A Cape Charles citizen has appealed the August 15, 2017 Historic District Review Board decision that approved a large home at 8 Bay Avenue. Erin Harvey of 340 Randolph contends that the home violates existing zoning ordinances, and also sets an inappropriate precedent for Bay Avenue. Harvey told the Mirror, “I wish them (home owners) no ill will and hope they do make a happy home in Cape Charles (just not quite so big).”
The Town Council will hear the appeal on Thursday October 5, 2017 at 6:00 pm in the Cape Charles Civic Center, located at 500 Tazewell Avenue.
Below is the letter and request for appeal:
Dear Council:
It is my understanding that the Historic District Review Board on August 15, 2017 approved a proposed expansion of the house currently located at 8 Bay Avenue. It is my understanding Town Council reviews such approvals and may choose to overrule their decisions.
This letter is my notice of an appeal of the decision regarding 8 Bay Avenue for the reasons outlined below. I would greatly appreciate the Council taking the time to review all of the relevant facts (FYI – all data below was provided to me by Town Planner or Commissioner of Revenue in Eastville).
The building plans submitted for 8 Bay Avenue show a house that includes a total area of 9,239 square feet, including 9 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms. This is far larger than any other home ever constructed within the historic district.
On page 4 of Article III of our Zoning Ordinance, it stipulates that “new construction and additions be compatible, sympathetic, and complementary to existing buildings.” It goes on to say that “the proportions of new construction should relate, 1:1, to the prevailing standards present in the neighborhood. Comparing new construction to the existing structures in a neighborhood is to see the 1:1 proportion of the building to another.”
Existing homes in the residential zone on Bay Avenue are already some of the largest homes in the historic district:
•204 Bay Ave (3429 total square feet)
•212 Bay Ave (3900 total square feet)
•306 Bay Ave (3600 total square feet)
compare to…
•8 Bay Ave (9,239 total square feet) [Read more…]