Comprehensive plan for the town of Bloxom, Virginia Bloxom Town Plan / Amended , 1996

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

Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment c:draft.cbI

Bloxom Town Plan

Amended 1996

Prepared by-

Bloxom Planning Commission

During the preparation of this ordinance, financial assistance was provided by the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance
Department.. Commonwealth of Virginia.

Preparation of this ordinance was funded. in part. by the Department of Environmental Quality's
Virginia Coastal Resources Management Program through Grant No. NA370ZO360-01 of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-. Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
ManagemenL under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.

Technical Assistance Provided by:

Accomack-Northampton
Planning District Commission
P. 0. Box 417
Accomac, Virginia 23301

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1. rNTRODUCTION

The Comprehensive Plan

A comprehensive plan is an official public document adopted by a local government to be used
-,, ide for making policy decisions about the physical development of a community,
as a gul I
*ding public services for community residents. A comprehensive plan is general in nature
provi
and is used as a basis for the zonina or@mance.

The Virginia General Assembly, recognizing the need and value for local planning within each
area of the Commonwealth, adopted Section 15.1-446.1 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as
amended on July 1, 1980 which requires that each city, county or town develop and adopt a
comprehensive plan. Section 10. 1-446. 1 states, "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.

In addition to the above mandate, the Virginia General Assembly, recognizing the economic and
social importance of ensuring the long term viability of state waters and in particular the
Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, enacted the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act of 1988 (Act)(�
10. 1-2 100, et seq., of the Code of Virginia). The Act is a cooperative effort between the state
and local covernments with a water quality improvement and protection focus.

Section 10. 1-2109.13 of the Act states that "Counties,, cities, and towns in Tidewater Virginia shall
incorporate protection of the quality of state waters into each locality's comprehensive plan
consistent with the provisions of this chapter." The Town of Bloxorn recognizes the importance
of maintaining the integrity of state waters and the Chesape Iake Bay to the citizens of the
Commonwealth and of Bloxom. The waters of the Chesapeake Bay have been degraded
significantly by many sources of pollution, including nonpoint source pollution from land uses
and development. Certain lands that are next *to the shoreline have intrinsic water quality value
due to the ecological and biological processes they perform. Other land areas have severe
development constraints as a result of flooding, erosion, and soil limitations.. With proper
management, these lands offer significant environmental benefits by providing water quality
maintenance and pollution control., as well as flood and shoreline erosion control.

To achieve these ends, the Town Council and Planning Commission of the Town of Bloxom ha ve
developed the following Comprehensive Plan. Once the plan is adopted by the Town Council,
the Plan controls the general location, character and extent of each feature shown on the plan.
Before any public area, facility or use can be constructed or established, the Planning
Commission must approve it as being substantially in accord with the adopted Plan. The

t--
ZI

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Commission forwards its recommendations on such proposals to the Town Council. Once the
Plan is adopted, it should be used as the basis for gulding and regulating land use and physical
development.

Plan Amendment

It is necessary, due to the nature of the Comprehensive Plan and its purpose, that the Town
Council regularly review the Comprehensive Plan and update the goals to keep pace with events
and development affecting the Town's well being. As required by the Virginia State Code, the
document shall be reviewed at no less than a five-year interval.

U. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

Overview
The Town of Bloxom, with a population of 357, is located in Accomack County. on the Eastern
Shore of Virginia (See FIGURE 1). The Eastern Shore of Virginia is located at the southern tip
of the Delmarva Peninsula, bordered to the north by the State of Maryland, to the 'east by the
Atlantic Ocean, and to the south and west by the Chesapeake Bay.

Bloxom was established in the early 1880's, on the farmland and forest land of the Bloxom,
Hinman and Godwin families. In 1884,, the railroad came through, town and Bloxom continued
to errow. By WWI, in 1914, Bloxom was a major produce shipping point. In its prime, Bloxom
had seven stores, two banks, two barber shops, two doctors, and three churches - Episcopal,
United Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness .. Then, in the 1930's, the population began to decline as
farm labor needs decreased. In 1950, Bloxom's high school was closed and in 1952, the
Pennsylvania Railroad ceased passenger service.

The Town of Bloxom was incorporated in 1951 by founding Town Council members John
Somers, Will Littleton, John Bowdoin, Henry Parker and King Godwin. The first Mayor, R.
Barton Bull, served for 30 years. A prominent citizen of Bloxom was Melvin Shreves, who
served in the Virginia House of Delegates. The Bloxom Volunteer Fire Department was founded
in 1955, with the purchase of an old fire engine. The fire department and the churches continue
to be the major focus of town social life today.

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS

Bloxorn experienced a 12% population loss between 1980 and 1990, while the population of
Accomack. County increased by 1%. In 1990, the age characteristics of Bloxom's population
generally reflect that of Accomack County, as shown in Table 1.

