Join Delegate Rob Bloxom for the 2024 Delegates Ball. The event takes place on December 31st at 6 PM and will be held at the Chincoteague Community Center. Tickets are $100 and include Dinner, an open bar, and a New Year countdown.
Archives for December 2023
The Most Beautiful Holiday Towns
During the festive season, certain towns transform into enchanting wonderlands, evoking the true magic of Christmas. From dazzling lights to picturesque scenes straight from a holiday card, these towns capture the essence of Yuletide joy like no other. These towns, each with its unique charm, transport visitors into a world of holiday magic. Whether it’s meeting Santa in the Arctic Circle or wandering through cobblestone streets illuminated by twinkling lights, these destinations promise unforgettable Christmas memories.
A Christmas Catchecism for Cape Charles
At Thursday’s Regular Meeting, the Cape Charles Town Council rejected an appeal of the Historic District Review Board (HDRB) decision.
Q: What was the original application?
A: The application was for an extension of an expired Certificate of Appropriateness at 114 Pine Street for the construction and installation of a 3” tall vinyl vertical panel fence in the front and side yard and a 6” vertical panel privacy fence in the rear yard from Barrett Cree and Gerry Forbes.
Q: Why did the Board deny it?
A: The original Certificate of Appropriateness was from 2021, and was expired. Essentially, the applicant was trying to extend an expired certificate.
Q: Is vinyl fence even allowed in the Historic District?
A: No. At the time of this request, not only is the Certificate expired, but the material is no longer allowed.
Q: Were they trying to sneak the work in without anyone noticing?
A: Yes, the certificate expired on July 21, 2022, without the fence installation being started. The Planning & Zoning office received a complaint in September 2023 regarding 114 Pine Avenue. A violation was found regarding the fence being installed without an active Certificate of Appropriateness–work relative to the fence had been occurring sporadically in August and September 2023.
Q: What was the applicant’s excuse for the violation?
A: The applicant attempted to pass the fence work off as part of the ongoing renovation of the structure at 114 Pine.
Q: Was a more intelligent and forthright approach available?
A: Yes. Zoning Administrator Katie Nunez met with the property owners, Barrett Cree and Gerry Forbes, on November 2, 2023, concerning the violation and what options were available to him on this matter. Since he was adamant that he felt the fence was a continuous part of his house renovation project and wanted to have the opportunity to make that argument before the HDRB, Nunez finally indicated to him that he should file two applications for the November 21, 2023 HDRB: (1) a Request for Extension of the Expired Certificate of Appropriateness; and (2) a new Renovation Certificate of Appropriateness application for the fence and then to also make the case as part of that application why a vinyl fence should be allowed at this property.
Q: What happened next?
A: The applicant ignored the advice, and only submitted a Request for Extension of the Expired Certificate of Appropriateness, which was heard by the HDRB on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, and was unceremoniously slapped down.
Q: Why would they ignore what seems to be a logical path forward?
A: You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.
Q: During Town Council Deliberations, Vice-Mayor Bennett seemed taken aback about the appeal process. Why?
A: In the past, the Town Council ignored proper procedures and did exactly what they wanted to do.
Q: Katie Nunez seemed stunned by Bennett’s statement that they had never handled appeals this way before, so why do they have to do it like this now? Why?
A: The Vice-Mayor’s question left the Zoning Administrator temporarily speechless–that she would even have to field such a query was absurd. She stated that legally, the Town Council should have been doing it this way all along, especially if a decision was taken to Circuit Court.
Q: What is the correct appeal process?
A: When considering an appeal, the Town Council must rely on the written record of the decision. Information not available to the HDRB during their deliberations is not admissible during an appeal to the Town Council. The Town Council must also refer to Design Guidelines to determine if they were appropriately applied when rendering their decisions.
Therefore, the Town Council is only obligated to determine whether or not a procedural or application error has occurred in rendering the initial decision and not to override the independent judgment of the HDRB.
Q: What does it mean if the Town Council previously rendered decisions illegally?
A: Those decisions may now be null and void. An applicant or citizen could challenge those decisions in court if they choose, especially if they are fond of futile gestures.
Q: Are there any major decisions that could be questioned?
A: Yes. One of the major decisions could be the appeal made by the Hotel Cape Charles. In 2013, the hotel submitted plans for the design of the façade. However, when construction began, the plans had been reworked and were completely different from what had been originally submitted. The HDRB rejected the new plans, as well as the Certificate of Occupancy, and insisted that the hotel follow through with the design that had been submitted and approved. The HDRB followed procedure and the guidelines, however, the Town Council ignored those facts and instead delved into whether to approve the design plans or not. Town Council approved the new design, and the appeal, overriding the HDRB decision. Several members of the HDRB resigned in protest.
Q: Were there other instances?
A: Yes. In 2012, The Historic District Review Board recommended unanimously against permitting a 17-unit apartment building next to Central Park. “Converting the old school to apartments is not an appropriate use of the building,” the Board ruled. At the time, Chairman Russ Dunton reminded the Board that the Town Council is not required to adhere to the Historic District Review Board’s decision. The question now is, were they required to adhere to the decision and only rule on procedure?
