ORAL HISTORY: How Harbor Avenue Got its Skew

May 19, 2014

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Cape Charles Historical Society has for more than a decade been recording oral histories of the area’s earlier days.  A grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities enabled 15 interviews to be transcribed, and the Historical Society has made this one available for readers of the Wave.  All the transcriptions may be read at the Cape Charles Museum.)

1990 Interview of Virginia Fitzhugh conducted by Virginia Savage

PART ONE

VIRGINIA SAVAGE:  I am talking to Virginia Fitzhugh, who was born and raised in Cape Charles.  Virginia, what was your maiden name?

Virginia Sadler.  I was raised in Cape Charles.  I was born next door to the old Virginia Hotel and the Henderson Travis House. [Across from the Post Office, on the southwest corner.  Her father was Capt. Sadler, a NYP&N steamer captain.]

West side of Virginia Hotel?  Which would be right across from the Post Office on the corner of Strawberry and Randolph.

That’s where I was born.  And then Daddy bought the house up in the middle of the block on Randolph.  I don’t know who lives there now but he bought right in the middle.  Alva Stiles used to live there.  And then Daddy built the first house that was built this side of Pine Street other than the house that was back in the woods.  And he bought the lot from the Scott Estate and built down there.  And we thought we were right on the beachfront.  The corner of Tazewell and Harbor.

Did he have to build that house on pilings?

No.  He happened to get the house part of the land that was down there.  And see, the beach came right up to Harbor Avenue.  Sand and everything.  That’s a built in place from Harbor right up to beachfront.  That was sand that was blown up and built up all that up there.  Daddy thought he was right on the beachfront.

Isn’t that amazing!   I knew that Jeannette Edgerton’s house, for one, was built on pilings.

Well, all those apartments across from us, they’re all built on pilings.  And we used to watch them and the pile driver would hit one and it would go out of sight and they’d have to put another one right on top of it.  You see, that’s all swamp there.  And because it had the cat o’ nine tails and the grass that grows on the beach and all that stuff. [Read more…]

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Half-Millionth Visitor to Eastern Shore Welcome Center

By KERRY ALLISON
Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission

May 17, 2014

Jacque Dumoulin and his wife, Shirley, driving from Florida to Pennsylvania to visit family, needed a break after they arrived on the Virginia Eastern Shore via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and stopped at the rest area on the right. As is often the case, they noticed the tiny, cheerful and information-rich visitor center housed in the same building and decided to take a look around.

When Mr. Dumoulin walked through the Welcome Center door, he was greeted by Allan Burns, center manager, as the official half millionth visitor to the Eastern Shore Southern Gateway Welcome Center, which opened in August 2009. It’s another milestone for the center, which has seen increases in utilization every year since opening and averages 10,000 visitors monthly.

The lucky Dumoulins were showered with gifts, all local treasures donated by Eastern Shore businesses. “We can’t wait to tell our daughter and her family,” Dumoulin said. “We’ve never stopped here before and had no idea this area was so interesting.” He pointed to the 3D map of the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, one of the state-of-the-art features of the Welcome Center, which has four attention-grabbing light box displays, two 3D exhibits, a real-time video weather feed, videos showcasing local attractions, area restaurant menus, and over 200 rack cards touting everything from history, recreation, shops, restaurants and lodging to upcoming events. A touchscreen information kiosk in a corridor just outside the center helps visitors who stop in during off-hours. [Read more…]

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3rd Annual Crabby Blues Festival Saturday in the Park

By TAMMY HOLLOWAY

May 16, 2014

Saturday, May 17, from 3-8 p.m., the 3rd Annual Crabby Blues Festival sponsored by Rayfields Pharmacy will fill Central Park with the sounds of great music, the smell of good food, and the feeling of good community fellowship.

This year will be bigger and better than ever with even more adult and kids games, music sponsored by ESLAND, food from fabulous vendors, and adult beverages sold by Citizens for Central Park.

Performers include the Cape Charles Community Band, Freshwater Frank and the Fish, The Motto, Mr. B. and the Boys, and the classic sound of the Inspectors.

Don’t miss the chance to bid on a Jimmy Buffett autographed guitar, which is among many fabulous silent auction items. And you will want to shop the park green to check out the unique and creative art and gift vendors.

For the first time ever we will have commemorative Crabby Blues Festival T-shirts, sponsored by Ocean Cove Seafood and available for adults and kids. A limited number have been ordered so make sure to get them early in the day!

Advance tickets are $10/adults and $5/children. At the gate they are $15/adults and $5/children. Purchase tickets at Rayfield’s Pharmacies, Sullivan’s Office Supply, Kings Creek Marina, Northampton Lumber, Little Italy Restaurant, and the Cape Charles Christian School. [Read more…]

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Curiosity Cat Brings Kids Together Around the Shore

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…]

County Supervisors Get Earful on Zoning Ordinance

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…]

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Cape Charles Yacht Center Opens Thursday

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…]

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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…]

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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].

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COMMENTARY: Setting the Registers to Zero

By KAREN GAY

May 8, 2014

I was an observer at the elections in Cape Charles on Tuesday. My initial job was to make sure that the registers were set to zero. Each voting machine has an electronic counter on the front of it which is incremented as each person casts a vote. Having the registers set to zero at the beginning of an election assures that no candidate obtains a head start in the counting.

I see this initial validation as a metaphor for our collective town future. Those of us in the vocal, but defeated, minority now have an opportunity to do as the election officials did in the early hours of Tuesday morning: Set the registers to zero.

The voices of the majority have spoken. Let’s all start again by showing respect for our democratic process. Let’s give the new Mayor and Council an opportunity to fix things that some see as broken. Things that I feel strongly about are as follows:

— Allowing citizens to speak their minds at the Town Council meetings and having the Council members actually take an interest in what is said.

— Arranging periodic town meetings to obtain citizen feedback for major town projects before the Council has decided on a course of action.

— Being watchful of the money that citizens give to the town to run it.

— Avoiding snap spending decisions.

— Keeping staffing to the minimum possible. [Read more…]

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CAPE CHARLES ELECTION RESULTS

May 6, 2014

Unofficial results for Town of Cape Charles May 6 municipal elections:

Total voters – 419

MAYOR
(E) George Proto – 264
Frank Wendell – 149

TOWN COUNCIL
(E) Chris Bannon – 258
(E) Joan Natali – 251
(E) Charles “Sambo” Brown – 238
Lynn Mitchell-Fields – 168
David Gay – 150
Deborah Bender – 129

(E) = Elected

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