         Commercial development is prominent land use on U.S. Route 13.
         Currently, 13 commercial establishments are located on the west
         side of U.S. Route 13.        Commercial uses are located at the
         intersections of Route 678 and U.S. Route 13 and Route 606 and U.S.
         Route 13 and Route 609 and U.S. Route 13. These commercial areas
         create three separate commercial clusters outside the downtown.
         In between the commercial uses on U.S. Route 13 are established
         residential areas.

         Summary. Professional services, retail trade and manufacturing are
         the largest employment sectors of Nassawadox residents.            The
         majority of working residents are white collar employees.
         Nassawadox also contains one of the 10 largest Eastern Shore
         employers, the hospital.     However, the percentage of residents
         below poverty level in 1980, 42%, is much higher than the
         percentage of county residents, 28%, below poverty level. This may
         be reflective of the general lack of employment opportunities in
         the county and town. In addition, the poverty level percentage may
         change with the 1990 census. Yet, based on the 1980 poverty level
         data, a large portion of Town residents were not benefiting from
         the economic base of the Town.

         Downtown Nassawadox contains limited space for new commercial
         development and therefore, commercial development has expanded to
         U.S. Route 13. In the future, Nassawadox should consider expanding
         the commercial space in the downtown and developing guidelines for
         structures and signs locating on U.S. Route 13.









                                          31






                                                                        Figure 10




                                                             EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY: 1980
                                                                       Northampton County






                                                                                      Wholesale Trade 13%

                                                                                                     ufacturing 7%


                                                   Retail Trade 28%                                  Agriculture 10%



                                                                                                      Public Admin. 3%

                                                                                                     Entertainment 6%
                                                                                                   Repair Serv Ices 1%
                                                       Construction 7%                           Tran/Com/Ullittles  6%
                                                                                              Fin/Ins/Real Estate 2%
                                                                  Prof. Services 16%

                                                                     Percentage of Employment




                                         Source: 1980 U.S. Census.






                                                                        Figure 11




                                                         EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY: 1980
                                                                   Town of Nassawadox







                                                  Retail Trade 20%                               f. Services 26%




                                                                                                  FRHMONWAJ ffif 1.1    2%
                                          Manufacturing 17%                                      Fin/Ins/Reat Estate 4%
                                                                                                Construction 4%
                                                                                             Entertainment 4%
                                                       Agriculture 9%                    Public Admin, 4%
                                                                                  Wholesale Trade 9%
                                                                 Percentage of Employment




                                     Source: 1980 U.S. Census.
                                                                                             Pro
                                                                                                man











                                                                                                   R

















































                                                                                                C

















                                                                              32






                                                                        Figure 12




                                                        LABOR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS: 1980
                                                                  Persons 16 Years and Older
                                                      Town of Nassawadox & Northampton County


                                            Characteristics


                                            % In Labor Force


                                                      % Male


                                                    % Female


                                                      % White


                                                 % Nonwhite



                                                                0      10    20     30     40      50    60     70     80
                                                                                       Percentage
                                                                  MThwaotHassawadox M Northampton County


                                        Source: 1980 U.S. Census.







                                                                        Figure 13




                                                                HOUSEHOLD INCOME: 1979
                                                      Town of Nassawadox & Northampton County


                                                Income


                                                 $0 - $7,449

                                             $7.500 - $9,999

                                            $10.000 - $12.499

                                            $12,500 - $24.999

                                            $25,000 - $29,999

                                            $30,000 - $39.999

                                                    $40,000


                                                               0          10         20          30        40         50
                                                                                       Percentage
                                                                  =Town 01    Nassawadox    M Northampton County


                                        Source: 1980 U,S. Census.











                                                                               33










         Transportation

         The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) classifies
         existing public roads, in Northampton County, as either primary
         roads or secondary roads. Primary roads include all roads with
         State or Federal route designations under 600.          Primary roads
         connect towns and other points of interest within the County.
         Secondary roads comprise the county network of basic access routes
         and include route designations over 600. Within the Town limits,
         there is one primary road, U.S. Route 13, and seven secondary
         roads. VDOT currently maintains the primary and secondary roads
         within Town limits and is obligated to do so until the Town
         population exceeds 3,500.

         Traffic Counts.    VDOT conducts yearly traffic counts on primary
         roads.    Traffic counts are not normally conducted on secondary
         roads within the Town and therefore are unavailable.            Traffic
         counts used in this plan are for the section of U.S. Route 13
         between Business U.S. Route 13 South of Exmore and Business U.S.
         Route 13 North of Eastville. The 1988 traffic count indicates that
         10,910 vehicles travelled this section on a daily basis, (Figure
         14).

         There has been a steady increase in traffic on U.S. Route 13 from
         1965 to the present. VDOT traffic counts indicate that the use of
         U.S. Route 13, between Exmore and Eastville, increased from
         approximately 5,955 vehicles in 1965 to 6,200 vehicles in 1975 and
         to 8,935 vehicles in 1985. VDOT anticipates the use of U.S. Route
         13, between Exmore and Eastville, to increase to approximately
         15,000 vehicles daily by the year 2010.

         U.S. Route 13. The U.S. Route 13 Corridor Study, Eastern Shore of
         Virginia, VDOT, January 1989, provides a comprehensive assessment
         of capacity/level of service and immediate and future improvement
         recommendations. The study indicates that the current
         capacity/level of service on this portion of U.S. Route 13 is Level
         A. Level A represents free-flow traffic conditions, with vehicles
         being able to maneuver within the traffic stream and easily
         maintain the posted speed limit. However! in the future trucks in
         the traffic stream will effectively use up the right hand lane of
         the highway during certain periods of the day.

         The Study indicated that of the 267 crossovers providing access to
         adjacent land uses on the U.S. Route 13 Corridor all but three were
         substandard.     The substandard crossovers all have inadequate
         deceleration and storage lanes.       Much of the impedance to the
         traffic flow is directly related to inadequate turn lanes and
         Tedian widths at crossoverst inadequate crossover spacing,
         inadequate shoulder widths, and a large percentage of truck
         traffic.




                                           34









                                                                       Figure 14



                                                      TRAFFIC DATA U.S. ROUTE 13 CORRIDOR
                                                          South of Exmore to North of Eastville
                                                                    Northampton County


                                          Year


                                           1965


                                           1970


                                           1975


                                           1980


                                           1985


                                           2010



                                                 0       2      4       6      8      10      12     14      16      18
                                                                         Vehicles (Thousands)

                                                                            M vehicles


                                        Source: VA Department of Transportation.




















































                                                                             35









         The Study found that the most obvious deficiency in the corridor
         is the number of fixed objects along the roadway that are within
         the normal "clear zone."

