CAPE CHARLES – The Town of Cape Charles has submitted a $2 million grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation as it advances its comprehensive Beachfront Master Plan, with notification of funding expected by mid-November.
The grant application, submitted September 8, 2025, to the Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program, would fund the plan’s survey, final design, environmental compliance, and grant preparation efforts. Town officials are already preparing backup options, including applications for BUILD and Transportation Alternatives Program grants, should the RTA funding fall through.
The master plan, developed by Vanasse Hangen Brustin, Inc. (VHB) since December 2023, represents a significant evolution in the town’s approach to managing its beachfront area. The latest concept revisions, presented at a September 4 work session, show a more practical and community-focused design than earlier iterations.
“One of the big things was realigning the beach entrances with the end of the streets,” explained project representatives, noting how wind and sand movement patterns influenced the angled, tightened openings in the final design.
Key Changes Include Golf Cart Accommodations
Perhaps the most notable addition to the plan is dedicated golf cart parking on each block – a direct response to community feedback. The design team consulted with major golf cart manufacturers to ensure proper specifications, creating 7-foot by 12-foot spaces that could be extended to 16 feet to accommodate larger 8-seater models.
The Bay Avenue improvements would increase total parking from approximately 160 to 204 spaces – a 28% boost. The redesigned area balances vehicle and golf cart parking while incorporating bike racks to support the upcoming Rails to Trails connection.
Scaled-Back Plaza Design
The plan shows a more restrained approach to hardscaping. Original plaza designs at each entrance have been removed, with the south plaza significantly reduced in size. The Jefferson Avenue Plaza, which will house restrooms, has also been downsized. Natural sand areas will replace previously planned planting areas and turf, reducing maintenance requirements.
The south plaza area near the LOVE sign will feature tan-colored pavers and can accommodate up to five food trucks, with a dedicated ramp for vendor access. Mountable curbs throughout the design allow emergency and maintenance vehicle access while deterring regular traffic.
The master plan process began with an ad-hoc committee appointed by former Town Manager John Hozey, including representatives from various civic organizations, the yacht club, and town departments. A public survey conducted from March 25 to April 30, 2024, gathered community input that has shaped the current design.
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How much is going into town councils pockets, and can I get a cut?
There is no such thing as bribery and payola, no such thing at all in any Virginia politics or local issues!
Never happens, happened, or exists at all.
Where’s YOUR PROOF ???….
R. Chevy
What planet are you from?
Someone explain to me why anyone will go to Cape Charles for a vacation? When you have VB and OC that can accommodate more tourist with better service, better resturants, more parking for both tourist and locals, better beaches that are natural beaches not manmade like CC?
Cape Charles has lost its small town appeal. Really why go to Cape Charles and spend your money when you can get more for your money at VB or OC?
The bubble will burst. And those over priced government employees will be raising taxes again just to make sure they get a pay check. It’s now just a shameful place. Spending money they dont have.
Easy. Some people like CC more than VB or OC. Simple as that.
Both VB and OC were really nice places until ruined by tourism.
People come to Cape Charles because it’s the polar opposite of VB and OC . Small town USA . You haven’t figured that out?
Can you not figure out that Virginia Beach and Ocean City were once ‘small town USA too? How long before your idea of ‘small town USA’ in Cape Charles is gone forever too.
Can you not figure out that every place that got big was once a small town?
The topic was how people come to Cape Charles because it is the opposite of Virginia Beach and Ocean City. If it were to become ‘big’ as you say, that appeal of ‘small town USA’ would be gone and never return. Try to focus on comprehending the words you read that make up sentences that you see.
Cape Charles Town Council and departments can’t seem to get anything done without lining the pockets of some consultant.
How many iterations has this design gone through?
How much has been paid to vendors on this projects thus far?
Has Town Council disclosed any personal or professional relationships with any vendors we have spent money on?
This is the problem. Until someone other than me has the balls to stand up and ask these questions, these people are going to continue to fleece us all.