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From 1980 to 1990, the percentage of children in Bloxom has experienced a decline of 23%,
while the percentage of adults aged 65 and older has increased by 28%. This suggests the
outmigration of young people, fewer births, and the aging of the adult population.

Bloxom has a very different racial composition than that of Accomack County. In 1990, the
population of Bloxom was made up of 91% white residents and 9% black residents, while the
County population was 65% white residents and 35% black residents.

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Table I
Population Characteristics
1980 -1990

1980 1990

Accomack Countv Bloxom Accomack Countv Bloxom

No. Percent No. Percent No. Pcrccnt No. Percent
Age

0-17 8.151 28% 94 23% 71.521 2 4 % 72 20%

18-64 17.907 55% 259 64% 18,331 58% 216 61%

65 + 5.210 17% 54 13% 5.851 19(/K 69 19%

Total 31.268 407 3 1 @703 33 5 7

Race

White 19,753 63% 393 97% 20.499 65% 325 91%

Non-white 111.515 37% 14 3% 11.204 35% 3-) 9%

Sources: 1980 U.S. Census ST*F-]A: 1990 U.S. Census of Population and Housing-

In September, 1990, the Town of Bloxom, feeling, that the 1990 U.S. Census was not accurate,
conducted a door-to-door population count. The town population count found 3 )84 people living
IP
in Bloxom, 27 more people than the 1990 U.S. Census figure.

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NATURAL RESOURCES LNVENTORY

To insure that future development in Bloxom is compatible with the natural environment, it Is
necessary to understand'the natural resources which exist in the Town. This section of the Town
Plan summarizes the natural resources within Bloxom, and discusses problems associated with
those resources.

FIGURE 2, Natural Resources, indicates that there are still- some farmlands, woodlands and
wetlands in Bloxom. The farmlands in Town are connected to laraer farm tracts outside the
Town limits. The wetlands and forest lands are located on hydric soils which are unsuitable for
development. These types of undeveloped lands have potential for future parks and open space,
groundwater recharge areas, and resource conservation areas.

Topography
The elevation of Bloxom has a range of approximately 15 feet, from a high point of 35 feet near
the Junction of Shoremain Drive and Bethel Church R@ad,.to a'low point. of 20 feet where Mason
Road crosses Guilford Church Branch. The elevation change of 1-0 feet results in an averagre
slope in Bloxom of less than 1%, which may result in flooding due to poor, drainage. Drainage
and stormwater management are important considerations for future development.

Flood Hazard Areas
Most of Bloxom is not located in the,Accomack County 100-year flood plain. The Town's
location has been classified as being in Zone C (areas with minimal flooding) by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers Wave Study for Accomack County. The Town is. not likely to be affected
by a 100-year flood; however, it is possible for the Town to be affected by a flood of that
magnitude due to flat topography, a high water table, and poor drainage.

Watershed
A watershed is a region or area that drains into a body of water. The entire Eastern Shore lies..
within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Two small streams, locally known as creeks or branches,
run through Bloxom and drain the town: Muddy Creek drains the northern part of town and
Guilford Church Branch drains the southern part of town.

Drainage
Since the topography in Bloxom is flat, with slopes of less than 1%, an adequate town drainage
system needs to be maintained to prevent local flooding. However, stormwater disposal needs
must be met while considering groundwater recharge and surface water pollution. Because of
the flatness of the land in Bloxom, the Town experiences drainage problems. Several drainage
ditches are located in Town which lead toward Muddy Creek and Guilford Church Branch.
VDOT maintains some of these ditches, but the system needs to be improved.

Wetlands

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Only a small portion of the land area in Bloxom contains wetlands, as shown in FIGURE
These non-tidal wetlands are located on the banks of Muddy Creek, and Guilford Church Branch.
There is also an area of non-tidal wetlands located to the east of Rt. 316. ProtectinQ wetlands
is important because they filter water as it passes through which reduces sediment flows into open
water and remove nutrients and chemical and organic pollutants. Wetlands also assist with flood
control and serve as groundwater discharge and recharge areas.

Groundwater
Ground water manauement is an important concern for Bloxom, which relies on groundwater for
domestic, industrial and agricultural use, The predominance of hydr'ic and highly permeable soils
in Bloxom, as shown in FIGURE 3, indicate a high potential for groundwater contamination.
Hydric soils are primarily wet and poorly drained, and highly permeable soils are extremely
susceptible to pollutant leaching and have a high potential for orroundwater pollution.
Contamination of groundwater can be caused by septic system failure, underground fuel storage
tanks, improper solid waste disposal, and improper application and disposal of industrial and
ac,ricultural chemicals. All of these uses are potential sources of groundwater overuse -and
In
contamination.

