We asked... (Pocomoke bypass)

From time to time you'll see a new feature here at The Pocomoke Public Eye as we publish results of inquiries we made to AI regarding items of interest to our area.    

 How did Pocomoke officials view the proposed Rt.13 Bypass around town?

Based on historical information from the time the bypass was constructed, Pocomoke officials were 

not in favor of the bypass around the town. 

Factors leading to official opposition

• Economic concerns: Local officials were concerned that moving the main road away from the downtown business district would significantly hurt local merchants. The original route of US-13, which is now US-13 Business, ran directly through the city's commercial center on Market Street.
• Loss of revenue: Many business owners and local government leaders feared a decrease in traffic and, consequently, a loss of revenue for the city.
• Historical context: The bypass was part of a larger mid-20th-century trend of upgrading US-13 to a four-lane divided highway across Maryland. Over the years, other towns like Princess Anne and Salisbury also had bypasses constructed to reroute through-traffic. However, at the time, Pocomoke leaders did not support the project. The bypass around Pocomoke City was completed in 1963. 
• Initial negative effects (Post-1963)
• • Decline in traffic-dependent businesses: Businesses that relied on high traffic volume, such as gas stations, motels, and diners, experienced a significant drop in customers. A national study of highway bypasses noted an estimated 10–15% drop in sales for restaurants and drinking establishments in bypassed towns.
  • Loss of foot traffic: Downtown merchants saw a decrease in casual visitors who might have stopped while passing through town. This shifted the commercial center's focus away from transient, high-volume traffic.
  • Retail exodus: In a pattern seen in many bypassed towns, major retailers eventually relocated from the city center to more accessible, highway-adjacent locations. 
  Long-term and revitalization efforts
  • Shift in local economy: Bypassed downtowns often adapt by becoming home to professional offices, services, and niche retailers that cater to the local population rather than highway traffic.
  • Industrial park development: 
    Pocomoke City
     has developed an industrial park near the bypass, attracting larger businesses that benefit from highway access for logistics rather than customer foot traffic.
  • Focus on downtown revitalization: To counteract the effects of the bypass, 
    Pocomoke
     has increasingly invested in revitalizing its historic downtown area. Recent projects include:
    • Infrastructure improvements, such as repairing roads and sidewalks.
    • Adding amenities to increase local foot traffic, like public restrooms.
    • Attracting new, locally-focused businesses, such as the 
      Cypress Roots Brewing Company
      .
  • Emphasis on community projects: The town has worked to create a sense of community and vibrancy that does not depend on through traffic. Projects have included restoring historic buildings, investing in public spaces like the Discovery Museum, and forming partnerships with community organizations.
  
  Same thing with Salisbury. The local merchants there fought tooth and nail to stop the Salisbury bypass. Can you imagine trying to get anywhere now without the bypass, especially travelers to/from western shore trying to get to/from Ocean City?
• Your friend,
  Slim