Shore Group Fights Proposed Higher Bridge Toll

By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

July 22, 2013

A group of Shore residents are using 21st-century social media to battle proposed toll increases on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

“CBBT Fair Toll, It’s About Time” is the name of a Facebook page the group started July 16 which as of last night had 122 “Friends.”

The Shore group is using every means available to martial opposition to a plan to increase bridge tolls by 10 percent every five years.

In addition to friending the Facebook page, toll opponents can sign an online petition started by Exmore businesswoman Dona Danziger.

Cape Charles restauranteur Gene Kelly signed the petition “to encourage more folks to live in Northampton County and to enhance businesses who are suffering here.”

The Fair Toll group is headed by Accomack County Supervisor Wanda Thornton, who argues that “neither traffic counts nor safety issues” justify raising tolls to build new tunnels. Thornton formerly served on the Bridge-Tunnel Commission.

Thornton notes that current Bridge-Tunnel tolls generate $45 million a year, while only $23 million is needed for operations and maintenance. The CBBT already has $210 million saved up, according to Thornton. [Read more…]

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‘Finalization’ of Commercial Sewage Area on County Agenda

CAPE CHARLES WAVE

July 22, 2013

“Finalization” of the Northampton County area to be required to pump sewage  to the Cape Charles treatment plant is on the Board of Supervisors agenda 5 p.m. today, July 22.

The County’s Public Service Authority has recommended a special taxing district for commercial property along Route 13. The proposal is for commercial owners to pay 75 percent of the project cost and for the remaining 25 pecent to be spread over all Northampton County taxpayers.

The cost of the sewage pumping system is estimated at between $1.5 and $2 million. The Public Service Authority has not provided any estimate of the cost of the service to property owners in the proposed special tax district.

In a related meeting, the Cape Charles Business Association will hear a presentation 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, by Assistant Town Manager Bob Panek, who also is chairman of the County PSA. Panek will discuss with business owners the possible effects of encouraging commercial development on Route 13 outside Town limits.

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WEDNESDAY 7/24: Fried Chicken Fundraiser at Cheriton Volunteer Fire Company

Cheriton Volunteer Fire Company Presents: Your favorite Fried Chicken Dinner – 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. [Read more…]