Sign up for 2014 Master Gardener Training Class
The Eastern Shore Master Gardener Program is accepting applications for the 2014 Master Gardener training class. [Read more…]
Planning Commission Further Mulls Highway Development
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
December 12, 2013
The Cape Charles Planning Commission and Northampton County planning and zoning staff continue to refine ideas about future development outside of Cape Charles on Stone Road (184) and Route 13.
Cape Charles Planning Commission reviewed ideas December 10 for how to influence development outside the town limits, including at the intersection of Route 13 and 184, which under the proposed changes to the Northampton County Zoning Ordinance would be zoned commercial.
At a recent County information meeting, Northampton Director of Development Charles McSwain asked Cape Charles Councilman Frank Wendell what he thought about having commercial enterprises at the Cape Charles traffic light that could potentially direct visitors into Cape Charles. Wendell replied that he would rather see commercial activity in the shuttered Meatland building just inside town.
The County Comprehensive Plan notes that residents are concerned about the level of commercial development on Route 13 at key intersections. The Plan says that while Route 13 has typically served through-travelers, residents are concerned that too much commercial development along the highway will create congestion, compete with commercial activities in the towns, and fundamentally alter the character of the rural “view from the road.”
The Plan also recognizes that Route 13 sits atop the prime recharge area for the County’s sole-source aquifer and ground-water supply. And it noted residents’ opposition to the extension of any Interstate road corridor running from Delaware to South Carolina, seeing it as detrimental to the County’s economy and way of life based on its natural resources and farming and maritime industries.
Planning Commission suggestions for managing commercial development coming into Cape Charles do not reflect either the County or the Town Comprehensive Plans (both of which call for encouraging development within the Town). The Planning Commission has discussed these suggestions off and on since 2010, but their origin is unclear, as they do not originate from the Comprehensive Plan or from the Annexation Agreement. [Read more…]
THURSDAY 12/12: Coastal Research Center Holiday Open House
The staff at the Anheuser-Busch Coastal Research Center invites you and your family to join us for our Open House 4-8 p.m. Thursday, December 12. [Read more…]
SATURDAY 12/14: ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Palace Theatre Has Unique Actor
Celebrate the holidays with a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the Historic Palace Theatre, 305 Mason Avenue, on Saturday, December 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $5 students and will be available for purchase at the box office immediately before performance. [Read more…]
SATURDAY 12/14: Make Christmas Ornaments, Cards at Art Workshop
Get in the holiday spirit at Arts Enter’s Christmas Art Workshop on Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Led by artist and instructor, Eden Ertle, you will make Christmas ornaments and cards for yourself or to give as gifts. [Read more…]
SUNDAY 12/15: Holly Jolly Christmas with Cape Charles Chorale and Band at Palace Theatre
The Christmas spirit is in the air! Join us at the Historic Palace Theatre for a delightful afternoon — a Holly Jolly Christmas — 3 p.m. Sunday, December 15. [Read more…]
DECEMBER 13-15: ‘Nutcracker’ Returns for 23rd Year at ESO
Months in the making, ESO Arts Center prepares its annual gift to the Eastern Shore Community with its popular rendition of the Nutcracker. Its 23rd production of the Russian Ballet turned American Classic is December 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on December 15 at Nandua High School. [Read more…]
Town Council Votes to Borrow $1 Million for New Projects
Town Treasurer Kim Coates: Without more borrowing, “we would definitely need to increase utility rates.” (Wave photo)
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
December 10, 2013
Town Council voted December 5 to borrow up to $1.03 million for projects including water and sewer infrastructure, sidewalks, and breakwaters. At a public hearing preceding the vote, three residents spoke against the borrowing and one spoke in favor.
Deborah Bender stated that in 2006 when Mayor Dora Sullivan assumed office, Town debt was under $3 million – now it is about $11 million. She asked why, although the Town had just spent $19 million on a new sewer treatment plant, more money was now needed for sewers. “How is it that Onancock built their sewer plant which is three times bigger and paid $12 million,” she wondered.
Bender also noted that the new borrowing includes $300,000 to connect new wells, but money that had already been borrowed for that purpose was instead used to buy the new library building. Additionally, she pointed out that the loan includes $150,000 for sidewalks (multi-use trail) that were already budgeted this year. Mayor Sullivan gaveled Bender before she could complete her statement.
The next speaker, David Gay, noting that the Town is already $10 million in debt, asked, “How much debt is enough? – There seems to be no accountability on how these borrowings are spent. The same projects keep coming up year after year as the justification for the loans, but the projects are never completed and the money is used for something else.” [Read more…]
