EXTRA
County Planning Commissioner Coker Quits in Disgust
CAPE CHARLES WAVE
August 7, 2014
Stating that “I can no longer serve in good conscience given the flawed processes we are working under,” Northampton County Planning Commission Vice-Chair Martina Coker submitted her resignation August 5 effective immediately. Coker was the District 1 representative, which includes the Cape Charles area.
“I continue to be dismayed at the manner in which the Zoning Ordinance was developed and proposed, without any public input or analysis of data which could support proposed changes,” she wrote, adding that there could be a “significant detrimental effect on residential property values” as a result.
Coker did not attend the August 5 Planning Commission meeting, but submitted her statement to be read at the meeting. Economic Development Director Charles McSwain reportedly suggested that Coker’s statement be included in the record but not read out loud. But after it was pointed out that Coker had so requested, the letter was read.
Coker’s frustration comes from the County Board of Supervisors’ refusal to give the Planning Commission more than 100 days to review what amounts to a whole new zoning code for the county. She wrote: “The proposed ordinance strips property owners of their rights to maintain their property value by eliminating Special Use Process for virtually all uses, many of which could decimate property values.” [Read more…]
Who Still Uses a Privy? Commission Wants to Know
August 4, 2014
The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (A-NPDC) is asking Eastern Shore residents to provide information regarding the location of properties that lack indoor plumbing in Accomack and Northampton Counties. Properties that lack indoor plumbing do not have the capability to dispose of sewage waste inside the residence. These properties typically utilize an outdoor pit privy or outhouse, although some properties fail to have outdoor facilities as well.
While pit privies may be permitted by the Virginia Health Department if constructed and maintained properly, many do not meet the regulated standards and pose a significant public health risk and have extremely adverse impacts on the quality of adjacent water bodies and the environment. [Read more…]
Wounded Warriors Treated to Delights of Eastern Shore
By JOE VACCARO
American Legion Post 56
August 4, 2014
Post 56 recently hosted a Wounded Warrior weekend barrier island excursion with the assistance of an organization called the Freedom Hunters. The event started with a Saturday breakfast with 23 wounded warriors, their family members, and numerous members of Post 56. The Warriors were led to the Miss Jennifer at Cherrystone Campground where they enjoyed a day of fun, fellowship, and fishing under the expert guidance of Capt. Ray Cardone.
The Warriors returned to Post 56 and were treated to a wonderful meal of ham, chicken, vegetables, and desserts prepared by Post 56 Chaplain Wilson Leggett and his wife, Diane. The Warriors then proceeded to the Rittenhouse Motor Lodge where Bob Rittenhouse provided free rooms to several members of this organization.
On Sunday the Warriors met again with Post 56 members for breakfast and were directed to the Oyster Boat Ramp where they boarded boats and toured the barrier islands and beaches. The group was led by Capt. Wilson Leggett and Capt. Chuck Williams, Bobby Cheney, Bernie Davis, Jim White, Hank Jones, Post 56 Adjutant Bob Roche, and Lester Clark.
This was a weekend filled with both poignant and triumphant moments and created a friendship and bond between the Warriors and Post 56 that will never be broken. At the end of the weekend event and as a token of their appreciation, the Freedom Hunters presented Post 56 an encased American flag that was a flown over a base in Afghanistan.
Weekend participants in front of American Legion Post 56.
Fund Established for Children of Tornado Victims
Lord Balatbat and Lolibeth Ortega shown with their three children: Lheandrew, 13, Lharizia Ann, 12, and Lheana Ann, 7
July 26, 2014
A fund for the three children of the couple who died in the tornado at Cherrystone Campground has been set up at PNC Bank.
All monies contributed will be distributed to the court-appointed legal guardian of the children.
Organizers hope that Shore residents will pull together and help these kids who have lost their parents.
Mail checks to:
Balatbat-Ortega Children’s Fund
PNC Bank
PO Box 623
Onley, VA 23418
Checks may also be hand delivered to the PNC bank in Onley.
County Overview of Storm Aftermath
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY PRESS RELEASE
July 25, 2014
The state of emergency has been lifted effective 8:30 a.m., Friday, July 25.
