Cape Charles Evaluates Four Options for New Town Hall Location

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Town Council met Tuesday to discuss four options for a new Town Hall, ranging from new construction on vacant land to leasing and renovating an existing church building. Each scenario carries tradeoffs in cost, accessibility, and long-term value to the town.

Option 1: Cassatt Parkway

The Cassatt Parkway site is projected to cost $7.8 million. It would involve new construction on land already owned by the town, avoiding acquisition costs. The site is centrally located with a developed plan and adequate space for municipal needs.

Pros include:

• No land acquisition costs
• A completed site plan
• Ample space for town functions
• Proximity to the geographic center of Cape Charles

Cons include:

• Extensive site work required
• Long water, sewer, and golf cart path extensions
• Poor walkability for residents and staff

Option 2: Meatland Site

Estimated at $10.86 million, the Meatland site would not only provide a new Town Hall but also upgrade the town’s entrance corridor. Town leaders say the site could be partially funded through the town’s endowment, easing the impact on taxpayers and preserving reserves for future needs.

Pros include:

• Removal of a longstanding eyesore
• Highly walkable with golf cart access
• Extra space for parking and landscaping
• Less costly site development due to existing infrastructure

Cons include:

• High acquisition cost of $3.5 million
• Demolition costs of $100,000
• Need for a new site plan ($60,000)
• Loss of commercial property from the tax base

Option 3: Town-Owned Lots on Randolph Avenue

At $7.53 million, the Randolph lots offer a slightly lower-cost option with no acquisition fees. Like the Meatland site, it benefits from its walkability and location close to the town center.

Pros include:

• No cost for land acquisition
• Lower site development costs
• Easy access by foot or golf cart

Cons include:

• Tight fit could lead to a congested appearance at the entrance to the historic district
• Additional street parking may be needed
• Underground stormwater retention would add $250,000
• A new site plan would be required ($75,000)

Option 4: Trinity United Methodist Church

The most cost-effective on paper, Option 4 would repurpose space in the Trinity United Methodist Church through a 25-year lease arrangement, paired with renovations to the existing Town Hall and Police Station for an estimated total of $4.7 million. However, the town would not gain equity, and lease terms are still under negotiation.

Pros include:

• Immediate availability of a building that meets ADA and fire safety standards
• Functional HVAC and electrical systems
• Lower upfront costs

Cons include:

• No ownership or equity from lease payments
• Aged infrastructure requiring upgrades, including IT cabling
• Insufficient parking
• Unclear long-term lease terms and maintenance responsibilities

Town officials are expected to review public feedback and financial analyses in upcoming meetings before making a final decision. Each option reflects a different balance of investment, location benefits, and long-term impact on Cape Charles’ civic infrastructure.

About the Author

Wayne Creed

Administrator

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