Fishing Pier Reopens Today in Wake of Hurricane Sandy

Town has replaced wood sections twisted by storm. (Wave photo)

CAPE CHARLES WAVE

March 1, 2013

Four months after Hurricane Sandy twisted the Cape Charles fishing pier like a piece of taffy, it’s ready for use again.

Public Works Director Dave Fauber said workers finished repairs Thursday and the pier would reopen as soon as he inspected the work.

The cost for repairs was about $4,500, down from an earlier estimate of $10,000.

The Town had hoped that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) would bear the cost, and so waited three months before taking up the work.

But FEMA officials finally explained that any repairs in Cape Charles would take a back seat to restoration work in New Jersey, where hurricane damage was far worse.

Fauber said it’s still possible that FEMA will eventually reimburse the Town for the repairs. [Read more…]

THURSDAY: Town Marathon Budget Review Open to Public

February 28, 2013

Cape Charles Town Council will hold a six-hour budget “retreat” in Town Hall today (Thursday) from noon until 6 p.m.

The budget review is open to the public, but no time is provided for public comment.

The meeting begins with a sandwich lunch.

The agenda is below.

Barrier Islands Center Fundraisers Exceed Goal

Historic Almshouse is headquarters for Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo.

February 28, 2013

The Barrier Islands Center in Machipongo has surpassed its fundraising goal of $2.6 million.

Additionally, the annual BIC Oyster Roast held February 23 was a sell-out, and contributed to the general operating fund, educational outreach, and free admission.

The Barrier Islands Center was founded in 1996. Visitors can learn about how people once lived on the Eastern Shore and on the barrier islands that protect it.

The islands’ rich history includes hunting and fishing lodges that attracted presidents, and battles in the Civil War.

The museum preserves century-old photos and artifacts that depict the hard life of islanders and watermen who lived on the Eastern Shore in the 19th century.

The non-profit organization raised $2.9 million in two years, and is the first of 10 organizations to complete a $500,000 challenge grant.

The money will go for the center’s educational programs, community outreach and operating expenses, as well as capital funds for completion of renovations to the historic property. [Read more…]

Old School Contract Amended to Allow Low-Income Housing

By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

February 27, 2013

Cape Charles Town Manager Heather Arcos has amended the contract with the purchasers of the Old School in Central Park to allow the possibility of low-income housing.

The original contract, signed June 28, 2012, by Mayor Dora Sullivan, stated: “To the extent permitted by law, Purchaser shall not operate the Project as a low-income housing facility under any state or federal program.”

The Town sold the Old School and adjoining parkland for $10 on December 20, 2012.

Three weeks ago, on February 7, Arcos signed an amendment to the contract removing the low-income prohibition.

The removal comes after three prominent civic leaders protested to elected state officials over alleged discriminatory housing practices by the Town. [Read more…]

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SATURDAY 3/2: Register for Shore Little League

Shore Little League 2013 Registration Dates for Baseball and Softball: [Read more…]

THURSDAY 2/28: Roses in Watercolor Workshop at ESO Arts Center

This Thursday from 10 – 1 p.m. unlock your desire to paint with “Roses in Watercolor Workshop” at ESO Arts Center, Belle Haven. [Read more…]

FRIDAY 3/1: Future of Health Care on the Eastern Shore

The Science and Philosophy Seminar of the Eastern Shore of Virginia will present “The Future of Healthcare on the Eastern Shore” 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, in the Eastern Shore Community College lecture hall, 29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa. [Read more…]