               "Fixed objects include drop inlets, endwalls on pipe
               culverts, curbs, gutters, and utility poles that are
               close to the pavement.     These objects are potential
               safety hazards, and to     meet VDOT's current safety
               standards, they should be eliminated throughout the
               corridor.   Additionally, all signposts should be the
               "breakaway" type to reduce their rigidity."

         The   Study recognized deficiencies with each crossover in the
         Nassawadox Town limits.      The substandard crossovers all have
         inadequate deceleration and storage lanes.        Also many of the
         crossovers do not meet VDOT's minimum spacing requirements (minimum
         800 feet apart) and or they have inadequate median widths to
         provide storage for cross traffic between the northbound and
         southbound travel lanes. The Study recommended that adequate left
         and right turn lanes be provided at each of the crossovers.
         Recommended improvements also include moving telephone poles and
         associated wiring. These recommendations were given a priority 1
         status by the Study.

         The total costs for improvements to U.S. Route 13 within the Town
         is approximately $369,000.00. No timetable was outlined for the
         highway improvements within the Town limits.        However, it was
         stated that the improvements must compete for funding with all
         other primary highway improvement needs in the Suf folk Construction
         District.

         Routes 600 and 609. Future use of Routes 600 (seaside road) in
         Nassawadox and 609 (bayside road) just west of the Town limits
         provide additional concerns for the Town. Presently these Routes
         serve Eastern Shore residents as a north and south connecting
         route. These Routes serve Town residents as neighborhood streets
         providing access to homes and neighborhoods. The dual purpose of
         the road could create future traffic problems for Town residents.

         Future increases in traffic use of U.S. Route 13 could potentially
         lead to the use of Routes 600 and 609 as a bypass of the more
         heavily travelled U.S. Route 13.      New development occurring in
         Northampton County that is adjacent to Nassawadox, including
         development along Routes 600 and 609 will also act to increase the
         use of these Routes by thruway traffic. Increased use of Routes
         600 and 609 by thruway traffic could create safety problems and
         decrease the quality of life that Nassawadox residents currently
         enjoy.

         Eastern Shore Railroad. The Eastern Shore Railroad runs through
         the middle of Nassawadox dividing the Town east and west. The
         railroad is historically significant to the Town as one of the

                                          36
















                                                                                                F




                                                                                                      N


                                                                                         E










                                                                                D



















                                                                B









                Map 5
          TRANSPORTATION
        TOWN OF NASSAWADOX


         VDOT Recommendations:
           A,B,C,E Provide adequate left and                                     0----102 40()-          Feet
                    right hand turn lanes
           D Omit   crossover
           F Add    crossover








                                                   37









         reasons f or the Towns existence was the transportation of commerce
         by the railroad. In the early history of the Town, the railroad
         was an important transportation link for both goods and people.
         Today the railroad serves as a carrier of freight connecting
         Hampton Roads with the Delmarva Peninsula. As part of its daily
         operations, however the railroad does not make a stop in Town.

         The railroad will continue to play a role in the future of the
         Town. The railroad is abutted on the west by Route 13 and on the
         east by residential property and commercial property. The railroad
         owns property on the east side of the Town that is presently being
         used for Town parking.     Buffers between the railroad and the
         residential areas do not presently exist. The opportunity for the
         railroad and the Town to work together to maintain the parking
         area, provide a buffer between the railroad and the residential
         areas as well as providing land adjacent to the railroad for use
         compatible with the railroad exist.

         Summary. Future transportation issues that concern the Town are
         the continued increase in traffic on U.S. Route 13, being able to
         maintain the neighborhood access quality of Routes 600 and 609 and
         the future impact of the railroad in the Town.































                                         38










           Community Facilities

           Solid Waste.     Solid waste in Nassawadox is collected under a
           contract between the Town and Shore Disposal. Solid waste is taken
           to the Northampton County landfill. In 1988, the Virginia General
           Assembly adopted regulations that requires Virginia localities to
           recycle 10 percent of its solid waste by 1991, 15 percent by 1992
           and 25 percent by 1995.     In order to meet the State recycling
           requirements, Nassawadox will need to work with Northampton County
           in developing strategies for recycling. The County currently has
           a limited voluntary recycling program for glass and white goods.

           Public Safety. The Town does not have local police staff. Police
           protection to the Town is currently provided by the Northampton
           County Sheriff Department.        The Northampton County Sheriff
           Department employees 28 persons with 8 of the total employees being
           deputies.    The Virginia State Patrol stations 7 officers in
           Northampton County.

           Fire and rescue service is provided by the Nassawadox Volunteer
           Fire Department.      The Department contains approximately 20
           personnel. Equipment includes 2 pumpers, 1 tank and 2 ambulances.
           The Department responds to calls in Northampton County.

           Recreation Facilities. Nassawadox has one public park within its
           jurisdiction and a baseball field adjacent to the Town limits. In
           an effort to continue to improve the recreational opportunities for
           its residents, Nassawadox applied for a Virginia community
           Development Block Grant in 1983. The 1983 grant proposal, which
           was not funded, recommended construction of a baseball field,
           basketball courts and a town park/play lot. Todate, the park/play
           lot has been constructed by the Town.

           Landscaping. Landscaping plays a significant role in the character
           of the Town along Route 600 and Route 608.          Key landscaping
           features   include:   mature   hardwood    trees,   and    sidewalks.
           Landscaping along Route 600 and Route 608 should be used as a model
           or guide to landscaping requirements for future development within
           the Town.     The use of trees,, shrubbery and sidewalks for
           landscaping and as transitional areas between different uses should
           prove to be an effective device for maintaining the character of
           residential neighborhoods.

           Town Hall. Nassawadox does not have an official location to place
           public notices or have meetings.        Meetings are held in the
           Volunteer Fire building.    The Town Council is in the process of
           attempting to establish an official Town Hall within the Town
           limits. The Town Hall would be a meeting place as well as a place
           to display information important to the public. In addition, the
           Town would like to be able display, photographs and other historical
           material concerning the Town.


                                            39










           Existing Land Use

           A land use survey for the Town of Nassawadox was completed in 1989
           by the A-NPDC in order to gain an accurate picture of the Town land
           use pattern.    Contained within the existing land use section is
           first a description of the methodology by which the survey was
           conducted and second the results of the survey in the form of both
           a map, (Map 5), and an analytical written description.

           using the existing land use as a base, future land use that would
           best promote and improve the economic and social fabric of'
           Nassawadox will be recommended.

