Curiosity Cat Brings Kids Together Around the Shore
Cast members attend Northampton, Kiptopeke, Occohanock, Nandua, Broadwater, and Cape Charles Christian schools.
By WAYNE CREED
May 16, 2014
The harsh winter has finally subsided and given way to warm sun, and the hope of the coming summer. I have to admit, with chronic seasonal affective disorder, it was hard for me to get through this one (they seem to get harder each year). One thing that helped me survive was being able to spend each Saturday morning directing the youth cast of this spring’s youth show, Curiosity Cat: A Danceable Drama for Cats.
I understand that over the past few years, there have been some worries about the plight of our Shore schools, and the kids that inhabit them. From talking to some folks, you would think that we’re talking about inmates in a prison rather than students in a school. Spending any amount of time with this delightful cast would put those fears to rest.
One of the great things about Arts Enter is its commitment to bringing the arts, and the training of the arts, to so many on what is still one of the most historically underserved areas in the state. This has been highlighted with this production, where we have brought kids from all up and down the Shore, from Northampton, Kiptopeke, Occohanock, Nandua, Broadwater, and Cape Charles Christian School. This young cast brought so much energy, passion, and dedication to the task, that by now, it’s even starting to wear this old man out. Tired as I am, I wouldn’t miss a second of it — it seems each time we meet, someone does something so creative and serendipitous, so out of the box, something that fits the production so well, I sometimes have to just sit down and shake my head, thinking, “Where’d they come up with that bizzaro idea — but it works!” [Read more…]
John Bunevich, Retired Star-Ledger Editor
May 15, 2014
Cape Charles resident John James Bunevich, III, 67, passed away Friday, May 9, at his residence. The cause of death was a ruptured aortic aneurysm. A private family inurnment will be held at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Montclair, NJ.
Mr. Bunevich was born January 2, 1947, in Clifton, NJ, the son of the late John Bunevich, Jr., and the late Ann Kapolka Bunevich. After serving as managing editor of the Nutley Sun in Nutley, NJ, he spent the remainder of his professional life as an editor for the Star Ledger of Newark, NJ, before retiring to Virginia in 2001. [Read more…]
SUNDAY 5/18: Book Signing at Bad Girlz Has Local Connection
Author C.J. Golden will visit Bad Girlz Collective 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, to sign her new book Reflections From Beyond: Sharing a Message of Hope, Peace and Kindness , a biography of near-death experiencer and local resident Tracy LaCroix. [Read more…]
County Supervisors Get Earful on Zoning Ordinance
Local Realtor David Kabler addresses Northampton Board of Supervisors May 13, calling the proposed zoning ordinance “a perversion” of the existing ordinance that so many worked so hard to enact. (Wave photo)
By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
May 15, 2014
Close to 150 residents turned out May 13 for the Northampton County Board of Supervisors meeting, most of them concerned over a “business-friendly” rezoning plan that would remove existing environmental, density, and industrial restrictions. The audience had been advised to come at 7 p.m., but the meeting agenda was front-loaded with eight public hearings before the time for general comments, which did not begin until 9:30 p.m. Supervisors and staff had it even worse, having begun at 4 p.m. with a closed session, followed by various reports and a supper break. The meeting did not end until 10:45 p.m.
Chairman Larry LeMond opened the public comments section with a warning that he “would not tolerate any threats . . . we’ve heard enough of them” – an apparent reference to discussion on the Internet about possibly petitioning the Circuit Court to have the Supervisors removed from office if they fail to honor the vision statement in the County Comprehensive Plan. Only newly elected supervisor Granville Hogg (1st District – Cape Charles) has been exempt from removal threats, and only Hogg has indicated some sympathy with opponents of the draft zoning ordinance.
Fifteen residents came to the podium to speak their mind.
Robert Richardson of Seaview said experts agree that there is “no pollution on the seaside – so there’s no justification for the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in the Capeville district.”
CBES board member John Ordeman of Nassawadox said that Northampton citizens have been speaking “loudly and clearly against the proposed zoning changes. They have presented scientific facts, the opinions of experts, the sound reasoning of landowners concerned about their right to protect the value of their property. You know these people – you know them to be intelligent and knowledgeable, honorable, and genuinely concerned for the well-being of this county. . . . Listen to the many who truly represent the will of the people.” [Read more…]
Cape Charles Yacht Center Opens Thursday
One of the first boats to be hauled with the 75-ton Travel Lift at Cape Charles Yacht Center (ESLAND photo)
By CINDY MACKEY
Esland Press Release
May 14, 2014
The Cape Charles Yacht Center officially opens for business Thursday, May 15. It will be the only superyacht (over 79 feet) center on the Chesapeake Bay. The Yacht Center is being developed by ESLAND, is a real estate development partnership based in Cape Charles that specializes in preserving historic properties and large-scale economic development initiatives to bring jobs and stimulate the economy of the Shore.
