CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Town of Cape Charles is considering applying for a state grant to develop a master plan for its historic harbor and former railroad property area. This will be presented and discussed at the next Town Council Regular Meeting on July 17th.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has recommended the town apply for a Community Development Block Grant specifically for planning projects. The grant cycle opened June 16 and runs through Oct. 16, with the state reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
The proposed master plan would address the former railroad property and surrounding harbor area, with the goal of integrating the former industrial site with the downtown commercial district and nearby residential areas. The project is identified as a priority in the town’s 2025 Community Strategic Plan.
Town planning staff have been in discussions with The Berkley Group, a consulting firm specializing in community development and planning. The firm has worked with Northampton County for more than four years and is familiar with the Cape Charles area.
The town has already allocated funding for the project in both the fiscal 2025 and 2026 budgets, though no funds have been spent yet. Officials included the budget line item to ensure financial resources would be available if grant applications are unsuccessful.
The project would also require updates to the town’s zoning ordinance for the Historic Harbor Area Overlay District. The area is designated as Harbor District and Historic District Mixed Use in the town’s comprehensive plan.
If the town council decides to proceed with the grant application, officials will need to form a project management team and complete initial community outreach before submitting the application.
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Here they go again, wanting to use or claim more property that doesn’t belong to them, just because it’s not really getting used!
YEP, another way to mess up CC !