Q: Is there a proper parable for Cape Charles this time of year?
A: Yes. Just ask the question.
Q: What makes Christmas in Cape Charles utterly unique?
A: The merry trio – a man, a goat, and a donkey- their antics an annual antique!
Q: How did the man from Cape Charles prepare for Christmas?
A: With a Santa hat secured and bells that jingled loud, knowing chaos with goat and donkey was around!
Q: What role did the goat play in the Cape Charles Christmas festivities?
A: The goat, a merry prankster with glee, turned tinsel into his salad spree!
Q: What was the donkey’s contribution to the holiday cheer?
A: With a wreath around his neck so grand, he watched the chaos, a peaceful stand.
Q: How did the man try to deck the halls in Cape Charles?
A: Tinsel and baubles adorned the scene, ’til the goat made them its snacking cuisine!
Q: How did the townfolk react to the antics of this trio?
A: They laughed and cheered, amidst the fray, embracing the merry chaos at play!
Q: What was the town’s favorite Christmas sight?
A: The man, goat, and donkey, quite a sight to see, spreading joy and laughter, wild and free!
Q: What was the essence of Christmas in Cape Charles?
A: Amidst the tinsel, chaos, and cheer, it was the trio’s antics that made it dear. The town embraced their lively spree, making Christmas in Cape Charles a sight to be!
Merry Christmas!
Cape Charles Selects VHB, Inc. for Beachfront Master Planning
At Thursday’s Regular Meeting, the Cape Charles Town Council approved a professional services agreement with VHB, Inc for Phase I services associated with Beachfront Master Planning. The proposed amount for these services stands at $99,840.
On August 28, 2023, the Town initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) to enlist a consultant for community outreach, planning, and engineering tied to a significant project. This endeavor drew in five proposals, marking a pivotal moment for the community’s development.
Following the RFP, the Town Manager orchestrated a committee comprising local stakeholders to meticulously assess these proposals. The process led to three firms being shortlisted for interviews, conducted in November of the same year.
Each contender showcased capabilities that could aptly handle the task, making the deliberation arduous. However, after careful consideration, VHB emerged as the committee’s choice, aligning best with the community’s ethos and vision.
The selection process adhered to state codes, strictly separating the assessment of qualifications from cost considerations. Cost details, submitted in sealed envelopes, were unveiled only after choosing the top contenders. Surprisingly, VHB’s cost proposal stood lower than the second-choice firm and commensurate with the third, reinforcing the confidence in their selection.
Financially, the Town Manager’s budget accommodates the full funding required for this contract. However, during the mid-year budget adjustment, a move to secure approximately $60,000 reimbursement to the pertinent accounts is underway.
This decision marks a pivotal step in the community’s development, anchoring progress and vision for the forthcoming Beachfront Master Plan.
Town Approves Designated Handicap Parking for Resident
The Cape Charles Town Council approved a handicapped parking space at 627 Jefferson Avenue.
In October 2023, the Town received a notice from Ms. Charlene Riley, a resident residing at 627 Jefferson Avenue, seeking assistance in securing a designated handicapped parking space near her home due to her medical condition, which severely hampers her mobility.
In response to Ms. Riley’s request, town officials engaged with the local VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) office. VDOT outlined a procedural requirement necessitating the Town’s submission of the request, accompanied by a Town Council resolution offering support, a detailed map indicating the preferred parking location, and a substantive reason for the request. VDOT’s Traffic Engineering Division would subsequently review and sanction the request if deemed appropriate, furnishing installation specifics to the Town upon approval.
EV Charging Stations One Step Closer
At Thursday’s Town Council Regular Meeting, Town Manager Hozey noted that the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in Cape Charles is getting closer. Final agreements between ANEC and Canonie Atlantic Co. have been reached, and are only waiting on final signatures.
Accomack-Northampton Electric Cooperative (ANEC) will install two Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in Cape Charles.
The stations will be installed in the public parking area behind 300 Mason Avenue. The installation has been delayed for another two weeks–the actual installation date has not been determined.
The stations will offer both Level 2 and Level 3 charging capabilities
First Day in the Bay New Years Day at 11
Ready to ring in the New Year? Experience the fun and excitement of a brisk swim in the Chesapeake Bay on New Year’s Day! Come join us for the 5th annual “First Day in the Bay”. This event is hosted by the Vacation Homeowners of Cape Charles and is a great way to start the New Year and connect with a few hundred of your neighbors!
This fundraising effort supports the local community. First Day in the Bay T-Shirts will also be available.
The event begins at 11:00 am at the Randolph entrance (near the Gazebo). We hope to see you there!
Eastern Shore of Climate Equity Workshop scheduled for February 7, 2024
In the wake of a successful community workshop launch, an exclusive invitation is extended to all stakeholders for the imminent Eastern Shore of Climate Equity Workshop scheduled for February 7, 2024. The input and perspectives of attendees are deemed invaluable in sculpting a locally driven blueprint for climate equity across the Shore.