           Methodology. A survey of all existing land uses within the Town
           of Nassawadox was completed utilizing a combination of two methods.
           The first step involved an examination of each parcel by traveling
           all of the existing streets in Town.            Present land use was
           classified into one of five general categories: residential,
           commercial, institutional, agricultural, or vacant.         Residential
           uses consisted of structures used by one or more individuals as a
           dwelling.     This included single-family homes, duplexes, and
           apartments.    Commercial land uses included structures primarily
           used as a place of commercial of any type. Public and semi-public
           uses include churches, cemeteries, registered historic sites,
           schools, Town-owned land, and other land owned by non-profit
           organizations. These parcels generally are not taxed a's a result
           of ownership.

           Agricultural parcels include those presently under cultivation, or
           at the time of survey, appeared to have been cultivated in the
           past.   Vacant land is characterized by forest areas or parcels
           without a structure and not being utilized for agricultural
           purposes.

           These field notes were then compared to ownership records as they
           appeared on the Northampton County tax records. These records were
           particularly important in determining distinctions between vacant
           and residential classifications. The visual survey revealed that
           in some instances there were lots without structures on them that
           were landscaped, mowed, or generally maintained. While technically
           "vacant", the tax records revealed that these lots were often mowed
           by the adjacent homeowner. If such ownership was found to exist,
           the lot was classified residential, not vacant. Many homeowners
           desire these adjacent lots because they extend yard space, add to
           the attractiveness of the home, and serve as a buffer from other
           properties.

           In some instances, lots were found that had no'structure, but were
           being maintained, as indicated by mowing and general upkeep. if
           these lots were not owned by a contiguous landowner, they were
           considered to be vacant. Vacant parcels are important because they
           represent land with the most potential for future development.

                                              40



























                                                                                                                                                                      N


                                                           ..........




                                                                                  :*x.:
                                                                                                                . ......    ...









                                                                            + + + +

                                                                            + + + + +    Town
                                                                                          Park
                                                                     + +
                                                  + +   . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                      +                + + + +
                                              . . . . . . . . . .      + + +      <

                                                                     + +
                                              + +   ++ ++ ++ ++ ++          <
                                                                  . . . . . .      - ---- ------------------
                                                + . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                     + +    +


                                                                +           ++
                                                    + + + +
               X..
                                                                            ++  + +

                                                                            ++
                                                          +  +   +
                                   N-I


                                              + +
                                                  + +
                                               \+ +









                                                                                  C.Yj ...
                                                                                                                       ........ .......
                              Map 6
               EXISTING LAND                  USE
                TOWN      OF     NASSAWADOX

                       Residential: Single- Family
                MResidential: Multi-Family
                       Residential: Mobile Home                                                                                                                      00 Feet
                       Institutional
                       Medical
                M Commercial
                f7I Agricultural




                                                                               41










          Land Use Analysis.      After the land use classifications were
          finalized, the information was transferred to a map of the Town.
          Map 6 presents the various land uses by category, on a parcel by
          parcel basis, as they appeared during the summer months of 1988.
          Map 6 was constructed to scale using the official tax map utilized
          by the Town and Northampton County. Land uses, streets, as well
          as the subdivision of land are represented on the Existing Land Use
          Map.

          Once the information was mapped, a planimeter was used to determine
          the acreage of each category of land use.      Land use acreage and
          percentage of land per use is presented below and in Figure 15.

               Land Use            Approximate          Percentage of
               Category              Acreage             Town Acreage

               Residential              102                    38%
               Commercial                13                     5%
               Medical                   49                    18%
               Agricultural/
               Vacant                    92                    34%
               Institutional              6                     2%
               Utilities                  8                     3%


               Total                    270                   100%


          The  Dominant land use      in Nassawadox is      residential with
          approximately 38 percent   of the total acreage within the Town
          limits. Agricultural/vacant land use comprises the second leading
          category with approximately 34 percent. Medical land uses, with
          approximately 18 percent, form the third largest land use.
          Commercial, public and semi-public uses comprise the remaining 10
          percent of the Town's land's area.

          Those parcels in agricultural land use along with vacant parcels,
          represent prime areas for future development. As growth pressures
          occur in the future, these areas should represent the most
          affordable and marketable spots for residential, medical and
          commercial uses.   Approximately 92 acres, or 34 percent of the
          Town's acreage, falls within this category.

          Map 6 depicts all of the vacant and agricultural parcels within
          the Town. As the map indicates, there are some relatively small
          areas as well as several larger tracts. Small, isolated parcels
          represent areas where residential in-fill is likely to occur.
          Parcels surrounded by single-family homes and future development
          @hould follow the same pattern. The largest agricultural parcel
          is in the middle of the Town with approximately 46 acres.





                                           42






                                                                     Figure 15




                                                                 EXISTING LAND USE: 1989
                                                                     Town of Nassawadox





                                                                                        Residential 38%

                                                  Commerical 5%


                                                                    T



                                            Health Services 18%                                    Utilities 3%



                                                    Institutional  %
                                                                             Land Use   Agricullural/Vacant 34%


                                        SOurce: 1989 A-NPDC Land Use survey.




























































                                                                           43










         NorthamDton County Comprehensive Plan.     An additional land use
         factor that should be considered is the recommendations included
         within the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan for the area
         surrounding the incorporated limits of the Town. The Northampton
         County Board of Supervisors adopted the Northampton County
         Comprehensive Plan on October 9, 1990.       This plan updates and
         replaces the Northampton County Comprehensive Development Plan that
         was adopted in September, 1979.           The Northampton County
         Comprehensive Plan identifies Nassawadox as being in the Nassawadox
         Development Area.    The Nassawadox Development Area encompasses
         approximately 1,860 acres and includes the settlements of Franktown
         and Hare Valley.       The Plan recommends that the Nassawadox
         Development Area be one of four areas in the County designated for
         the channeling of any growth. The other three growth areas are the
         Exmore/Willis Wharf Development Area, the Eastville Development
         Area and the Cheriton/Cape Charles Development Area.

         In order for the Nassawadox Development Area to reach its potential
         the Plan states that, "the area must also develop a central water
         and sewer system to reach its full potential as growth area" (Part
         II, page 46).     Significant land use recommendations from the
         Northampton County Future Land Use Map for the Nassawadox
         Development Area include: that the residential development surround
         the Town, that residential development be allowed to infill the
         land between U.S. Route 13 and the hospital, that industrial uses
         be allowed on the southeast side of the railroad, and that
         commercial uses be allowed on the west side of U.S. Route 13, (Part
         II, page 47).