“The location along the Mid-Atlantic is strategic since we offer a deep, secure harbor with quick access to the Atlantic,” said ESLAND partner Eyre Baldwin. “There are few places for these types of yachts to stop for service, repairs, or to enjoy the area between New England and Miami. The proximity to the ocean is very convenient, but we also offer a charming destination on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.” Baldwin is hosting a launch party for the yacht center beginning 5 p.m. Thursday for invited guests.
The yacht center is seen as a significant development that will change industry on the Eastern Shore. Components include a 40-acre harbor district and an 80-acre industrial park with access through a new road that will connect the harbor to Route 13, providing direct access for trucks to the harbor. The yacht center will immediately create 36 jobs with an estimated 80 to 100 new jobs over three years, Baldwin said. [Read more…]
Showdown Tuesday on County Zoning Ordinance
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
May 12, 2014
Opponents of a plan that would drastically reduce Northampton County zoning restrictions are marshaling forces for a showdown with the Board of Supervisors tomorrow (Tuesday). A group called Citizens for Open Government on the Eastern Shore is urging County residents to attend the Supervisors meeting and speak against the proposed changes during public comment time.
The Supervisors meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, in the County Administration Building Board Room (2nd floor) in Eastville.
The Citizens Group is circulating a fact sheet on consequences of the proposed zoning ordinance, which it says would:
— Eliminate protection of the seaside marshes included in the Chesapeake Bay Protection Act;
— Eliminate Special Use Permits for a large number of land uses, bypassing public hearings and public notice to neighbors;
— Allow prisons, disposal of dredge spoils, large biomass refineries, and heavy manufacturing by right in industrial zones, including on land surrounding incorporated towns;
— Remove the Town Edge designation;
— Dramatically increase density in most zoning districts, including along waterways, apparently using the Virginia Beach waterfront condo model as a “vision”;
— Eliminate odor controls on poultry houses and reduce setbacks for manure storage;
— Eliminate affordable housing options such as single-wide mobile homes;
— Increase the number of waterfront homes allowed on the seaside;
— Allow Planned Unit Developments to be built wherever land is available; and
— Reduce setbacks for shorelines and wetlands. [Read more…]
COMMENTARY
‘By Right’ Development Means No Right to Say NO
By DONNA BOZZA
May 12, 2014
Usually we don’t pay much attention to the fields by our homes, or down the road, or alongside our town, though most of Northampton County is filled with these pretty vistas.
Now consider this all too real scenario: Gone are the fields. Instead, you see a wastewater treatment plant, a dredge spoil disposal site, or perhaps a prison. This project will have a direct impact on your property values. Did you and your neighbors have any say in its building? How about input in how adverse affects could be lessened to protect your town?
The answer is a startling NO if the Northampton County proposed zoning passes. These, and a long list of land uses including heavy industrial and high impact development, will now be “By Right.” To be blunt, if the developers want to build it, they will have the right to do so.
Citizens, on the other hand, will have no rights, no say, no recourse to shape development that affects what for most of us is our biggest investment — our homes.
Certainly economic development is needed; few dispute that. However, taxpayers who carry most of the burden of funding the county have a right to weigh in on what their community will be like now and in the future.
The proposed zoning virtually eliminates Special Use Permits for a large number of land uses. Most reputable developers respect these permits, considered a smart planning tool by countless locales. Currently if you have concerns about a proposed project — be it migrant labor camp, airfield, or biomass refinery — you can attend a public hearing and provide feedback. The developer can offer proffers to mitigate harm to the community by limiting the size, hours of operation, enact noise and odor controls, increase buffers, etc.
With the proposed zoning, there is no public hearing or public input. It’s a done deal. Even if the BOS believes the project will do more harm than good, if it’s in the zoning their hands are legally tied. [Read more…]
LETTER
Mayor-Elect: Town Is Heading in Right Direction
May 10, 2014
DEAR EDITOR,
Tuesday’s election drew more than 400 voters to the polls, a large turnout which spoke of its importance to the people of Cape Charles and their commitment to our town and the democratic process. I want to thank all the voters who came out and participated.
To those who voted for me, I wish to express my appreciation for your support and confidence in my ability to lead our town. To those who did not vote for me, I recognize that you have legitimate concerns, some of which are shared by those who supported me, and I’ll do my best to listen to you as to everyone.
To me, this election says that the majority of the people feel the town is headed in the right direction. At the same time there are a number of matters which need to be examined in an open and constructive matter — from our local economy and fiscal responsibility, to community needs, to our long term future. I will work for compromise to find the best solutions for the town as a whole and to develop teamwork.
Perhaps more importantly, many of those who did not support me have come forward and expressed a strong willingness to work together in a spirit of cooperation. These expressions are encouraging and speak well for the future of our town.
This town has a great deal of talent. Together I am confident that we can help Cape Charles maintain its small town charm while continuing to grow for the benefit of all the citizens.
I look forward to helping to do this.
GEORGE PROTO
Cape Charles
Letters to the Editor are welcome, and a diversity of opinions is encouraged. Send submissions to [email protected].