Removing vegetation and increasing the amount of impervious surface, such as roads, parking
areas and roofs, can result in increased surface discharge and decreased groundwater recharge.
By providing recharge areas for stormwater, groundwater equilibrium can be maintained.
Excessive groundwater withdrawal, such as for irrigation and industrial use, can lower the water
table resulting in less productive or dry wells. An optimum balance between withdrawal and
@recharge, defined as the safe yield, should be maintained through the continuous observation of
water levels and water quality.

Sp ecific data on groundwater conditions in, Bloxom do not exist. However, the town should
monitor applications for major groundwater withdrawals by nearby users. Proper septic system
maintenance and solid waste disposal by town residents and businesses should be encouraged.

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Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act

In 1988, the Commonwealth of Virsunia enacted the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Bay Act),
which provides localities with the &mework to protect water quality and environmental features
through land use planning techniques. The waters of the Chesapeake Bay have been degraded
significantly by many sources of pollution, Including nonpoint source pollution from land uses
and development. The citizens of Virginia are dependent upon the economic benefits derived
from the Chesapeake Bay, and the Town recognizes the importance of the Bay Act in maintaining
the integrity of state waters and the Chesapeake Bay@

The objectives of the Bay Act are to protect the quality of state waters. While point source water
pollution regulations are ineffective in dealing with nonpoint source pollution, local land use
regulations can reduce water pollution by requiring development setbacks from shorelines, and
allowing natural vegetation to prevent erosion and fil ter stormwater. The Bay Act requires that
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas be delineated by the Town of Bloxom and certain land use
criteria be applied to these areas.. . Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas are lands "which, if
improperly developed, may result in substantial damage to the water quality of the Chesapeake
Bav and its tributaries." Development in these preservation areas must meet general performance
criteria that are designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution and protect sensitive lands from
disturbance. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas include Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) and
Resource Management Areas (RMAs).

Resource Protection Areas
RPAs are lands at or near the shoreline containing components which have important value to
the water quality of the Bay. RPAs include tidal shores, tidal wetlands, nontidal wetlands which
are adjacent or connected by surface flow to tidal wetlands or tidal shores, and a 100-foot buffer
landward of these features. As shown in FIGURE 4, only small part of the Town lies within the
RPA, which is limited to the 100 ft. buffers landward of Muddy Creek and Guilford Church
Branch.

in land designated as an RPA, only water dependent uses, such as marinas and commercial
fishing facilities, can be constructed. Redevelopment of existing us es are also allowed in RPAs,
but new development of homes, businesses and related structures are not allowed. None of the
land in the RPA is developed.

Resource Management Areas
RMAs include land adjacent to and landward of RPAs. The purpose of the RMA is to provide
additional water quality protection and to minimize pollution Impact to the RPAs. . RMAs include
land types that, if *improperly developed, have the potential for causing'-significant water quality
degradation or for diminishing the functional value to RPAs. RMA components include
floodplains, non-tidal wetlands not included in the RPA, sensitive soil types, and other lands
necessary to protect water quality. In Bloxom, all of the land which does not lie within the RPA

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is classified as an RMA.

In an RMA, any land use which is allowed. under the existing zoning ordinance is permitted. All
development and redevelopment activities in an RIMA must meet the General performance criteria
of the Bay Act, which includes preserving natural vegetation, minimizing land disturbance,
minimizing impervious cover, and controllina stormwater runoff.

Soils
Soil characteristics are important in determining land uses. Characteristics such as texture,
permeability, wetness and depth to water table can affect development activities. Because all
residents in this planning area are served by on-site septic systems, soil suitability for on-site
sewage treatment is important in determining which areas are suitable for development.

Bloxom, along with the entire Eastern Shore, lies within the geological region known as the
Atlantic Coastal Plain. which is a low-lying region composed of sands, silts and clay. The
individual soil groups in Bloxom, alone with their characteristics are shown in FIGURE 5 and
described in the following soil characteristics summary.

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Arapahoe Loam (ArA)

Nearlv level.. very deep, and very poorly drained soil that is located on falats.and in depressions of
Carolina Bays. Suited fur woodlands and wildlife.. or. cropland when drained. hi Bloxom this "oil is
located east of the railroad tracks- near Mitchell Road.

Bojac Lownly Sand (BIO), 2-6% slope:

Gently sloping, very deep, and well drained farmland.. Moderately rapid permeability and soil instabilitV
limit community development and cause a hazard of groundwater pollution when used for septic systems.
In Bloxorn this soil is located in the northeastern partof town. on the east and west sides of Bethel Church
Road.

Bojac Sandy Lown (M-A), 0.72% slope:

Nearlv level, verv deep, and well drained farniland. Moderately rapid permeabilitv and instabilltv of the
soil are limitations to community development and cause a hazard of arouri0xvater pollution when used for
septic systems. In Bloxorn, this soil is located in the southeastern part of Town. near Hall, Street.

Drogston Fine SantA@ Lown (DrA), 0-2% slope:

Nearly level. very deep., and somewhat poorly drained. Used mainly for cultivated crops and some
woodland. Seasonal high water table, rapid permeability. poor filtering capacity. and hazards of seepage
limit this soil for community development. In 131oxom.. this soil is mainiv located in and near Heam and
Liberty Streets.