         Development of the land area around Nassawadox will create the
         opportunity and the need for services now being provided to Town
         residents to be extended into outlying areas.     At that time the
         Town will naturally look to extend its boundaries to include the
         areas that are being provided Town services. Therefore, the Town
         should work with the County to ensure that compatible development
         occurs adjacent to the Town.

















                                         44











          Needs Summary

          The following needs have been identified as a result of the
          analysis presented in the preceding sections. (The needs and
          concerns have not been prioritized, but rather are listed in order
          of appearance within the Plan)

          Natural Resources.

          1*   Concern:   Nassawadox is totally dependent on ground water as
                          its source of potable water.      Land use and water
                          withdrawal impact the quality and quantity of ground
                          water.    Protection and management of the ground
                          water resource is important to the public, health,
                          safety and welfare of the residents of Nassawadox.
                          (pages 13-16)

               Need:      To protect and manage the ground water resource
                          within Town limits.

          2.   Concern:   Use of ground water outside of the incorporated
                          limits of Nassawadox will influence the quality and
                          quantity of the Town's water supply. However, Town
                          authority over decisions that can have an impact on
                          the ground water supply does not extend beyond the
                          Town limits. (pages 13-16)

               Need:      To cooperate with the Virginia State Water Control
                          Board (VSWCB), Northampton County, and Accomack
                          County toward the long term protection and
                          management of the ground water resource of the
                          Eastern Shore of Virginia.

          3.   Concern:   The VSWCB is currently responsible for issuing
                          permits for the withdrawal of ground water in excess
                          of 10,000 gallons per day or 300,000 gallons per
                          month. The VSWCB is therefore largely responsible
                          for the management of the ground water resource.
                          Public participation is a normal part of the VSWCB
                          decision    making   process.        Through    public
                          participation Nassawadox can play a role in the
                          VSWCB decisions that can impact the Town's water
                          supply. (pages 13-16)

               Need:      To be a participant in the decision making process
                          of the VSWCB.

          4.   Concern:   Due to the level topography and the condition of
                          the existing drainage system in the Town and County,
                          heavy rains often create property flooding.         The
                          drainage system for the Town connects with the
                          County and the Town and County must work together

                                            45









                          in order to provide proper drainage. (page 15)

               Need:      To work with Northampton County to improve the
                          drainage conditions within the Town and County.


          5.   Concern:   The Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act was
                          adopted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to
                          protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.
                          Through the Act, regulations have been set forth for
                          localities, within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, to
                          consider and adopt in order to provide protection
                          to the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.           A
                          deadline of September 30, 1990 has been established
                          for localities to adopt local Chesapeake Bay
                          Preservation Act programs. (pages 16-18)

               Need:      To implement the regulations of the Chesapeake Bay
                          Preservation Act.

          Housing.

          1.   Concern:   Approximately 20 percent (57 units) of the existing
                          housing units in Nassawadox are of substandard
                          condition. (page 25-27)

               Need:      To develop a comprehensive housing program to
                          improve and expand the residential base in Town.
                          The program should include the exploration of
                          funding sources to address a variety of needs:
                          housing     rehabilitation,     single-family       new
                          construction and as a last resort, acquisition and
                          demolition of unrepairable houses and the relocation
                          of affected families.

          2.   Concern:   Single-family neighborhoods provide a low density
                          atmosphere relatively free from traffic congestion,
                          noise, pollution and other nuisances. Residents who
                          live in single-family neighborhoods depend on land
                          use regulations, such as zoning, to provide
                          protection from nuisances. (page 25)

               Need:      To protect and promote single-family residential
                          neighborhoods within Nassawadox.

          3.   Concern:   Under existing zoning, single-wide mobile homes can
                          be located within the town if a special use permit
                          is granted by Town Council.      Currently, a future
                          land use plan that would outline criteria for the
                          location of single-wide mobile homes in town does
                          not exist. (page 28)


                                            46









               Need:      To develop guidelines that can be employed by the
                          Town Council in making decisions regarding the
                          location of trailers within the Town limits.


          Economy.

          1.   Concern:   Economic    opportunities   within Nassawadox and
                          Northampton County are limited and residents have
                          some of the lowest income levels in Virginia. (pages
                          34-35)

               Need:      To improve the economic opportunities for Nassawadox
                          residents.

          2.   Concern:   The health service industry in Nassawadox is one of
                          the largest employers in Northampton County and on
                          the Eastern Shore of Virginia.      Expansion of the
                          industry can only work to improve the economic
                          conditions for all residents. (pages 34-35)

               Need:      To encourage the continued growth of the health
                          services industry within. the Town.

          3.   Concern:   The downtown area in Nassawadox is very small and
                          the largest existing retail space is currently
                          vacant.    The shops within the downtown are well
                          maintained and the owners have exhibited pride in
                          the buildings and shops. However, the size of the
                          area limits the retail space as well as the variety
                          of goods that can be of f ered.       In addition, a
                          commercial corridor has developed along U.S. Route
                          13 which has directed the demand for retail space
                          in Nassawadox away from the downtown towards the
                          highway. (page 35)

               Need:      To re-establish vitality in the downtown area of
                          Nassawadox.

          4.   Concern:   The historical quality of Nassawadox has not
                          received sufficient emphasis.      Nassawadox was an
                          important settlement in the history of the Eastern
                          Shore.    Without a proper understanding of its
                          historic quality, the Town could lose historically
                          important features. (page 5-7)

               Need:      To identify, protect, and promote the historic
                          quality of Nassawadox.

          5.   Concern:   U.S. Route 13 is now the commercial corridor in
                          Town.    The appearance of the corridor will be
                          important to attract both visitors and commercial
                          to Town. (page 35)

                                            47








                Need:      To develop design standards for landscaping,
                           setbacks and location requirements for commercial
                           structures locating on U.S. Route 13.

           Transportation.

           1.   Concern:   The VDOT has identified several traffic problems
                           associated with the U.S. Route 13 corridor in
                           Nassawadox. VDOT has provided cost estimates for
                           improvements to the corridor. (page 34-36)

                Need:      To   encourage     the   Virginia     Department     of
                           Transportation to implement the recommendations of
                           the U.S. Route 13 Corridor Plan.

