PLANNING COMMISSION
New Fishing Pier and Yacht Center Approved

By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

December 7, 2012

“It’s an ill wind that blows no good,” goes the saying, and Hurricane Sandy was a very ill wind. But at least some good is coming from that wind in the form of a new fishing pier for the Town of Cape Charles.

President Obama has authorized federal aid for areas hit by Sandy, and Cape Charles is a beneficiary.  Town Planner Tom Bonadeo told the Planning Commission December 4 that Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will pay for a new pier,

Portions of the pier deck have pulled away, but more serious is the twisted substructure. Bonadeo said the town first will stabilize the pier sufficiently to reopen it for the winter. Come spring, it will be rebuilt, including replacing inadequate railroad tie sleepers with proper pilings.

SOUTH PORT YACHT CENTER PLANS APPROVED

A public hearing was held Tuesday on a conditional use permit for the first phase of the South Port Yacht Center. Permission was requested to conduct boat and marine engine repairs; operate a boatel; occupy a dwelling unit; and erect a 6-foot security fence.

South Port developer Eyre Baldwin urged Commission approval. “I’ve been on this project for four tedious years,” he said, noting that South Port was a $5 million investment. The years of planning included a lawsuit brought by South Port against the town which was settled out of court.

Also speaking in favor of  South Port was Rear Commodore Paul Strong of the newly formed Cape Charles Yacht Club. Strong said the yacht center would be a great addition to the town and the harbor. “It will have a very favorable impact on Cape Charles,” he noted.

CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE

A letter from Jim Powell of the Marine Trawler Owners Association added further support. Powell said his members need a repair facility for larger cruisers close to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to Town Council. With the Commission’s recommendation, Town Council’s approval is expected January 10 following another public hearing. Town Council will also consider a lease amendment for land owned by the town and leased to South Port.

South Port has already obtained approval from two other regulatory authorities: the Army Corps of Engineers and the Wetland Board.

It was emphasized at the Commission meeting that South Port will be a yacht repair and maintenance facility — not a marina. As such, it will not compete with either the Town Harbor or the he marina at Bay Creek. As a five million dollar investment it will provide an economic stimulus to Cape Charles.

SEA BREEZE APARTMENT REPAIRS

Bonadeo said that the owners of Sea Breeze Apartments plan to repair the building that suffered foundation erosion from  Hurricane Sandy. In the meantime, foam has been pumped underneath the building to stabilize it.  Permits are being sought from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, which oversees dune and wetland maintenance.

NEW LIBRARY BUILDING NEWS

Work continues on conversion of the former Bank of America building to house the Town Library. The old teller lines have been removed, furniture auctioned, and 10,000 pounds of steel safe deposit boxes sent to recycling.

 

Share

Comments

3 Responses to “PLANNING COMMISSION
New Fishing Pier and Yacht Center Approved”

  1. Anthony Sacco on December 7th, 2012 12:25 am

    President Clinton gave Cape Charles ten million dollars to start up an industrial Park, it failed. Our crack minds of leadership in Eastville sell it to their favorite son for three million to build boats, it failed. He [develops] part of the old industrial park to repair boat engines, that will also fail. Mr. Foster’s development is on the brink of depression soon maybe to fail. And you, Cape Charles, you hang your hat on someone that promises they will lay the golden eggs for you — wake up, you’re being taken, again, again, and again.

  2. Jennie Rogers on December 7th, 2012 8:38 am

    Ditto to what Mr. Sacco said. Cape Charles is steadily going down. The Aqua Restaurant is now closing its doors and the Town continues to do things that will in the end increase taxes for the Town. The Town does not have the citizens’ back, so you better watch yours.

  3. Jake Leuer on December 12th, 2012 9:36 pm

    When they do rebuild the pier I hope they have enough sense to install better lights. As much as I saw Tom Bonadeo flounder fishing this past year I would hope he would have better lighting plans than the current ones to attract fishermen and other tourists.