Update on Bottlenose Dolphin Strandings
This summer’s unusual mortality event (UME) involving bottlenose dolphins continues into the fall. In the Mid-Atlantic region, the current strandings are still over nine times the historical average. [Read more…]
Merchant Association Gives Development Chief the Business
Northampton County Economic Development Director Charles McSwain addresses Cape Charles Business Association September 11. Association president George Proto is at left. (Wave photo)
By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
September 12, 2013
Recently hired economic development director for Northampton County Charles McSwain knew he was walking into a hornets nest when he addressed the Cape Charles Business Association meeting last night, and he came prepared with disclaimers and a philosophy of positive thinking.
But Business Association members weren’t buying it when McSwain tried to defend the County’s development plans – especially as they relate to commercial development on Route 13. Association President George Proto told McSwain, who only recently moved into the area, to “drive up Route 13 and see towns like Exmore with development on the highway. I haven’t been able to see any town not negatively impacted,” Proto said.
Deborah Bender said that highway development outside Onancock, where she once lived, “killed the town.” In the same way, on the highway outside Cape Charles, “a Rite-Aid would hurt,” she said. “And a hotel would hurt the B&Bs.”
“I like to think about this in a completely different way,” McSwain said. “Cape Charles is a very attractive place that has its own identity – not something we have to worry about dying.” He argued that commercial development on Route 13 around the Cape Charles traffic light would slow down through-traffic and “make people make that right turn.” A gas station or a motel at the intersection “would stop the high-speed traffic coming through. Once they’ve stopped, train the retailers to say something good about Cape Charles,” McSwain suggested. [Read more…]
Letters Between Business Association, Mayor Worth a Read
CAPE CHARLES WAVE
September 11, 2013
Tonight (Wednesday) the new economic development director for Northampton County, Charles McSwain, speaks to the Cape Charles Business Association. One of the issues is development on Route 13 and its effect on Cape Charles businesses. The Town of Cape Charles has some leverage because it can choose to promote commercial development on the highway or discourage it — depending on whether it agrees to facilitate sewerage for commercial properties outside town.
Two letters appear below: the first is from Cape Charles Business Association President George Proto to Mayor Dora Sullivan, and the second is the mayor’s response. Anyone interested in Route 13 commercial development might also be interested to read the letters.
WEDNESDAY 9/11: Business Association to Question County Economic Director on Route 13 Development
Newly appointed County economic development director Charles McSwain will address the Cape Charles Business Association at its meeting 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, upstairs at Aqua Restaurant. The public is invited to attend. [Read more…]
FRIDAY 9/13: Affordable Health Insurance Information at The Shanty
Eastern Shore Rural Health System specialists will be at The Shanty 2-6 p.m. Friday, September 13, to provide information about affordable health insurance plans through the new Health Insurance Marketplace (see healthcare.gov). [Read more…]
WEDNESDAY 9/18: Learn About Native Plants at ES Library
The Colors of a Native Plant Palette in your Garden: 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, Accomac Library, 23610 Front Street. [Read more…]
SHORE THING: You Tell ‘Em, Ted
By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
September 9, 2013
A recurring theme of critics of the Wave runs like this: “We’re tired of all the negativity. Don’t tear down; build up. If you think you can do better, then run for office. Get involved. But don’t spend your time criticizing what others are doing.”
Our critics don’t seem to have much appreciation for what’s known as the “Fourth Estate.” According to Wikipedia, the “networked Fourth Estate” can be defined as “technologies that are associated with the free press and provide a public check on the branches of government.”
Providing a public check on government is the main purpose of the Wave. In a tiny town like Cape Charles, how are you going to know what’s happening at Town Council, the Planning Commission, the Historic District Review Board, or the Wetlands and Coastal Dunes Board? Attend all the meetings as a spectator? For most people that’s just not practical. But to be an informed citizen you need to know what’s going on, and that’s where the Wave comes in. We actually report those meetings. We’re not running for office, but we are involved.
The two “real” newspapers, Eastern Shore News and Eastern Shore Post, from time to time file stories about Cape Charles, including Town Council, but those papers cover the entire Eastern Shore and don’t focus on Cape Charles. Hence the Wave.
The aforementioned papers sometimes are criticized as too “wishy-washy,” afraid to call a spade a spade. So it did our hearts good when we read the fiery opinion column by Eastern Shore News editor Ted Shockley the other week. His rebuke is directed at Accomack County supervisors after they refused to fund a new library. Shockley pointed out that the supervisors waste plenty of money through poor management. Here’s a condensation of what he wrote: [Read more…]
SATURDAY 9/28: Volunteer Oyster Growers Sought by Chesapeake Bay Foundation
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) seeks volunteers to grow oysters for Bay restoration purposes. CBF will conduct a training workshop for new oyster gardeners 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 28, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 66 Market Street, Onancock. [Read more…]
