CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Missed trash collections, unauthorized business signs, parking problems and maintenance issues along the waterfront are among the recent complaints submitted by residents through the Town of Cape Charles’ Report-A-Concern system.
The system provides residents with a way to alert town officials to problems ranging from public works and code enforcement issues to parking and safety concerns. According to the town, each submission receives an immediate acknowledgment and is routed to the appropriate department director.
Town staff then evaluate complaints based on urgency, public safety and operational priorities.
One of the most persistent recent concerns involves missed trash collection, with numerous residents reporting problems during the past two weeks.
Town officials met with Republic Services about the complaints. According to the town report, the company said it is short-staffed and is training new employees while working toward a resolution.
Unauthorized signs draw complaints
Another issue involves sandwich boards and other signs advertising Ryan’s “Landings.” According to the report, the signs have appeared in several locations, including Strawberry Street Plaza and the harbor area, and tourists have complained about them to local shopkeepers.
Public Works employees have been removing and disposing of the signs. Town staff also contacted the business and asked that signs no longer be placed on private property.
The town noted that a zoning permit is required before putting up signage.
Officials also responded to an outdated Love & Canna street sign at the corner of Mason Avenue and Strawberry Street. The business moved several years ago, but the sign remained.
Public Works removed it, and Cape Charles Main Street is ordering a replacement sign for Curio Cottage, according to the report.
Parking, boats and abandoned bicycles
Several complaints involved vehicles and the use of public parking areas.
Residents reported people creating their own parking spaces in areas not designated for parking. Town staff forwarded the concern to the Cape Charles Police Department and advised residents that such incidents are best reported directly to police when they occur so officers can respond immediately.
A pontoon boat and truck reportedly parked in front of a residence on Tazewell Avenue for approximately 48 hours also generated a complaint. When town staff checked the location, people were actively moving the boat and truck.
Police also responded to a report of abandoned bicycles occupying a parking space near 200 Strawberry Street. The bicycles were subsequently moved.
Pier, beach and park concerns
Maintenance along the waterfront generated several reports.
One resident complained that boards on the town pier were in poor condition and that portable toilets were full. Public Works addressed the deteriorated boards. The portable toilets were serviced by the town’s contractor during its regular Tuesday cleaning schedule; the complaint had been received on a Monday.
Another concern involved warning signs posted after the beach was closed because of harmful water-quality levels. A resident reported that a closure sign was not visible near the LOVE sign or to the right of the pier.
Town staff inspected the area and reported finding signs at the beach entrances, including to the right of the pier. A sign had not been placed directly in front of the LOVE sign because the location is frequently used for photographs.
Staff indicated that Public Works will be asked to place a warning sign at that location during future closures.
Residents also reported children collecting hermit crabs from the beach, including attempts to remove crabs from conch shells. The town indicated that its options for addressing the activity are limited.
At Central Park, a resident reported hearing what sounded like a motor running at the fountain even though the fountain was turned off. Public Works was asked to investigate.
The same resident reported a hole in the grassy area between the sidewalk and roadway in front of Town Hall. Officials are determining whether the repair falls under the responsibility of the town’s Public Works Department or the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The resident also raised concerns about weeds growing in the sand along Bay Avenue and behind the LOVE sign. Town officials responded that the vegetation is part of the beach environment and helps prevent erosion.
Noise and community garden
A late-night complaint involved loud music at approximately 9:45 p.m. during a private event at the Kemp property.
Town staff followed up with the resident the next day and were told that the music stopped by 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, a report about a wasp nest forming in the New Roots drying shed was forwarded to New Roots, which said it would address the problem.
That complaint came with some praise as well. The resident told town officials they were impressed with the New Roots Community Garden and the work being done there.
The collection of reports provides a snapshot of the wide variety of issues Cape Charles officials encounter during the busy season — from routine maintenance and missed trash pickups to parking, signage, noise and conditions along the town’s heavily used waterfront.
The Report-A-Concern system is intended to give residents a direct avenue for bringing those problems to the town’s attention while allowing staff to document, route and follow up on each complaint.
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