           2.   Concern:   Route 600 is a secondary road that exists almost the
                           length of the Eastern Shore.       The road is used
                           mostly by local residents and through Nassawadox the
                           road is a neighborhood street. However, as traffic
                           continues to increase on U.S. Route 13, Route 600
                           will be travelled more frequently by through
                           traffic. (page 36)

                Need:      To protect and promote the existing character of
                           Route 600, seaside road as neighborhood road.

           3.   Concern:   Fences and signs have often been designed so that
                           sight lines for traffic purposes are inadvertently
                           obstructed.      The Nassawadox Zoning Ordinance
                           currently contains provisions that exclude sight
                           lines from being obstructed. This provision should
                           be maintained and strengthened, if possible, to
                           ensure clear sight lines for traffic. (page 36)

                Need:      To insure that new development will not obstruct
                           sight lines.

           4.   Concern:   Currently signs and billboards are allowed under the
                           Town's existing zoning provisions.            However,
                           guidelines for the design and general location
                           guidelines do not exist. (page 40)

                Need:      To develop policies and guidelines           for the
                           establishment of signs and billboards in     the Town
                           limits.

           5.   Concern:   Currently no buffer areas are provided between the
                           railroad and adjacent land uses.

                Need:      Through revisions to the Nassawadox Town Zoning
                           Ordinance require buffers between the railroad and
                           adjacent land uses.

                                             48









           Community Facilities.

           1 .  Cohcern:   Landscaping features such as sidewalks and trees
                           are important aesthetic features within most towns.
                           Landscaping requirements are not included within the
                           Town's existing zoning and subdivision ordinances.
                           (page 42)

                Need:      To   insure    that   future   development     includes
                           landscaping features that add to the aesthetic
                           appeal of the Town.

           2.   Concern:   Sidewalks have been recognized as an important
                           feature in the character of neighborhoods in
                           Nassawadox. Sidewalks, like any community facility,
                           need to be maintained. (page 42)

                Need:      To maintain existing sidewalks and promote the
                           establishment of new sidewalks.

           3.   Concern:   Recreational areas in Nassawadox are an important
                           factor in the quality of life offered to Town
                           residents.     Maintained, improved and additional
                           recreational areas add to the quality of life
                           offered Town   residents. (page 42)

                Need:      To maintain    the existing recreational areas in
                           Nassawadox    and   to   develop   new     recreational
                           facilities.

           4.   Concern:   In 1988, the  Virginia Legislature adopted statewide
                           regulations that require each city, county and town
                           to adopt a solid waste management plan approved by
                           the Virginia Department of Solid Waste Management.
                           Each plan is to include the plans to meet the
                           Virginia recycling mandates. (page 42)

                Need:      To meet the Virginia mandates for solid waste
                           planning.

           5.   Concern:   Nassawadox    currently utilizes      the Nassawadox
                           Volunteer Fire House for its meetings.        The Town
                           does not have a building to hold its official
                           documents or other material related to Town
                           business. (page 42)

                Need:      To establish      an   official   Town Hall      within
                           Nassawadox.

           6.   Concern:   Within Nassawadox are buildings that cannot be
                           rehabilitated. Many of these structures are vacant
                           and may pose a potential health hazard. (page 42)

                                             49










               Need:      To identify and demolish structures unfit for
                          rehabilitation.


          Land Use.


          1.   Concern:   Nassawadox does not have a land use plan to serve
                          as a guide to local officials in making future land
                          use decisions. (page 40)

               Need:      To develop as part of the Nassawadox Town Plan a
                          future land use map to serve as a guide to future
                          land use decisions.

          2.   Concern:   In the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan,
                          Nassawadox has been identified as being one of the
                          four areas to which future growth in the County will
                          be directed. (page 44)

               Need:      To be an active participant in land use decisions
                          that affect land adjacent to Nassawadox.

          3.   Concern:   In the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan, the
                          Nassawadox area has been identified as requiring
                          central water and sewer in order to reach its full
                          development potential. (page 44)

               Need:      To be open to discussions regarding regional central
                          and sewer facilities with Northampton County
                          officials.




























                                            50












                                 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

         The purpose of this     chapter is to articulate the goals and
         objectives of the comprehensive plan.     Goals and objectives are
         general policy statements which reveal planning ideas and concepts
         concerning future growth and development in the Town of Nassawadox.

         Goals provide statements of the general long range direction for
         future growth and development.        objectives provide specific
         policies and principles necessary to achieve the stated goals.

         These goals and objectives are based on observations in Chapter
         II, Inventory and Analysis. They also provide the background for
         Chapter IV, Plans and Action Programs.

         Natural Resources.


         Goals

         1.   To protect and manage the ground water resource within the
              Town.

         2.   To work with the Virginia State Water Control Board (VSWCB),
              Northampton County, and Accomack County toward the long term
              protection and management of the ground water resources of the
              Eastern Shore of Virginia.

         3.   To be a participant in the decision making process of the
              VSWCB.

         4.   To improve the drainage conditions within the Town and County.

         5.   To implement the regulations of the Chesapeake Bay
              Preservation Act.

         6.   To be an active participant in land use decisions that affect
              the area adjacent to Nassawadox.

         Obiectives

         1.   Develop through revisions to the zoning and subdivision
              ordinances performance standards to protect the ground water
              resource of the Town.

         2.   Establish a working relationship with the governing bodies of
              Northampton County, Accomack County and state agencies, such
              as the VSWCB, to improve the ability of the Town to ensure the
              protection and management of ground water resources.

         3.   Request that the VSWCB inform the Town of applications for
              ground water withdrawal permits in Northampton County, and
              Accomack County in order to have the opportunity to comment.

                                          51









         4.   Request that the VSWCB inform the Town of any proposed
              regulations to govern the use of ground water on the Eastern
              Shore.

         5.   Develop a plan to maintain and improve the existing drainage
              system.
         6.   Revise existing zoning and subdivision ordinances to include
              a storm water management component.

         7.   Develop and implement a local Chesapeake Bay Program that is
              based on the criteria set forth in the Chesapeake Bay
              Preservation Act regulations as adopted by the Chesapeake Bay
              Local Assistance Board.

         8.   Review development proposals that occur within the land area
              designated in the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan as the
              Nassawadox Development Area and prepare comments for the
              Northampton County Joint Local Planning Commission and the
              Northampton County Board of Supervisors.

         Housing.


