[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














                                      Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment               c:draft.cb1



                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)(ï¿½
                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

                                                                  2



   t--
  ZI













                                        Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment             c:draft.cb1



                  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.

                                                                  3














                                    Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment            c:draft.cb1



               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.






































                                                              4
 













                                               Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment                       c:draft.cb1





                                                                           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.














                                      Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment              c:draft.cbl



                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


                                                                 6














                                       Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendn@ent             c:draft.abl



                  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.














                                                                 7













                                      Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment               c:draft.cb1



                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

                                                                 8













                                      Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment              c:draft.cb1



                 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.




























                                                                 9














                                                Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment                         C:draft.cb1



                             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.


                                                                                 10













                                                  Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment                           c:draft.cbl



                       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.














                                      Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment             c-.draft.cb1



                 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


                                                                12


Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment c:draft.cdl
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.













                                                                                     13
 














                                      Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment



                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.

                                                                  14















                                      Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment             c:draft.cb1



                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.








                                                               15














                                     Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment



                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.








                                                              15














                                                  Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment                            c:draft.Cbl






                      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.





                                                                                     16














                                                        Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment                                   c:draft.cbl



                         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.


























                                                                                                17
 













                                     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.













                                                              18











                                      Draft Bloxom Town Pian Amendment             c:draft.cb1



                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

                                                           q


                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.

                                                                19














                                      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.


                                                                20













                                    Draft Bloxom Town Plan Amendment           c:draft.cb1



               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.



                                                             21













                                      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.


                                                               22













                                     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.

                                                               24













                                        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.



                                                                    25







                                                                                       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.







































                                                              26