IvIunden Sondv Lown (MuA), 0-2% slope:

Level. deep., and moacratelv well drained. Seasonal high water table. and rapid permeabilitv are
limitations for community'devellopment and result in hazard for groundwater pollution when used for septic
fields. In Bloxom. this so il located east of the railroad tracks near Parks and Bull Streets.

Nimmo Sandv Lown (NmA 0-2% slope:'

Nearly level, deep, poorlv drained. Used for farmland when drained. Seasonal high water table, seepage,
and rapid perineability are limitations for community development and cause a hazard of groundwater
pollution when used for,septic fields. Limited for roads and streets. In Bloxom., this is the dominant soil
type.. covering much of the western and northern parts of Town.

Polawana Loomy Sand (PoA), 0-2% slopes:

Nearly leve4 very deep, and very poorly drained floodplain soil. Found in drainageways along small
freshwater streams. Rapid permeability, ponding, flooding, and high seasonal water table are limitations
for community development. In Bloxom this soil is located along Muddy Creek and Guilford Church Branch.

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The Building Site Development Limitations Summary, shown in Table 2, indicates that most of
the soils in Bloxom are unsuitable for septic tank filter fields. This is mainly because- of the,
hydric soils in Bloxom and the shallow depth to groundwater. Most of Bloxom has a very
shallow depth to groundwater, between 0 and 18 inches. The presence of groundwater near the
surface can cause septic system failure, resulting in groundwater contamination and a public
health danger. Since all of the soils in Bloxom are hydric or highly permeable, there is a danger
of groundwater contamination from failed septic systems, industrial waste, and the improper use
Of agricultural chemicals.

Table 2
Building Site Development Limitations Summary

Dwellings Dwellings Small
Without With Commercial Septic
Soil Tvpe Basement Basement Buildinas Svstems Roads

Arapahoe Severe: Severe: Severe: Severe: Severe:
ArA wetness wetness wetness wetness. wetness
poor filter

Bojac Slight Moderate: Slight Moderate: Slight
BkA.BoA wetness wetness

Dragston Severe: Severe: Severe: Severe: Moderate.
DrA wetness wetness wetness wetness.
poor filter

Munden Moderate: Severe: Moderate: Severe: Moderate:
MuA wetness wetness wetness wetness wetnesss

Ninuno Severe: Severe: Severe: Severe: Severe:
NmA wetness wetness wetness wetness wetness

Polawana Severe: Severe: Severe: Severe: Severe:
PoA wetness wetness wetness wetness. wetness
poor filter

Source Accornack County Sod Survey, Tables 10 & 11.

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POTENTIAL SOURCES OF POLLUTION

Failincy Septic. Systems
The Town of Bloxom relies completely upon private-septic systems for household., commercial
and (?"industrial) waste water treatment. There are approximately 163 septic systems known to
be operating within the Town. Health department records indicate the failure rate for septic
systems operating within the Town to be (waiting for data from health dept.)

Underground Storage Tanks
Accordin- to the Vire'nia Water Quality Assessment for 1992, under-round stora-e tanks are the
primary source of (Yroundwater contamination in. Virginia. Underground storage tanks are
particularly dangerous because they are out-of-sight out-of-mind. Often, leaks are. not detected
until substantial contamination of the surrounding soils has already occurred. Further, tanks
which were abandoned before more stringent re-ulations were put in place often pose an
unwanted and potentially expensive liability on the property owner or the Town.

Unde.r2round storage tanks are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the
authority of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1970, as amended by the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976. Underorround storage tanks are regulated if
the tank system, including its piping, has at least 10% of its volume underground and contains
a regulated substance. Subtitle I excludes several different types of underground tanks including
but not fully inclusive of the following: (1) farm or residential tanks of 1,100 gallons or less
storincy motor fuel for noncommercial uses, (2) tanks for stoning heating oil for consumption on
3
the premises where stored, and (J) septic tanks.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has adopted the EPA rules with the exception that individual fuel
o
'I tanks with the capacity to contain over 5,000 gallons are re ulated in the same manner as
l I C 9
other regulated tanks. The Virginia Water Control Board (VWCB) is responsible for enforcing
underground tank regulations in the Commonwealth. The enabling authority for the VWCB is
Article I I of the State Water Control Law which prohibits any introduction of petroleum or other
harmful products that could potentially affect state waters including groundwater. Under these
regulations, the VWCB must keep track of and inventory,all underground storage facilities within
the state. The state deals with all aspects of underground storage tanks including design,
construction installation, compatibility standards, leak detection, record keeping, reporting,
closure, corrective action, and financial responsibility. The VWCB is also responsible for
ensuring, that tanks installed prior to 1989 are upgraded to new tank standards before December.
of 1998.