         Goals

         1.   To develop a comprehensive housing program to improve and
              expand the residential base in the Town,

         2.   To protect and promote the single-family residential
              neighborhoods within Nassawadox.

         3.   To develop guidelines that can be employed by the Town Council
              in making decisions regarding the location of single-wide
              mobile homes within the Town limits.

         objectives

         1.   Explore funding sources to address housing needs, including:
              housing rehabilitation, single-family new construction, multi-
              family new construction and as a last resort, acquisition and
              demolition of unrepairable houses and the relocation of
              affected families.

         2.   Revise existing zoning and subdivision ordinances to insure
              that adequate buffers are present to protect the character of
              existing neighborhoods from intrusion by adjacent land uses.

         3.   Encourage innovative residential development techniques, such
              as apartments, town houses, garden-style units, and other
              forms of cluster housing development to occur where
              appropriate.

         4.   Develop within the Nassawadox Town Plan Future Land Use Map

                                          52









                guidelines for the location of single-wide mobile homes within
                the Town.


          Economy.


          Goals

          1.    To improve economic opportunities for Nassawado)i residents.

          2.    To encourage the continued growth of the health services
                industry within the Town.

          3.    To re-establish vitality in the downtown area of Nassawadox.

          4.    To identify, protect and promote the historic quality of
                Nassawadox.

          5.    To develop design standards for landscaping', setbacks and
                location requirements for commercial structures locating on
                U.S. Route 13.


          Objectives

          1.    Provide areas within the Town that have industrial and
                commercial zoning.

          2.    Provide areas within the Town that have the proper zoning for
                growth of the health services industry.

          3.    Develop Town Council and local resident participation in
                economic development activities on the Eastern Shore.

          4.    Develop a commercial revitalization plan for Nassawadox.

          5.    Revise the existing zoning ordinance to include design
                standards for historic structures within the Town.

          6.    Revise the Town zoning ordinance to include design standards,
                setbacks and location requirements for commercial structures
                locating on U.S. Route 13.

          Transportation.


          Goals


          1.    To encourage the VDOT to implement the recommendations of the
                U.S. Route 13 Corridor Plan.

          2.    To protect and promote the existing character of Route 600,
                seaside road, as a neighborhood road.

          3.    To insure that new development will not obstruct sight lines.

                                           53









          4.    To develop policies and guidelines for the establishment of
                signs and billboards in the Town limits.

          5.    To provide a buffer between the railroad and adjacent land
                uses.


          Oblectives

          1.    The Town Council should contact VDOT concerning the
                implementation of the U.S. Route 13 Corridor Plan.

          2.    Develop an overlay zoning district for the Route 600 corridor
                in order to maintain its character as neighborhood road.

          3.    Develop as part of the Town zoning ordinance adequate set
                backs to maintain visual sight lines at intersections.

          4.    Develop design guidelines for billboards as part of the Town
                zoning ordinance.

          5.    Develop revisions to the Nassawadox Town Zoning Ordinance to
                require a buffer between the railroad and adjacent land uses.

          Community Facilities.


          Goals

          1.    To insure that future development includes landscaping
                features that add to the aesthetic appeal of the Town.

          2.    To maintain existing community facilities, such as the
                recreational facilities, sidewalks, street lighting, streets,
                and promote the establishment of new community facilities.

          3.    To meet the Virginia mandates for solid waste planning.

          4.    To establish an official Town Hall within Nassawadox.
          5.    To identify and' demolish structures unfit for rehabilitation.

          6.    To be open to discussions regarding regional central water and
                sewer facilities with Northampton County officials.

          objectives

          1.    Develop landscaping design guidelines as part of the Town
                zoning and subdivision ordinance.

          2.    Develop a capital improvements plan to ensure that community
                facilities, such as, recreational areas, sidewalks, streets,
                and street lighting are maintained, improved and expanded.


                                           54









       3.   Develop, adopt and implement a solid waste management plan for
            the town or participate in regional plan.

       4.   Create a committee to study the feasibility of establishing
            a Town Hall.

       5.   Identify, through a town survey, structures within the Town
            that are unfit for rehabilitation and encourage the
            demolishing of such structures.










































                                  55











                           IV. PLANS AND ACTIONS PROGRAMS

         Nassawadox I s existing resources, needs and concerns were described
         in detail in Chapter II.     Nassawadox must now develop specific
         plans and courses of action for the future. This section provides
         plans and action programs designed to meet the objectives set forth
         by the goals and objectives outlined in Chapter III. The purpose
         of this section is to provide development guidelines and proposed
         future land uses that are designed to insure that future growth
         takes place in a coordinated and compatible manner.

         Many, but not all, of the issues, needs and concerns identified in
         Chapter II are addressed here. Availability of resources and the
         degree of local factors were considered in an attempt to develop
         a realistic program for Nassawadox.

         Town citizens should bear in mind that even the most realistic or
         conservative plans may not be fully implemented as intended, for
         any number of reasons. Therefore, the recommendations outlined in
         this plan should be viewed as targets, not as firm commitments or
         mandates. If desired results are not achieved, an evaluation should
         be conducted to determine the reasons so the Town can decide
         whether to continue to pursue the original objective or to modify
         it.


         Natural Resources Plan.    Natural resources issues revolve around
         four main issues: 1) protecting the quality of ground water, 2)
         managing the quantity of ground water, 3) improving drainage, and
         4) maintaining the quality of surface waters.      These issues are
         interrelated and generally extend beyond town limits, affecting all
         of the Eastern Shore.      For example, development, whether for
         commercial, residential, industrial or agricultural purposes,
         creates the demand for water use. Water use impacts the quality
         and quantity of ground and surface waters. Clearing land of its
         natural vegetation alters the ability of land to retain and improve
         the quality of rain water.     The creation of impervious surfaces
         reduces the land area that can provide ground water recharge.
         Storm water drainage problems are caused by an inability of land
         to retain rain water naturally.      Water quality problems of the
         Chesapeake Bay have been linked, through U.S. Environmental
         Protection Agency Studies, to an over abundance of sediments,
         nutrients and other materials carried to the Bay by point and
         nonpoint sources. In areas of Virginia and the U.S., high nitrogen
         counts in ground water have been linked to leachate from septic
         systems and fertilizer use.      In order to reduce the impact of
         development on natural resources, planning solutions can be
         implemented by the community.

         Planning solutions place responsibility on individuals to develop
         with a minimum impact to natural resources.      Planning solutions
         include zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments that require
         development to meet performance standards.        The goal of any

                                          56









         performance standards for Nassawadox is to insure that each
         development retains storm water, provides water quality improvement
         measures, and maintains area for ground water recharge.
         Implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act regulations
         would provide the Town with a set of performance standards intended
         to protect surface waters and manage storm water which will also
         provide protection to groundwater.

