Planning Commission Sets Public Hearing for Yacht Center

By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

November 8, 2012

Cape Charles Planning Commission on November 6 reviewed a conditional use permit application from South Port Investors.

South Port is moving forward with its proposed $5 million Cape Charles Yacht Center at the town harbor, and hopes to have the project underway by spring.

Preliminary work has begun at the site of the former wastewater treatment plant, now leased by the Town to South Port.

Phase one of the project is to install a travel lift for boats up to 75 tons. South Port seeks permission to perform marine engine repairs and to construct a 6-foot-high black chain link fence around the property.

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Following a public hearing, the Planning Commission must determine whether the proposed use will:

1. Adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of the proposed use or adversely affect other land uses within the particular surrounding neighborhood.

2. Be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood.

3. Be in conflict with the purpose of the comprehensive plan of the town.

The yacht center design is by Engineering Resources Group in Virginia Beach. Engineering Resources President Donald MacLennan said South Port will wash boats with an advanced water recycling system with zero discharge into the Bay.

The yacht center will include a boatel, equipment storage, and a small dwelling for yacht crew members.

The public hearing is 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, at Town Hall, and the Planning Commission will vote on approving the request immediately thereafter.

In other Planning Commission business, Town Planner Tom Bonadeo reported on damage from Hurricane Sandy. The town pier remains closed due to lifted deck boarding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been asked to inspect the pier for possible structural damage.

Bonadeo said that although no damage was sustained to the Town breakwaters, fill may have shifted as a result of the storm. He noted that the new wave attenuating breakwaters behind Sea Breeze Apartments were not designed to hold back hurricane-force waves, but instead to accrete sand.

Bonadeo also reported damage to both Bay Creek golf courses.

The Planning Commission appointed Dennis McCoy chairman and Michael Strub as vice-chairman.

Malcolm Hayward’s term expired and he did not request to be reappointed. Interested residents may obtain an application from the town clerk.