Accordimz to the VWCB records, there are (waiting for numbers from VWCB) registered
businesses or residences with underground storage tanks within the Town of Bloxom. Between
these registered businesses or residences, there are a total of - underground storage tanks in the
Town. A
k4w
-th
-'sw f
.Y

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Bayside Drive just north of Shoremain Drive. The storage facility is used to refill LPG gas
delivery trucks. The LPG is delivered to the storage facility by railroad tank car and is piped
from the railroad yard under Shoremain Drive to the storage tanks. Town resident are concerned
about the safety of this facility and do not want to permit additional LPG storage facilities in
town (is this facility still in operation?)

Above Ground Storage Tanks
Individual above ground storagae tanks are regulated bv the federal government through the Clean
Water Act of 1972, which requires owners of single tanks with a capacity greater than 660
gallons or multiple tanks with an aggregate capacity greater than 1,320 grallons to register and
formulate a "Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan." The Commonwealth of
Virginia, which controls above ground storage tanks through the VWCB, has adopted
requirements for tank owners to present an "Oil Discharge Contingency Plan" (ODCP) before a
storage tank may be registered. The purpose of an ODCP is to have a plan of action in the event
of a catastrophic release of oil from the largest tank. The plan must also identify what the impact
of such a discharge will be on the environmental receptors and what will be done to mitigate
those impacts in the event of a spill.

Individual tanks with a capacity of less than 660 gallons or multiple tanks with an aggregate
capacity of less than 1,320 gallons are not currentlv regulated bv the state or federal government.
Most home fuel oil tanks are typically only 200 to 660 gallons and are not regulated. It is
therefore up to the individual owner to ensure that leaks and spills do not occur.

According to the VWCB, approximately 90 percent of releases from individual tanks are as a
result of overfill or the tipping over of the tank. Overfill can occur if the driver/filler is not
paying attention or if it is not known what the capacity of a tank is. To reduce the risk of an
accidental spill, the homeowner or fuel oil company should inspect a tank before filling to ensure
that it is sturdy and does not exhibit signs of corrosion. An owner should also have the capacity
of the tank clearly marked on the tank and specifically indicate the filling cap location.

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EXISTING LAND USE

Residential
FIGURE 6 shows the existing types of land uses in Bloxom. The predominant land use in Town
'dent'al. Housing in Bloxom consists of 175 dwelling units, including 141 single faintly
is resi I I I
units. 3 multi-family units and 25 mobile homes.. Most houses in Bloxom are owner-occupied-,
only 25 are rental units. The majority of housing in Bloxom is in good condition. with the
exception of some areas on the west side of Town.

Deteriorated housing conditions exist on Back Street, including housing with no indoor plumbing,.
The 1990 census indicated that 29 units in Bloxom lacked complete plumbing facilities. The
Town was awarded $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funds to rehabilitate some
of these units. Rehabilitation. has begun and is, expected to be completed by the end of 1996.
Improvements include the rehabilitation of 21 units with 10 units receivine first-time indoor
plumbing. Eight units have been completed.

Commercial
The majority of commercial land use in Town is located along Bayside Drive and Shoremain
Drive, as seen in FIGURE 6. Commercial land uses in Town include a florist shop, a grocery
store, a go-cart race track.. a used furniture store, a nursery, (add to this list).

There are no sidewalks in Town, and residents have expressed interest in having sidewalks built
along Shoremain Drive, in the Business District.

Agriculture
There is minimal agricultural land use in Town' Most of the existin- agricultural land use is
located on the southeast side of Shoremain Drive, as shown in FIGURE 6.

Zoning
Zoning in Bloxom consists of residential and business districts. Most of the Town is zoned
residential. The business district is concentrated along the intersection of Bayside and Shoremain
Drive. More specific information about zoning in'Bloxom can be found in the Bloxom Zoning
Ordinance, adopted in 1992.

Transportation
Bloxom is served by a sufficient road sys tem. Routes 316 and 779 provide'-ood north-south
access for the Town, and Route 187 provides east-west access, U.S. Route 13, located
approximately two miles east of Town, provides regional access. The Virginia Department of
Transportation (VDOT) reported that in 1989, 2,565 vehicles per day traveled on Route 187
between Bloxom and Nelsonia. (UPDATE FIGURES) On Route 187 from Bloxorn to Guilford,
1,400 vehicles travelled per day. On Route 316 between Bloxom and Parksley, 3,505 vehicles
travelled per day.

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Town residents complain of speeding, on the main roads through town and would like to have the
town speed limit reduced to 25 mph. The intersection of Route 187 and Mason Road in the
southwest part of town is a dangerous intersection and a stop sign needs to be* installed there.
VDOT crash statistics show that in 1989 there were three crashed in Bloxom, one of which was
alcohol related, but no injuries or deaths involved in these crashes.