         Proposed Action

         1 .   Nassawadox should develop a working relationship with the
               Virginia State Water Control Board, Northampton County and
               Accomack County in the management and protection of ground
               water. The first step in this process would be to participate
               in the activities of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Ground
               Water Study Committee. This Committee is in the process of
               developing land use guidelines for the protection of ground
               water. The recommendations should be reviewed by the Town f or
               local implementation.

         2.    The Town Council should adopt a policy for commenting on
               Permits issued by the VSWCB that require a public hearing.
               The policy should: 1) establish a review committee, 2)
               establish a method for the committee's recommendation to be
               presented to the Town Council and 3) establish the procedure
               for the Town Council to develop written comments that would
               become part of the VSWCB public hearing record.

         3.    Adopt a local Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Program through
               revisions to the Town zoning, subdivision and erosion and
               sediment control ordinances as required by the regulations
               adopted on September 20, 1989 by the Chesapeake Bay Local
               Assistance Department.

         Housing Plan.     The majority of residential housing stock in
         Nassawadox is in good condition.         However, a 1990 housing
         conditions survey identified 20 percent of the total housing stock
         as being in substandard condition.        In order to develop a
         comprehensive housing plan for improving the housing stock,
         Nassawadox applied for and received a Virginia Department of
         Housing and Community Development (VDHCD) Planning Grant.        The
         Planning Grant will be used to develop a plan to improve the
         existing housing stock. The Planning Grant should be followed in
         March by VDHCD Block Grant application to implement the
         recommendations of the Planning Grant.

         In addition to the Planning Grant, the Town should develop land use
         regulations to protect residential areas from encroachment by
         traffic congestion, noise, pollution and other nuisances that may
         be created by adjacent land uses. The Nassawadox Future Land Use
         Map should def ine areas within the Town to be set aside for a
         variety of land uses including: single-family, multi-family, and

                                          57









         single-wide mobile home residential uses.

         Proposed Action

         1.    Implement the housing program developed through the VDHCD
               Planning Grant.

         2.    Revise zoning ordinance to require buffers between residential
               and other land use activities.

         3.    Define, through the Nassawadox Future Land Use Map, areas
               within the Town to be set aside for single-family, multi-
               family and single-wide mobile home residential uses.

         Economic Plan.    Economic opportunities within Northampton County
         and Nassawadox are presently limited.      Residents of Northampton
         County have some of the lowest average income levels in the State.
         Industry within Nassawadox is for the most part limited to health
         services.    Health services located in Nassawadox include the
         Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital, a nursing home and a number
         of medical offices. The Northampton County Health Department is
         located adjacent to the Town limits. The hospital is one of the
         Eastern Shore's largest employers and growth of the health services
         industry will work to improve the economic standing of residents.
         However, in order to provide residents opportunities for economic
         improvement, there is a need to diversify the economy. Nassawadox
         can provide the opportunity for commercial and industrial growth
         through the use of zoning.     In addition, there are a number of
         areas where offices and residential uses currently coexist and this
         trend can be encouraged through zoning.

         Potential for commercial growth in the Nassawadox downtown is
         limited due to its size and therefore commercial business has
         expanded to U.S. Route 13. Commercial development along U.S. Route
         13 is currently limited to the areas around intersections. Infill
         areas for commercial development do exist.      However, few design
         standards exist for development in Nassawadox. Design standards
         should be developed to maintain the scale and character of
         Nassawadox.    New development should consider the     architectural
         style of existing buildings and the concept of the     Town setting.
         Major portions of the Town are currently vacant due to soil
         conditions.    In addition, the Northampton County     Comprehensive
         Plan, October 1990, recommends that the area around    Nassawadox be
         developed as an urban village. Therefore, future growth that is
         directed to the Town will have an impact.      The Town should work
         with the County to have positive influence on growth.

         Proposed Action

         1.    Define, through the Nassawadox Town Future Land Use Map, areas
               within the Town to be set aside for commercial and industrial
               land use. Through revisions to the zoning ordinance provide

                                          58









              performance standards for the location of industry within the
              Town.

         2.   The Town should develop design standards to be implemented
              through zoning and subdivision regulations.        The design
              standards should require that new development consider the
              size, scale architectural style of the Town in development
              proposals.

         3.   Develop design standards commercial business locating on U.S.
              Route 13.

         4.   The Town should encourage areas that currently contain a
              mixture of office and residential land uses to continue.

         Transportation. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
         prepares traffic counts and projections for future use of U.S.
         Route 13 on an annual basis.      Traffic counts and projections
         indicate the volume of cars and trucks on U. S. Route 13 has and
         will continue to increase. In fact, projections indicate that in
         the future trucks will completely dominate the right hand lane of
         the highway.     In addition, commercial areas have now been
         established at the intersections of all roads in Nassawadox that
         intersect with U.S. Route 13. VDOT has prepared a corridor study
         for U.S. Route 13 to improve safety. While implementation of the
         study is important, the Town should also develop accessibility and
         design standards for setbacks, size and for buildings and signs
         that locate on the highway.

         Increased traffic use of Routes 600 and 609 in the future could
         alter the current . An additional concern of the Town is that as
         the use of U.S. Route 13 increases, traffic will be diverted to
         Route 600. Route 600 is currently a neighborhood street, rather
         than a major arterial road.

         The Eastern Shore Railroad runs through the middle of the Town.
         Presently, in Nassawadox residential and commercial development
         exists adjacent to the railroad. Buffers do not exist between the
         railroad and adjacent land uses. The Town currently is using some
         railroad property as public parking.

         Proposed Action

         1.   Work with VDOT to implement the U.S. Route 13 Corridor Plan
              by expressing this to VDOT and the Northampton County Board
              of Supervisors for its inclusion in the six (6) year
              transportation plan.

         2.   Revise the Nassawadox Zoning Ordinance to provide design
              guidelines for U.S. Route 13.

         3.   Revise the town Zoning OrdinanQc to provide design guidelines










               for billboards.

         4.    Through revisions to the town Zoning ordinance establish
               buffers between the railroad and the adjacent land uses.


         Community Facilities Plan.           Community facilities include
         recreation facilities, sidewalks, roads and any services that the
         town provides through tax collection. The Town should develop a
         plan for the maintenance of recreation facilities, sidewalks and
         possible expansion of sidewalks into areas where they do not
         currently exist.    This plan should take the f orm of a capital
         improvements program. A capital improvements plan is f ive- or six-
         year plan that identifies major projects needed by the town. A
         capital improvements plan provides cost estimates, funding sources,
         proposes a priority and time schedule for each project and
         identifies funding sources and coordinates projects with the
         comprehensive plan.

