County Supervisors Get Earful on Zoning Ordinance

Local Realtor David Kabler addresses Northampton Board of Supervisors May 13

Local Realtor David Kabler addresses Northampton Board of Supervisors May 13, calling the proposed zoning ordinance “a perversion” of the existing ordinance that so many worked so hard to enact. (Wave photo)

By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

May 15, 2014

Close to 150 residents turned out May 13 for the Northampton County Board of Supervisors meeting, most of them concerned over a “business-friendly” rezoning plan that would remove existing environmental, density, and industrial restrictions. The audience had been advised to come at 7 p.m., but the meeting agenda was front-loaded with eight public hearings before the time for general comments, which did not begin until 9:30 p.m. Supervisors and staff had it even worse, having begun at 4 p.m. with a closed session, followed by various reports and a supper break. The meeting did not end until 10:45 p.m.

Chairman Larry LeMond opened the public comments section with a warning that he “would not tolerate any threats . . . we’ve heard enough of them” – an apparent reference to discussion on the Internet about possibly petitioning the Circuit Court to have the Supervisors removed from office if they fail to honor the vision statement in the County Comprehensive Plan. Only newly elected supervisor Granville Hogg (1st District – Cape Charles) has been exempt from removal threats, and only Hogg has indicated some sympathy with opponents of the draft zoning ordinance.

Fifteen residents came to the podium to speak their mind.

Robert Richardson of Seaview said experts agree that there is “no pollution on the seaside – so there’s no justification for the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in the Capeville district.”

CBES board member John Ordeman of Nassawadox said that Northampton citizens have been speaking “loudly and clearly against the proposed zoning changes. They have presented scientific facts, the opinions of experts, the sound reasoning of landowners concerned about their right to protect the value of their property. You know these people – you know them to be intelligent and knowledgeable, honorable, and genuinely concerned for the well-being of this county. . . . Listen to the many who truly represent the will of the people.” [Read more…]

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Cape Charles Yacht Center Opens Thursday

One of the first boats to be hauled with the 75-ton Travel Lift at Cape Charles Yacht Center (ESLAND photo)

One of the first boats to be hauled with the 75-ton Travel Lift at Cape Charles Yacht Center (ESLAND photo)

By CINDY MACKEY
Esland Press Release

May 14, 2014

The Cape Charles Yacht Center officially opens for business Thursday, May 15. It will be the only superyacht (over 79 feet) center on the Chesapeake Bay. The Yacht Center is being developed by ESLAND, is a real estate development partnership based in Cape Charles that specializes in preserving historic properties and large-scale economic development initiatives to bring jobs and stimulate the economy of the Shore.

“The location along the Mid-Atlantic is strategic since we offer a deep, secure harbor with quick access to the Atlantic,” said ESLAND partner Eyre Baldwin. “There are few places for these types of yachts to stop for service, repairs, or to enjoy the area between New England and Miami. The proximity to the ocean is very convenient, but we also offer a charming destination on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.” Baldwin is hosting a launch party for the yacht center beginning 5 p.m. Thursday for invited guests.

The yacht center is seen as a significant development that will change industry on the Eastern Shore. Components include a 40-acre harbor district and an 80-acre industrial park with access through a new road that will connect the harbor to Route 13, providing direct access for trucks to the harbor. The yacht center will immediately create 36 jobs with an estimated 80 to 100 new jobs over three years, Baldwin said. [Read more…]