Community Facilities

School
Bloxom contains one school, Bloxom Primary School, which serves approximately 360 children
from Bloxom and Accomack County in.grades K-3). This school is the former Bloxom high
school, which closed in 1950. Older students attend North Accomack Primary School, Parksley
Middle School and Arcadia High School.

Other Facilities
Other facilities in Bloxorn include a Town Hall and a Post Office, both located on Shoremain
Drive.

Recreation
While the Eastern Shore provides excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, especially for
boating, fishing and hunting, few community based recreational opportunities exist. Bloxorn is
fortunate to have the Bloxorn Primary School located in Town. The school's playground and
playing field provide a recreational opportunity unavailable near the homes of most children on
the Eastern Shore. If the School should be relocated in the future, town residents have expressed
interest in using the school grounds as a town park.

Solid Waste

Public Safety
Police protection is provided by the Accomack County Sheriff's Department and the Virginia
State Police. The Bloxom Rescue Squad provides ambulance service. Fire protection is provided
by the Bloxorn Volunteer Fire Department.

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Town residents complain of speeding on the main roads through town and would like to have the.
town speed limit reduced to 1.5 mph. The intersection of ioute 187 and Mason Road in the
southwest part of town is a dangerous intersection and a stop sign needs to be installed there.
VDOT crash statistics show that in 1989 there were three crashed in Bloxom. one of which was
alcohol related, but no injuries or deaths involved in these crashes.

Community Facilities

School
Bloxom contains one school, Bloxom Primary School, which serves approximately '360 children
from Bloxom and Accomack Countv in grades K-3. This school is the former Bloxom high
school, which closed in 1950. Older students attend North Accomack. Primary School, Parksley
Middle School and Arcadia Hityh School.

Other Facilities
Other facilities in Bloxom include a Town Hall and a Post Office, both located on Shoremain
Drive.

Recreation
While the Eastern Shore provides 3xcellent outdoor recreation opportunities, especially for
boating, fishing and hunting, few community based recreational opportunities exist. Bloxom is
fortunate to have the Bloxorn Primary School located in Town. The school's playground and
playing field provide a recreational opportunity unavailable near the homes of most children on
the Eastem Shore. If the School should be relocated in the future. town residents have expressed
interest in using the school grounds as a town park.

Solid Waste

Public Safety
Police protection is provided by the. Accomack County Sheriffs Department and the Virginia
State Police. The Bloxom Rescue Squad provides ambulance service. Fire protection is provided
by the Bloxorn Volunteer Fire Department.

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Employment
In 1989, there were 265 persons in Bloxom between the ages of 16-65. Of these working age
persons, 150 were employed, which is 57% of the working age population. Table 3, Employment
By Industry, shows that three industry categories employed over half of working Bloxom.
residents: @Ianufacturing, Retail Trade and Professional Services.

Table 3
Employment By Industry
1990

ACCOMACK COUNTY BLOXOM

Number Percent Number Percent
Agriculture@ Forestry@
Fisheries, Nfining L278 9% 6 4%

Construction 1.065 8% 15 10%

Manufacturina 2,573 19% 30 20%

Transportation, Communi-
cation. Public Utilities 448 3% 8 5%

Wholesale Trade 799 6% 4 3%

Retail Trade 2,562 19% 32 21%

Finance, Insurance,
Real Estate 364 3% 5 3%

Business and Repair
Services 558 4% 9 6%

Personal, Entertainment
and Recreational Seivices 595 4% 8 5%

Professional Services 21.403 17% 27 18%

Public Administration '789 6% 8 5%

Totals: 13,690 152

Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, STF 3.

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tncome
Table 4 indicates that Bloxom's median household income of S16,538 In 1989 was about 19%
less than the Accomack County median household income of $20,431. 45% of households in
Bloxom had incomes below $15,000 in 1989, compared to 37% of households in Accomack
County as a whole.

Table 4
Household Income in 1989

Accomack Co. Percent Bloxom Percent

Less than $5.000 1,355 11% 21 14%

$5.000 - $9.999 1,5 12% 27 18%

$10.000 - $14999 1,697 13%. 19 13%

$15.000 - $24,999 2.958 23% 34 23%

$25.000 - $34,999 2,226 18% 18 12%

$35.000 - $49.999 1,596 13% 14 9%

$50,000 or more 1.232 10% 17 11%

Totals: 12.646 100 150 100

Median House-
hold Income: $20.431 $16.538

Source: 1990 U.S. Census of Population and Housing& 1990, STF 3.

Draft Bloxom Town Nan Amendment c:draft.cb1

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
NATURAL RESOURCES

Goal PROTECT AND MANAGE GROUND WATER RESOURCES WITHIN THE
TOWN.

Objectives'.

Work with Virginia State Water Control Board and Accomack County toward long
term protection and management of the ground water resources of the Eastern shore
of Vir2inia.

GOAL: INWROVE DRAINAGE CONDITIONS WITHIN THE TOWN AND COUNTY.

