SUNDAY 3/10: Cape Charles Band Rehearsal at ArtsEnter

Interested in joining the Cape Charles Band? Come on out 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at ArtsEnter on Mason Avenue for the next rehearsal. [Read more…]

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FRIDAY 3/8: Linda Schulz Speaks on Early Childhood Education

The Science and Philosophy Seminar of the Eastern Shore of Virginia will present “Early-childhood Education: When Does Workforce Development Begin?” 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, in the Eastern Shore Community College lecture hall, 29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa. [Read more…]

ANALYSIS: Judge Dismisses Old School Lawsuits

Early photo of 1912 Cape Charles School at Central Park. Town has paid a developer over $200,000 in cash and incentives to take the building, parking lot, and basketball court. Another $80,000 went for legal fees.

By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

March 4, 2013

Circuit Court Judge Revell Lewis has dismissed lawsuits contesting the sale and rezoning of the old Cape Charles school and parkland.

The local civic organization Old School Cape Charles had submitted a litany of reasons to the court why the sale and rezoning were illegal, including improper notice, defective application documents, violation of the Town of Cape Charles Comprehensive Plan, unlawful “contract zoning,” arbitrary and capricious votes by Town Council, and violation of equal protection and due process.

Judge Lewis declined to consider any of the complaints, finding instead that no legal provision exists to contest them.

Lewis found that the Virginia code “contains no provision authorizing an action contesting a decision of a local governing body to sell or dispose of its real estate or an appeal thereof to this Court.”

Lewis also cited a Virginia Supreme Court opinion that severely limits a third-party challenge to a governmental action, and therefore found “no statutory authority” for challenging Town Council’s actions.

The judge’s ruling would appear to give carte blanche to municipalities. While the Town is bound by state law, the judge saw no way for a group of citizens to compel adherence by the Town to any law — at least not in the Circuit Court. [Read more…]

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THURSDAY 3/14: Circle of Friends Seeks Enlightenment

The first gathering of the Circle of Friends will take place at the old Cape Charles Library 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14. [Read more…]

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…]