Comments on: Town Climbs Down from Fake Chimney Demand

By: David Boyd

David Boyd — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 19:57:48 +0000

Sounds like congrats are in order to both David Gay for his hard work and to Daniel Burke for being magnanimous enough to apologize in writing for his earlier remarks.
I know nothing about this issue, or those involved, but it seems to me that despite a few false starts, the system has ultimately worked as designed and an equitable final decision made.
For a board comprised entirely of brand new members, trying to strike a balence between allowing rennovation and preserving history, I think this is a laudable result.

By: Steve Downs

Steve Downs — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 04:22:51 +0000

It worked out fine for the homeowners minus 50 bucks and time wasted in their renovation.

By: Daniel Burke

Daniel Burke — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 00:02:55 +0000

Another way to look at this is the system actually worked. The HRB was considerate enough to take another look at that particular situation. At first glance these decisions seem to be simple. Making decisions that impact others is not simple, especially to those directly affected by it. This is especially true when you are new to these commissions. The tendency is to “go by the book.”

Being on The National Historic Register can mean many thousands of dollars in tax credits to the brave folks willing to take on rehabilitation of one of these old houses. Without the Historic Review Board we would not be eligible for this program. Without this stimulus, rehabbing one of these old timers would not make sense for most folks. We may take issue with this or that specific ruling but it is the responsibility of The HRB to keep us on the National Register and that isn’t always as easy as it seems.
Subsequent to my comment on 621 Jefferson (for the record I don’t know those people) I found out that the chairman of The HRB, David Gay, made a trip to Richmond, at his own expense, to research historical guidelines for Cape Charles. I think that more than qualifies as “getting off your duff,” and I apologize for that remark. I know David and I guarantee that no one takes the welfare of Cape Charles more seriously.

By: Susan Bauer

Susan Bauer — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 19:46:19 +0000

I value the service of the members of the Historic Review Board. They work hard to ensure that the town retains its authentic historic character. Notwithstanding, I commend everyone who has decided to take a second look at this issue, and I hope the decision to remove the non functioning chimney is upheld. My house is in this block, which is a wonderful mix of full and part timers, come heres and always been heres. I was heartbroken when my dear neighbor, the previous occupant of this home, and a part time employee of the Cape Charles Library, passed away. However, I think she would have been happy to see these two young couples restore this house, mostly by their own hard labor, and hopefully they will enjoy many years in this historic residence.

By: Karen Gay

Karen Gay — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 17:42:01 +0000

Oh, now, Mr. Downs! Don’t you think that your opinion is a little extreme? My husband is on the Historic District Review Board and I am very aware of the considerable time he has spent in the vault at the Library and at the Town offices researching not only the rules to which they must adhere, but also the history of the town so that he understands the context. He has not always voted the way the Town Council would have liked him to and I admire and respect how much he cares for the town and how much work he has invested in this volunteer “job.” I don’t know the other members of the Board, but I hope that they all have spent similar time in considering their decisions.

I believe that the issue with the chimney came up at the first meeting of the new Board. They were still learning the job. As you can see, it all worked out fine for the homeowners in the end. It is a very hard job to find a good middle ground so that homeowners can make their houses livable with little extra expense levied by the Board. I expect there will be other false starts, but hopefully with feedback published by the Wave, the Board can think again about their decisions. I would only hope that those differing opinions be be courteous to all concerned.

By: Steve Downs

Steve Downs — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:44:40 +0000

They shouldn’t have to pay one dime extra for doing what they wanted to do in the first place. The article states that the new board members were appointed. By whom? Idiots beget idiots, and stupidity reigns!