Walking down Mason Avenue, a pedestrian is
This move comes after many comments and concerns from citizens regarding the obstruction of sidewalks, specifically on Mason Avenue. After the public outcry, staff reviewed the Town Code and found that Section 62-12 regarding the obstruction of sidewalks was not being enforced (you can’t see it, but this is my surprised face).
Sec. 62-12. – Obstructing sidewalks generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to display, obstruct or leave any vehicle, merchandise or any other commodity on the sidewalks or curbs in the town so as to block, impede or endanger the safety of pedestrians in any manner. The mayor or town manager, at his discretion, may issue special permits in writing for certain exceptions to this section. (Ord. No. 305, §§ 1, 2, 4-14-70; Ord. of 3-17-81, § 4.28; Ord. of 6-8-93)
The letter will be mailed to all business owners in the town, allowing them 10 business days from the date of the letter to come into compliance, or face the consequences–a formal notice of violation (unfortunately, there is no jail time associated with this
Below, is the letter:
Dear Property Owner:It
has come to the attention of the town that many sidewalks along commercial storefronts are being obstructed in a way that restricts pedestrian access. Section 62-12 of the town code states “it shall be unlawful for any person to display, obstruct or leave any vehicle, merchandise or any other commodity on the sidewalks or curbs in the town so as to block, impede, or endanger the safety of pedestrians in any manner.”The town will begin enforcing this section of the Town Code to ensure unobstructed access along sidewalks. Property owners will be required to provide at least a four-foot unobstructed paved pedestrian pathway within the designated sidewalk area, which shall remain unobstructed at all times. A four-foot path provides the minimum amount of width for ADA accessibility. With questions regarding the location of the sidewalk area, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department. The town is allowing 10 business days from the date of this letter for property owners to clear any obstructions located within the sidewalk area. The town will then began issuing notices of violation to property owners for noncompliance, which could result in a class 1misdemeanor and associated fees as described in Section 1-10 of the Town Code. If you have any questions, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department by phone at757-331-2036, or by email at planner@capecharles.org.
About the Author
This leaves me flabbergasted…hard working people relocate to Cape Charles and invest in new business, bringing revenue to the town, spending countless hours to beautify the town, trying to turn the town into a destination that people would actually want to visit, have lunch, live, stay, shop, etc. and this is the welcome they receive? Would you prefer the old nasty run down boarded up Cape Charles? The only thing wrong with Cape Charles is people like you along with the ass end of cars spitting out exhaust on people trying to enjoy the nice sidewalks and munch needed improvements downtown. I’m not a business owner but I fully support their efforts. Not only are they trying to improve the town but they have to deal with backwards people like you in the process.
Note: You seem nice.
Debbie Garner you sure complain alot. Why are you still here? I think I here Norfolk’s calling you to go back home.
That might be taken as rude. I was born in cape charles. It by no means was a nice place till “comeheres” decided to invest in our home. With that influx of development came measures of natural and historical preservation. History of our familys that would be lost to time. Are any of those store fronts yours? Why not, if not? Obstructions on the sidewalk is a petty reason to write an article (satire or not) but a real town councle issue that can be brought up and settles in less than 5 minutes. I think the animosity towards the business owners is unwaranted and comes from somewhere else. Probably within. With the concrete factory closing and new development on the rise, your small complaints about flags are about to be shadowed by change on a scale i dont think anyone is totaly prepared for. Mostly this change gives alot of us the opportunity to stay in the comunity we love so dearly, instead of leaving for the opportunity required to raise and better a family. Most importantly.. Love Thy Neighbor. Good day and God bless.
We would prefer people like Mrs Garner stay out of Norfolk. You guys can keep her.
To clarify, this initiative is to provide safe access not only for the handicapped but for all pedestrians. This does not have to do with the “tackiness of signs, etc.,” but to provide safe, unobstructed access along our sidewalks, which have been blocked by various items (planters, merchandise, benches, etc.) in various locations. The headline takes the initiative of the Town out of context and emphasizes the Mirror’s opinion, which they are welcome to provide in their posts.
The letter provided in the monthly report to Town Council can be accessed under the April 11 Town Council Agenda, which is posted on the Town’s website. I recommend everyone read the letter for themselves prior to jumping to conclusions which are likely untrue.
Note: Nobody has a sense of humor anymore. (sigh)
Personally I think most, if not all of the flags on mason avenue should either be taken down, or raised higher. They are way too low and flap/whip in the faces of customers and pedestrians. There should also be signs on mason avenue and also bay avenue at the beach prohibiting golf carts on the sidewalks. Also why are there still signs on mason avenue that say reverse angle/back in parking only? My understanding is that was changed, so the signs should therefore come down.
I still got mine!
Not a good thing to go into old age without a sense of humor.
I grew up in cape charles an seeing how it is now “I LOVE IT EVEN MORE”
Cape Charles is my family home going back to it’s founding. I’ve seen many years of change. Heard many years of stories, and watched it’s decline. I’m nostalgic for the”old Cape Charles”, but extremely grateful for the new energy, talent, and vitality that many people from many places are bringing here! I’ve moved back here after 50 years of only visiting occasionally. One thing I am grateful for is the manners and kindness I’ve experienced here. Make a 4ft path, keep smiling, and know there are plenty of people who appreciate the new Cape Charles. Thank you.
Watson’s Hardware has been doing this for years, fans, bikes, crab traps, looks like a garage sale every day, no one has complained about the looks of his store, guess it will have to be cleaned up for the summer season.
It is His store….not yours. If you wish to have a hardware store and govern the way it looks, buy one. That one was there before you came to Cape Charles. Who do you think you are?
Oh Yeah, a liberal democrat. That is who.
No liberal here Stu, but Watson’s has for years impeded foot traffic on the sidewalks; which in Va are governed by VDOT, which specifically excludes what is being done.
He can do what he wants IN his store, but the sidewalks are public accommodations.