Planning Commission Endorses Bank Building Purchase
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
September 6, 2012
The Cape Charles Planning Commission voted September 4 to advise Town Council that the proposed relocation of the Town library to the former Bank of America building would be in compliance with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Planning Commission action is in response to charges that moving the library to the commercial district violates the Comprehensive Plan. Former town manager Timothy Krawczel wrote in an August 3 op-ed column in the Wave that the Town Council violated Virginia State Code when it voted to buy the bank building without consulting the Planning Commission. He further noted that the Comprehensive Plan ”recognizes Mason Avenue as the center of retail activity,” and that “turning the most prominent commercial building on the street into public space . . . not only removes the property from the tax rolls, it eliminates the building as a possible site for a future bank or commercial center.”
Town Planner Tom Bonadeo in his staff report pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan includes relocating the library to a larger space, as well as acquiring “strategic undeveloped properties.” The bank building purchase would be in accord with these goals, as well as providing increased parking for the commercial district and overflow offices for Town officials on the third floor of the building, he said.
Bonadeo conceded that the Town’s purchase of the bank building would cause a loss of real estate and business tax revenue – especially since banks pay a higher tax than regular businesses. But he said that conversion of the old school into apartments would somewhat offset the loss of the bank building tax.
Planning Commission member Joan Natali, who also sits on Town Council, said she found nothing about the bank purchase contrary to the Comprehensive Plan, and made a motion to that effect. The motion passed unanimously.
OTHER PLANNING COMMISSION NEWS
Bay Creek Beach Club: Town Planner Bonadeo reported that Bay Creek Resort and Club has supplied the Town with plans for its new Beach Club and Fitness Center. The membership-only facility in Bayside Village will include a 3,000 square-foot member lounge, a gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a snack bar, and a children’s game room. Bay Creek spokesman Oral Lambert told the Wave that construction is set to begin in two or three weeks, and should take about eight months.
Hotel Cape Charles: As reported August 13, the Town has denied a permanent occupancy permit to Hotel Cape Charles because the glass partitions on the balconies are not in accord with the approved plans. The hotel has submitted a new application to the Historic District Review Board for consideration at its next meeting September 18. If the Review Board and the owner do not reach agreement, the decision can be appealed to Town Council and, ultimately, the Circuit Court.
Bonadeo reported that the former Reliable Building Supply on Stone Road is under contract, with plans to become an auto repair and restoration shop.
Three new members of the Planning Commission will be announced September 13 at the Town Council meeting, filling current vacancies.
Yes, yes Cape Charles — spend more of our money to buy a building that is perhaps the poorest place for a library. Thanks Mr. Bonadeo for letting us know that the huge pecan tree will not be cut down in the parking lot behind the bank. NEVER MIND that the pecans falling will do WONDERS for the paint on our cars. By the way, how much of the taxpayers’ money will be used to transform the bank into a library and repair the third floor? Are you going to put in an elevator to get to the third floor? Just another reason why this Town Council, mayor and planner NEED TO GO!
In regards to the Hotel Cape Charles and them being denied a permanent occupancy permit, have they thought about asking Echelon to be a partner?
Seems like that would solve all their issues with the local government…….;)