One Man’s Fight Against a Pig House in a Park
New park toilet was designed by a California architectural firm to match the existing sewer pumping station shown above. (Wave photo)
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
December 6, 2012
Last Monday, Don Riley was taking his morning stroll down Monroe Avenue when he saw workmen pounding posts into the ground in Central Park just off Plum Street.
Riley asked what it was all about, and was told that the posts delineated where the new park toilet would be constructed. He further learned that the new building would be the same size, shape, and style as the sewer pumping station just up the sidewalk.
Riley was incredulous. And he was immediately concerned for the owner of 500 Monroe, whose magnificent home sides to the park.
Riley worries that when the owner next comes to town, she will be greeted by a view of a pig house in the park.
That’s the name Riley has given the new toilet, because it reminds him of the brick house built by one of the Three Little Pigs.
Riley said he walked straight to the mayor’s store to ask why a little brick pig house was going up in the park. Whose idea was that?
Mayor Dora Sullivan sent him to talk to Bob Panek.
Panek is the assistant town manager, but the park toilet project is not being managed by the Town of Cape Charles. Instead, it is being undertaken by Citizens for Central Park.
Panek also happens to be the president of Citizens for Central Park. [Read more…]
SATURDAY 12/8: Cape Charles Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade
The recently formed Cape Charles Yacht Club is sponsoring the inaugural Cape Charles Lighted Boat Parade beginning 5 p.m. Saturday, December 8. [Read more…]
LETTER:
Hotel Owner Gammino: My Investment Was Based on Personal Passion for Cape Charles
December 5, 2012
DEAR EDITOR:
I would like to offer a more detailed explanation to your readers as it regards the Hotel Cape Charles recent request to appeal the decision of the Town of Cape Charles Historic Review Board (HRB).
We will seek the approval of Town Council of the modified design submission, denied on November 20, 2012, by the HRB. I respect the varied opinions offered in response to this process, and hope that additional information will clarify our reasoning and address some of the concerns we are aware of.
It is regretful, and I accept sole responsibility for the fact that the Hotel has become the focus of the community in this unfortunate manner.
While I do not agree with the conclusion of the HRB that the current design is not appropriate within the District, I respect their authority in reaching this decision. I also appreciate their efforts in considering the modified design submission.
However, given our very strong belief that the Hotel represents a beautiful example of modern architecture complementary of its surroundings, we are proceeding to the next level of review and hope for a different interpretation.
There are a number of comments which criticize the decision to seek Town Council approval, and reference the application process and a lack of related approval. I understand and accept this valid criticism.
We did not complete the project as originally submitted. The reason for this relates to a very compressed construction schedule with challenging travel-related logistics. [Read more…]
Hotel Owner Petitions Town for Relief on Glass Balconies
Click above to access the Hotel Cape Charles petition.
By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
December 4, 2012
After receiving a second rejection by the Historic District Review Board, Hotel Cape Charles owner David Gammino is using the Internet to mount a popular appeal.
The hotel has closed for the winter, but according to Gammino, the Town of Cape Charles will not allow it to reopen in March unless the glass balconies are replaced with wrought-iron railings to lend an “historic” air to the otherwise modern facade.
At the Review Board’s meeting in September, Gammino pleaded that wrought iron would ruin the look of the building as well as add tremendous expense. The glass panels had cost $60,000. “We don’t have the money to make that kind of change. We are $800,000 over budget already,” he said then.
At the November Review Board meeting, a proposal by Gammino’s architect for wooden casings around the glass wall edges was considered and rejected. Board Chairman Russ Dunton said the Board’s decision was final, and any appeal would have to be considered by Town Council.
But Gammino’s appeal is to the court of public opinion. In a published comment last night in the Wave, he wrote: “As the developer and contractor, I continue to express my apologies and accept responsibility for this situation. As a business owner I am trying to resolve the issue. We are still hoping that we can seek approval of our design through Town Council. Our petition is as follows: [Read more…]
Grand Illumination Features Music, Pony Rides & Golf Carts
DECEMBER 2, 2012 — Northampton High School Band, under the direction of Jason Burnett, performed Christmas music in the pavilion at Central Park Saturday night for the annual Grand Illumination in the Park. Cape Charles Vice Mayor Chris Bannon welcomed the band, noting that he had not heard them perform in Cape Charles in 10 years. Saturday’s Grand Illumination carried the tradition into its third year. Children thrilled to rides on a pony train along the park sidewalk ringed with candles, which resembled an airport runway at night. Every spectator received an unlit candle, and members of the Cape Charles Police and Volunteer Fire departments, led by Police Chief Sambo Brown, each lit a spectator’s candle. Each lit candle was then used to light other candles until all were lit. Nancy Daniel Vest read a 1959 Christmas poem urging charity and forgiveness for the season, as well as starting the new year off fresh. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mayor Dora Sullivan led a countdown to the Grand Illumination, when trees throughout the park were lit with Christmas lights. Special mention was made of the tree planted in honor of the late Melvin Dudley, a well-remembered friend of the Town and the park. The festivities then continued with a parade of illuminated golf carts which made their way to Mason Avenue’s Palace Theatre, where the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” was shown. Earlier in the day, the Cape Charles Christian School held a Santa’s House (which will be repeated next Saturday), and the Town’s Bed & Breakfasts joined in a “Cookie Trail” open house. With the opening of Bay Haven Inn at 403 Tazewell Avenue, owned and operated by Jim and Tammy Holloway, Cape Charles now has five B&Bs, and a sixth nearby on King’s Creek. (Wave photo)
Mary Elizabeth Brady, Cape Charles Resident, Oyster Native
December 1, 2012
Mary Elizabeth Brady, 77, wife of the late John Edward Brady and a resident of Cape Charles, passed away Friday, November 30, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox.
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, December 9, at 2 p.m. at Sunnyside Village Community Center with Pastor Joe Moore officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to S.P.C.A. Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418.
Ms. Brady was a native of Oyster, and was the daughter of Louise Brady Parker of Cape Charles and the late Howard L. Parker. She was a member of Travis Chapel United Methodist Church. [Read more…]
Sunday Service for Frederick Etz at Cape Charles Cemetery
December 1, 2012
Frederick P. “Fred” Etz, Jr., 57, a resident of Capeville, passed away Thursday, November 29, at his residence.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 2, at 2 p.m. at Cape Charles Cemetery with Pastor Patricia S. Money and Reverend Jeff Conrow officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cheriton United Methodist Church, c/o Jo Ann Heneghan, P.O. Box 297, Cheriton, VA 23316.
Mr. Etz was a native of Cheriton, and was the son of the late Frederick P. Etz, Sr., and the late Phyllis Parker Etz. He was a farmer, waterman, and member of Cheriton United Methodist Church. [Read more…]
LETTER
Eastern Shore Library System Strengthens Cape Charles
November 30, 2012
DEAR EDITOR:
What a wonderful article Sarah Barban has written about the new libraries!
It is always such a pleasure to see people who enthusiastically support us and realize how essential a good library is for the community surrounding it.
I especially appreciated the way you emphasized that the Cape Charles Memorial Library is part of the Eastern Shore Public Library System. The new library in Onley should help the new location of the Cape Charles library become an even stronger magnet for its community. [Read more…]