Obj ective:
Develop a plan to maintain and improve the existing drainage system.

GOAL: INTLEMENT REGULATIONS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY PRESERVATION
ACT.

Objectives,
Develop. zoning and subdivision ordinances which include a storm water management
component.

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.

GOAL: PARTICIPATE IN LAND USE DECISIONS AFFECTING THE AREA ADJACENT
TO BLOXOM.

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LAND USE

GOAL: PROVIDE LANDSCAPING AND SIGN REGULATIONS THAT PROMOTE
ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND SAFE TRAVEL.

Objective,
Develop a town zoning ordinance that provides landscaping and sign regulations that.
ig
promote attractive business activity and safe travel.

GOAL- IDENTIFY AND DEMOLISH STRUCTURES UNTIT FOR REHABILITATION.

Objective:
Identify and demolish unsafe structures within town that cannot be rehabilitated. If
an unsafe structure is occupied as housing, assist residents with temporary relocation
while housing is replaced or rehabilitated.

GOAL: MAINTAIN EXISTING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SUCH AS STREET
LIGHTING AND STREETS. AND PROMOTE THE DEVELOPNEENIT OF
SIDEWALKS, LANDSCAPING, AND TOWN RECREATION FACILITIES.

GOAL: INSURE THAT FUTURE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDES LANDSCAPING
FEATURES THAT ADD TO THE AESTHETIC APPEAL OF THE TOWN.

HOUSING

GOAL.- TO PROTECT THE RESIDENTIAL, BUSINESS, AND AGRICULTURAL
ACTIVITIES IN TOWN FROM INCOMPATIBLE USES.

Objective".
Develop town subdivision and zoning ordinances to protect residential, business, and
agricultural uses from incompatible uses.

Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment c:draft.cb1

GOAL- PROMOTE BUSINESS ACTIVITY IN TOWN THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH
RESIDENTIAL USES.

Objective:
Develop town subdivision and zoning ordinances that promote business activity in
town that is compatible with residential uses.

GOAL: DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE AND
E)(PAND THE RESIDENTIAL BASE IN TOWN,

Objectives:
Explore funding sources to address housing needs, including: housing rehabilitation,
single-family new construction, multi-family new construction, and replacement of
unrepairable housing, with temporary relocation of affected families.

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

GOAL: TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS WITFIIN BLOXOM.

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

GOAL: DEVELOP GUIDELINES WHICH CAN BE EMPLOYED BY THE TOWN
COUNCIL IN MAKING DECISIONS REGARDING THE LOCATION OF
SINGLE-WIDE MOBILE HOMES WITHIN THE TOWN LIMITS.

Objective,
Develop within the Bloxorn Town Plan Fut@re Land Use Map
guidelines for the location of single-wide mobile homes within the Town.

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GOAL: PROMOTE SAFE AND QUIET SlNGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS WHILE ALLOWING FOR SOME APARTMENTS AND
MOBILE HOMES.

Objective:
Develop town subdivision and zoning ordinances that promote safe and quiet single-
family residential neighborhoods. while allowing for some apartments and mobile.
homes.

TRANSPORTATION

GOAL: PROMOTE SAFE TRAVEL INTHE TOWN OF BLOXOM.

Objective:

Contact State Police land Accomack County Sheriffs Dept. to develop a speeding
enforcement program for the Town of Bloxom.

Work with VDOT in identifying and eliminating traffic hazards in Town.

Develop a town zoning ordinance with adequate setbacks to maintain visual sight
lines at intersections.

Insure that new development will not obstruct sigh lines.

Develop a zoning ordinance with regulations and design guidelines for signs and
I
billboards to promote safe and aesthetically pleasing travel through Bloxom.

COMMUNITY FACIUTIEES

GOAL: MEETVIRGENaA MANDATES FOR SOLID WASTE PLANNING.

Objective:
Develop, adopt and implement a solid waste management'plan for the Town, or
participate in a regional plan.

GOAL: PROVIDE CENTRAL WATER AND SEWER FACILITIES FOR THE TOWN.

Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment C:draft.cbl

Objective:
Participate in discussions with Accomack County officials regarding regional central
water and sewer facilities.

GOAL: DEVELOP A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN TO ENSURE THAT
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AREMAINTAINED, IMPROVED ANDEXPANDED.

GOAL: CREATE A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP A TOWN RECREATION FACILITY.

ECONOMY

GOAL: IMPROVE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLOXOM RESIDENTS.

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

GOAL: MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE TBE VITALITY AND APPEARANCE OF
BLOXOM'S BUSINESS DISTRICT.

Objective:
Develop a commercial revitalization plan . for Bloxom which includes town
identification, parking, landscaping, sidewalks, and business district appearance
improvements.

GOAL: SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF US ROUTE 13 CORRIDOR PLAN

GOAL: IDENTIFY, PROTECT AND PROMOTE TBE FUSTORIC QUALITY OF
BLOXOM.