         Proposed Action

         1.    Develop a capital improvements plan for the maintenance and
               improvement of recreational facilities, sidewalks, roads and
               other facilities.

         2.    Work with Northampton County to develop and adopt a solid
               waste management plan.

         3.    Establish an official Town Hall within Nassawadox.

         4.    Develop a strategy for the removal of buildings that can not
               be rehabilitated structures that pose a danger to the general
               health, safety and welfare of Town residents.

         Land  Use Plan.   The land use plan f or the Town of Nassawadox is
         presented in Map 6, Future Land Use Map, Town of Nassawadox. The
         Future Land Use Map should serve as guide for decision makers in
         making land use decisions regarding land use within the Town. The
         map should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the
         concepts described here continue to met the changing needs of the
         Town. The land use plan proposes six (6) categories of land use.
         Generally, there are three residential categories and three
         commercial categories. The residential categories provide a mix
         of single-family, multi-family and office residential land use
         areas within the town. The commercial categories provide a mix of
         retail, medical and industrial uses. The categories are described
         below: (where possible these categories match those found in the
         Nassawadox Zoning Ordinance and are consistent with the Northampton
         County Zoning ordinance, however some differences do exist)

         Residential-Single:    Single-family homes should be the dominant
         land use within this category. Any other land uses that would be

                                          60








          allowed should be *compatible with single-family dwelling units.
          The needs of single-family residential development, (safety,
          reduced traffic, noise, and other nuisances), should be considered
          first in making land use decisions.      Examples of secondary uses
          appropriate to this district include two family attached dwellings,
          home occupations, and open space areas.

          Residential-Mix: This land use category proposes to allow for a
          mixture of single-family homes, duplexes, and other forms of
          dwelling units. Emphasis would be placed on creative development
          to allow for increased density while promoting the single-family
          residential nature of Nassawadox.      Desired development features
          include:   visual   compatibility    with - adjacent     single-family
          dwellings; internal parking; a limit of four to six attached
          dwelling units per complex; sidewalks and landscaping.

          Residential-Office: This land use category proposes to promote a
          mixture of residential uses and offices within a specific area of
          Town.    This category is proposed in an area of Town where
          residential dwellings and offices currently coexist. This category
          is created to protect and promote the existing blend of land uses.
          Desired development features include: adequate off-street parking
          for office uses, adequate buffer between office and residential
          usest and the requirement that offices retain a residential
          exterior appearance.

          Commercial-General: This land use category is created to promote
          general commercial land uses within the town limits. These uses
          include retail trade, wholesale trade, warehousing and other
          general commercial uses. This district should be limited to the
          U.S. Route 13 corridor. Design standards for U.S. Route 13 should
          be developed to govern setbacks from the highway, size and
          appearance of signs, and the establishment of service roads should
          be developed as part of revisions to the zoning ordinance.

          Commercial-Office: This land use category is created to promote
          the health services industry and commercial development within town
          limits.   Land uses are to be consistent with the needs of the
          community in promoting the health services industry and providing
          the flexibility to provide economic growth. Such land uses would
          include, medical offices/complexes, expansion of the hospital or
          nursing home facilities, pharmacies and other land uses related to
          the health services industry.

          Industrial-Limited: This land use category is created to promote
          industrial land use within the town. These land uses would meet
          performance criteria established to minimize any nuisances or
          environmental impacts. Impacts to be measured include, but are not
          be limited to: transportation needs, water use, air pollution, and
          noise pollution.



                                           61









         This proposed future land use pattern does conflict with the
         existing Northampton County Comprehensive Plan in two distinct
         areas. One area is between U.S. Route 13 and the Hospital. The
         County Plan proposes that the area along the highway be developed
         as commercial and this is consistent with this Plan. However, the
         County Plan proposes that the area west of U.S. Route 13 and the
         hospital be developed with residential uses while this Plan
         recommends that the area become developed commercially. The other
         area of conflict is located adjacent to the railroad at the south
         end of the Town. The County Plan recommends that the area become
         industrial while this Plan recommends that the area be divided with
         the area east of Route 609 be developed as residential and the area
         west of Route 609 be developed as industrial.

         Proposed Action

         1.    Amend the Nassawadox Town Zoning Ordinance to be consistent
               with the Future Land Use Plan contained in the Nassawadox Town
               Plan.

         2.    Upon the adoption of this Plan, the Nassawadox Town Council
               should make a recommendation to Northampton County that the
               Northampton County Comprehensive Plan be amended to be in
               agreement with the Nassawadox Town Plan.

         Future Growth Management Plan

         Development of the land area around Nassawadox will create the
         opportunity and the need for services now being provided to Town
         residents to be extended into outlying areas.     At that time the
         Town will naturally look to extend its boundary to include the
         areas that are being provided Town services.      Another important
         factor in considering extending the Town boundary is the lack of
         extra-territorial jurisdiction by the Town. New development that
         occurs adjacent to the Town will be shaped by Northampton County
         land use regulations. Due to the limited amount of land left in
         Nassawadox that can be developed, most new development that occurs
         in the area will be outside of the Town limits. These factors make
         it increasingly important for Town officials to work with County
         officials in insuring that adjacent development is compatible to
         the Town in terms of use, scale, design and density.

         Proposed Action

         1.    To work with Northampton County elected and planning officials
               to insure that County goals for land adjacent to the Town
               Boundary are compatible with Town goals.

         2.    To review existing services and the feasibility of extending
               services beyond the Town limits and develop strategies for
               extending the Town Boundary.


                                          62










































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                                  V. ACTION AGENDA





         This Comprehensive Plan has identified needs that either require
         action by the Planning commission and Town Council to implement
         solutions or require future study. Since the Town officials have
         limited time and resources to work with, it is necessary to set
         priorities on the actions proposed by this plan.

         The following agenda sets the work priorities of the Nassawadox
         Planning Commission and Town Council as they work to implement the
         recommendations of this Comprehensive Plan.    (Priority A is the
         highest priority):


         Priority A:

         Amend Zoning Ordinance
         Amend Subdivision Ordinance
         Develop a Housing Improvements Plan
         Participation in County Solid Waste Management Plan

         Priority B:

         Community Facilities/Improvements Plan
         Transportation Plan
























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