A strong thunderstorm with damaging winds and hail impacted the Cherrystone Campground area of Northampton County around 8:30 a.m. on July 24. Impacts from this wind event were extensive with many overturned campers and vehicles. In addition many campsite patrons were injured, with the Northampton EOC reporting 35 injuries requiring hospitalization and 2 confirmed fatalities. National Weather Service Wakefield visited the site and has confirmed the damage is consistent with an EF-1 tornado.
Northampton County declared a state of emergency immediately following initial response. Search and rescue operations were immediate and were well coordinated among various federal, state and local agencies. A mandatory evacuation of the campground was issued and 1,380 visitors to the campsite were evacuated to Northampton High School for temporary shelter. Many camp patrons subsequently found individual shelter options while others remained at the Northampton shelter. In the late afternoon, camp patrons were allowed temporary access to the campsite to retrieve personal items.
Northampton County requested assistance from the Hampton Roads Incident Management Team to continue overnight operational planning and coordination. This team will serve in an incident support role for Northampton County to assist in the recovery efforts. By 9 p.m. July 24 the Northampton shelter was closed, as most camp patrons had found temporary housing solutions.
Today, camp patrons will be allowed additional site access for the purposes of property recovery and personal property damage assessment. Governor Terry McAuliffe is scheduled to arrive at the campsite at 10:45 a.m. to conduct a site assessment and deliver a press conference. Media assets will be allowed to park at a designated staging area and will be allowed limited and controlled access within the campsite. [Read more…]
EXTRA: County Declares Local Emergency
Overturned camper at Cherrystone Campground (Photo: Jordan Bertok)
July 24, 2014
RESOLUTION
DECLARATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Northampton does hereby find that due to the tornado which occurred on July 24, 2014, the County of Northampton is facing a condition of extreme peril which necessitates the proclamation of the existence of an emergency in order to provide mitigation, preparedness, and activities to protect life and property;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED that an emergency now exists throughout said County; and
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that during the existence of said emergency the powers, functions, and duties of the Director of Emergency Services, and the Peacetime Emergency organization of the County of Northampton shall be those prescribed by state law and the ordinances, resolutions, and approved plans of the County of Northampton in order to mitigate the effects of said emergency.
Date: July 24, 2014
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
County of Northampton
Commonwealth of Virginia
Northampton County issued the following press release at 11 a.m.:
At approximately 8:30 this morning, a tornado struck the Cherrystone area just north of Cape Charles, VA, and moved across the lower Eastern Shore (DelMarVa Peninsula) toward the east over parts of Cheriton. The area impacted includes some of the more populated neighborhoods in the county. Early reports indicate heavy damage was sustained. A tornado alert was issued just before the storm hit. However, one heavily impacted area was a concentration of camp vehicles along the Chesapeake Bay. [Read more…]
Don’t Like Town Water? It Could Get Worse
SOLE-SOURCE AQUIFER DETAIL
By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
July 21, 2014
There’s a limited supply of groundwater in the Cape Charles vicinity, and the town needs to prepare to deal with saltwater intrusion now. That’s according to Elaine Meil of the Accomack-Northampton County Planning District Commission, who addressed the Cape Charles Planning Commission June 30. Meil said the problem is still a few years away, but that the town needs to begin planning for it.
According to groundwater modeling done by the United States Geological Survey, “saltwater intrusion can be expected in town wells over time and the town should be aware of this problem,” Meil said, adding that:
- Groundwater studies have shown limited groundwater in the Cape Charles vicinity. This is a natural feature of the area.
- The Eastern Shore of Virginia Ground Water Committee works extensively on groundwater issues and they have funded the USGS to develop a groundwater model. This model is the best source of information regarding changes to groundwater in the Cape Charles area.
- Long term, the Town may need to change water treatment technologies or obtain water from the Eastville area of Northampton County or possibly from the southern tip.
Town staff has applied to renew the 10-year DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) Groundwater Withdrawal Permit at 68 million gallons per year, a reduction from 252 million gallons per year. The current use is just under 40 million gallons per year, Meil noted. [Read more…]
Change of Command at American Legion Post 56
On July 8, Dave Steward passed the leadership role for American Legion Post 56 to incoming Commander Joe Vaccaro. The ceremony was well attended and Vaccaro praised Steward for his efforts to support the veterans on the shore. Vaccaro pledged to continue Steward’s efforts and announced that he would seek more membership for Post 56 and advocate for a Community Based Outpatient Clinic for the shore. [Read more…]