Objective:
Develop a zoning ordinance which includes protection for historic structures within
the Town.

Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment c: draf t. cbl

PLAN

NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN

I- Develop a working relationship with the Virginia State Water Control Board (VSWCB) and
Accomack County in the management and protection of around water. The first step in this
process would be to participate in the activities of the Eastern Shore of Vinalma 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 for 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 procedure for the committee's recommendation to be presented to the Town Council, and 3)
establish a procedure for the Town Council to provide written comments as part of the VSWCB
public hearing record.

w
The To n Council should adopt a local Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Program through
revisions to the Town zoning and subdivision ordinances, as required by the regulations adopted
by the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department.

LAND USE

The land use plan for Bloxom in shown in FIGURE The Future Land Use Map guides
decisions regarding land use within the Town. The map should be reviewed on an annual basis
to ensure that the concepts described continue to meet the changing needs of the Town. The land
use plan proposes three categories of land use: two residential categories, *including a floating
mixed residential category, and a business category. These categories are described below:

Residential
Single-family homes should be the dominant land use within this category. Any other land uses
that would be 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 some two-family attached dwellings, home occupations, and open space areas.

Residential-Mobile Home:
This land use category recognizes the importance of mobile homes as an affordable housing
option. The Residential-Mobile Home category allows for the location of single-wide mobile

.23

Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment c:draft.cb1

homes in an area where mobile homes are the dominant housing type.

Residential -Mixed
This land use category proposes to allow for a mixture of single-family homes, duplexes, and
apartments to provide additional housing opportunities in Town, particularly replacement housing.
the Residential-Mixed category is not identified on the Future Land Use Map because it is a
floating category. A floating category is "anchored" when a suitable location is reviewed and
approved by the Town Council.

Business:
This land use category proposes to promote business uses and offices that serve local or
neighborhood needs as well as general business needs. In the zoning ordinance business activity
may be divided into two districts, business-neighborhood and business-general. The business-
general district would include retail trade, wholesale trade, warehousing and other general
business uses.

HOUSING
The majority of residential housing stock in Bloxom is in good condition. However, housing
conditions data indicates that 14% of the total housing stock as being in substandard condition.
In order to develop a comprehensive housing, plan for improving the housing stock, Bloxom
should conduct a housing survey. The town should then apply for a Va. Dept. of housing and
Community Development Planning Grant. The planning grant would be used to develop a plan
to improve the existing housing stock. The grant work should then be followed by a 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 Bloxom Future Land Use Map should define
areas within the Town to be set aside for a variety of land uses including: single family, multi
family, and single wide mobile home residential uses.

Plan:

1. Apply for a planning grant to begin development of a program to reduce substandard housing
in Bloxom.

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

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

Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment C:draft.cb1

COMMUNITY FACHATIES PLAN

Community facilities include services that the town provides through tax collection. The town
should develop a plan for the construction of sidewalks. This plan should take the form of a
capital improvements program. A capital improvements plan is a five 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 Town Plan.

1. Develop a capital improvements plan for the construction -and maintenance of sidewalks,
drainage ditches, and other community facilities.

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

.1 Develop a Town of Bloxom recreation facility.

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

5. Participate in discussions with Accomack County officials regarding regional central water
and sewer facilities.

TRANSPORTATION PLAN

The VDOT prepares traffic counts and projections for future use of US Route 13 on an annual
basis. Traffic counts and projections indicate the volume of cars and trucks on US Route 1-3) has
and will continue to Increase. In fact, projections indicate that in the future trucks will
completely dominate the right hand land of the highway. VDOT has prepared a corridor study
for US Route 13 to improve safety. The Town should encourage implementation of this study.

I . Work with the State Police and county sheriffs departments to develop a speeding
enforcement program in Bloxom.

2. Work with VDOT to identify and eliminate traffic hazards in The Town of Bloxom.

3 sing this to VDOT
J. Work with VDOT to implement the US Route 13 ) Corridor Plan by expres
and the Accomack Board of Supervisors for its inclusion in the six-year transportation plan..

4. Revise the town ordinance to provide design guidelines for billboards.

NCAA COAST.L SERVICIS CTR LIBRARY

3 6668 14112782 1

Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment c:draft.cb1

ECONOMIC PLAN

Economic opportunities within Accomack County and Bloxorn are presently limited. Residents
of Accomack and Northampton Counties have some'of the lowest average Income levels in the
state. Employment in Bloxom is for the most part limited to retail services and agriculture.
however, in order to provide more residents opportunities for economic improvement, there is a
need to diversify the economy. This includes participating in regional economic development and
educational efforts to attract industry and provide a skilled work force.

1. The Town should participate in regional economic development and education efforts to
attract industry and train a skilled workforce.

2. The town should develop a program to revitalize vacant commercial buildings in the business
district.