Cape Charles Public Works Adapts to Growing Seasonal Demands, Prepares for Summer Surge

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — As Cape Charles prepares for the busy summer season, Public Works is adjusting operations to meet the growing demands of both residents and visitors, particularly during the expanding shoulder seasons.

This year, the department has once again moved up its weekend and after-hours coverage to ensure public restrooms remain open and maintained during peak times. The beach restroom is now operational following renovations funded by Cape Charles Main Street, although some additional work is still needed. Officials say the remaining improvements will not interrupt restroom availability.

In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), street sweeping was completed in town this week, a routine effort aimed at keeping public spaces clean and welcoming as warmer weather returns.

“The warm weather has brought a heavy volume of brush and yard waste,” Public Works Manager [Name] said. “Our team is working to stay ahead of the increased demand while refining schedules to keep everything running smoothly.”

Among recent accomplishments:

• Ten full truckloads — approximately 1,700 cubic yards — of brush and yard debris were collected and transported for recycling.
• Daily servicing of 38 municipal trash cans continued, along with multiple work orders, including bulk waste removal and trash-related issues.
• Maintenance work included servicing tractors, replacing three damaged trash can lids, delivering two new cans, and completing one bulk pickup.
• Crews also painted curbing at a Mason Avenue crosswalk to address a trip hazard and installed a new Little Free Library at the park.

In staffing updates, Public Works leadership recently interviewed three candidates for seasonal positions and hopes to bring them on board soon. The department is currently short-staffed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Three Public Works employees also assisted Cape Charles Parks (CCP) with jasmine trimming at the pergola in Central Park, part of the town’s ongoing beautification efforts.

Seasonal grass cutting, edging, and weed-eating continue across public spaces, as the department gears up for another busy summer in Cape Charles.