COMMENTARY:
Zoning Proposals Conflict with Comprehensive Plan
By JAY FORD
Executive Director
Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper
March 3, 2014
The Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper organization has expressed its concern to Northampton County officials over plans to overhaul the County zoning code. The County recently issued a statement by Economic Director Charles McSwain stating that “The proposed zoning code is consistent with the County’s adopted Comprehensive Plan.”
In fact, there are numerous conflicts with the Comprehensive Plan that would make this statement untrue. Furthermore, the County’s Planning Commission has not yet completed the five-year review of the Comprehensive Plan — nor have they held any hearings to present to the public any proposed changes to the existing Comprehensive Plan. [Read more…]
Opponents Campaign Against County Zoning Proposals
CAPE CHARLES WAVE
March 3, 2014
EDITOR’S NOTE: Northampton County is proposing a new Zoning Code. The 125 page document, plus maps, contains changes in land use and development, increased residential densities and decreased setbacks, and adds commercial and other uses in residential neighborhoods with no notice or Public Hearing. Opponents to the changes have developed the following paper:
1—If you live in a Town you may never have received a notice of these changes:
- Town-edge Districts eliminated (removed)
- Agricultural Districts (adjacent)- reduced setbacks for poultry houses-manure storage, industrial uses— rezoning permitted to commercial and multi-family units (p. 10, 11,38) [Read more…]
Council Approves $10,300 for Employee Wage Study
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
February 24, 2014
Cape Charles Town Council voted February 20 to spend $10,300 for a wage-compensation study for town employees. The study will be performed by a Minnesota firm, Springsted, Inc., that has an office in Richmond and has done work for Accomack County. [Read more…]
Town Commends Neil Lessard, Carol Habel, Mike Mullner
Carol Habel, Chief Pruitt, Mayor Sullivan, Neil Lessard (Wave photo)
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
February 24, 2014
Three local heroes were recognized February 20 by Cape Charles Town Council. Mayor Dora Sullivan presented certificates of commendation to Neil Lessard and Carol Habel for their quick rescue of a boater who fell into the water at Kings Creek Marina January 30. [Read more…]
Business Association to Mayor: Questions Unanswered
February 24, 2014
EDITOR’S NOTE: Cape Charles Business Association President George Proto read the following letter to Mayor Sullivan at the February 20 Town Council meeting and has given permission for its publication in the Wave.
Cape Charles Business Association
P. O. Box 461
Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
February 13, 2014
Mayor Dora Sullivan
Town of Cape Charles
2 Plum Street
Cape Charles, Virginia 23310
Dear Mayor Sullivan,
On August 19, 2013 I sent a letter on behalf of the Business Association relative to the proposed PSA line from Route 13 to the Cape Charles wastewater treatment plant. This letter requested that the project be put on hold until certain significant questions had been answered. Subsequently the Town Board met in a work session on September 25, 2013 to discuss these questions. Specifically, the main topics of discussion were the August 19 letter itself and a financial analysis of the proposal to address specifically one of the issues the letter raised. At that time it became clear that there was still work to be done and the Board wisely decided to require further analysis. My original letter is attached for your convenience. [Read more…]
Historic Review Board Agrees: No Chimney Needed
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
February 24, 2014
Reversing its earlier decision, the Historic District Review Board voted unanimously February 18 to allow removal of a chimney at 621 Jefferson Avenue without requiring replacement with a fake chimney. In reviewing the earlier decision, Board member Joe Ferher said, “In retrospect we could have had more complete information. Other houses on the street have had the chimney removed. A non-functioning chimney is a liability sticking out of a roof.” [Read more…]
LETTER: Town Paying $10,000 for Free Information
February 24, 2014
DEAR EDITOR,
I recently attended a Cape Charles Town Council Meeting and heard that our Town Manager, Heather Arcos, had proposed a wage hour survey be conducted for $10,000 and has already selected her preferred vendor, Springsted Inc., to do the work. Surprisingly, without any discussion, the Mayor and Town Council approved the request. [Read more…]
LETTER: Chief Pruitt Praised for Quick Work
February 24, 2014
DEAR EDITOR,
On January 30, we had an incident at Kings Creek Marina that required medical attention and our staff called 911. [Read more…]