Event Essentials
- Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
- Location: Eastern Shore Community College, 29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa, Virginia 23410
- Sessions: Opt for one of two identical sessions: 2 pm – 4:30 pm OR 5:30 pm – 8 pm
- Dinner: A sumptuous buffet available from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
This collaborative effort, steered by the University of Virginia in tandem with influential local figures from the Community Advisory Committee – André Elliott, Karen Downing, and Cora Baird, is committed to nurturing cooperation and comprehension in tackling climate adversities on the Shore.
Anticipated Highlights
- Insightful Presentations: Focused on addressing community priorities concerning climate equity.
- Interactive Stations: Engaging setups fostering participation and learning.
- Resource Exhibition: Showcasing existing tools and resources pertinent to climate equity in the area.
The event is tailored for all ages, promising an enlightening experience, and participation is encouraged. Though registration isn’t compulsory, an RSVP by January 19 is kindly requested to aid in planning.
Registration Information
Attendees are urged to register for the workshop and are welcome to share the invitation and attached postcard with other potentially interested parties. In the event of an inability to attend, nominations for replacements are accepted, along with suggestions for additional invitees.
For further details or inquiries, contact ESVAClimateEquity@virginia.edu. Explore more about the project on the website and peruse the 2023 Winter Workshop Report.
Embracing Collaboration
The organizers express their enthusiasm in partnering with the community and invite all to partake in crafting strategies to enhance the Shore’s climate equity.
In conclusion, gratitude is extended for the time and consideration, with hopes of a strong turnout and active participation at the workshop!
Eastern Shore Rural Health Clarifies Pediatric Care
The following clarification was sent to the Mirror in order to clear up a misconception in our piece “Dispute Between Eastern Shore Rural Health and Riverside Hospital Threatens Pediatric Care.”
Continuity of care is not an issue. Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital (RSMH) stopped offering pediatric inpatient (in hospital) care before moving to Onancock. Our pediatric patients are typically admitted by Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk. The only inpatient pediatric service offered at RSMH is care of newborns at the nursery. The first well-baby visit, when newborns are seen at our centers for the first time, is typically when the baby is about three to five days old. Given the only inpatient pediatric care at RSMH is the newborn nursery, Rural Health’s withdrawal from nursery coverage does not signal a significant shift in health care dynamics. Our providers will continue to follow our pediatric patients requiring hospitalization, after discharge from the hospital, just as we have always done. Please note that the model of having community pediatricians take care of children in the hospital is an outdated one. The handoff of newborns, from hospitalists to community pediatricians, is found throughout the nation.
There are complexities faced by healthcare providers in sustaining comprehensive services in rural areas. We are fortunate to have Riverside Health System on the Shore! However in this instance, the services we provide to the Shore’s children are only changed for the better given the additional appointment slots we can add when our coverage of the hospital nursery ends.
Youngkin Budget: income tax cuts, higher state sales tax
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Gov. Glenn Youngkin wants more tax cuts in Virginia – but also an increase in the state’s sales tax.
Youngkin (R) presented his budget plan Wednesday for the next two fiscal years — from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026 – to the Virginia General Assembly’s money committees in the House and Senate.
The governor’s two-year spending plan — which he dubbed the “Unleashing Opportunity budget” — proposes several tax changes in Virginia, more funding for behavioral health and child care and to pay state employees and teachers.
With Virginia operating on a two-year budget cycle, the new plan Youngkin pitched Wednesday is the only one he will be involved in from beginning to end.
But he will have to work with Democrats to get his priorities passed after the party won control of the state legislature. Based on Democrats’ initial reaction to the budget, Youngkin is facing an uphill battle.
Youngkin’s tax policy proposals include cutting 12% in income tax rates “across the board” for taxpayers, lowering the state’s top income tax rate from 5.75% to 5.1% and increasing the sales tax rate by 0.9% to 5.2%.
Virginia’s state sales tax rate is 4.3% but localities impose an additional tax, meaning some residents pay up to 7% while most pay 5.3%. Youngkin said the sales tax increase would “offset the cost” of the 12% decrease in income tax rates.
How Youngkin’s proposed income tax rate cuts would look:
- $0 – $3,000 tax bracket: From 2% down to 1.75% (13% reduction)
- $3,000 – $5,000 tax bracket: From 3% down to 2.65% (12% reduction)
- $5,000 – $17,000 tax bracket: From 5% down to 4.40% (12% reduction)
- $17,001+ tax bracket: From 5.75% down to 5.10% (11% reduction)
The reduction in individual income tax rates is expected to cut $1.1 billion from the state’s general fund revenues in fiscal year 2025 and $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2026, per Youngkin’s administration. The sales tax increase would add $520 million in fiscal year 2025 and nearly $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2026.
Youngkin also wants to expand the state’s sales tax to cover digital goods, such as data storage and streaming music, saying the move would close the “big-tech tax loophole” because the goods have been classified as services and Virginia hasn’t been able to collect taxes on them.
The budget plan from Youngkin also calls for increasing the state’s earned income tax credit from 20% to 25% of the federal earned income tax credit, a proposal Democrats have backed that would give low-income Virginians a tax break.
The governor’s administration estimates Youngkin’s plan would total $1 billion in net tax relief over the 2024-2026 biennium.
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