CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Town of Cape Charles hosted two informal, in-person presentations on March 29 and April 2 to unveil the latest beachfront design concepts and gather public feedback on the project’s direction following an earlier round of community input.
Town officials said both sessions were well attended and generated valuable comments. To ensure broader community engagement, the Town is making the presentation materials available online and inviting additional feedback from residents who were unable to attend.
You can view all the artifacts here.
The latest concept calls for a simplified layout that eliminates all but three of the original plaza areas while preserving natural beach entrances at other locations. Parallel parking is maintained along East Bay Avenue, with a mix of pull-in and golf cart parking proposed along the west side, though the final ratio is still under consideration.
A key new feature includes a sand management channel west of the sidewalk, designed to trap and allow for easier removal of blowing sand, returning it to the beach.
The redesigned Mason Avenue plaza—located near Southern Bay Avenue—has been significantly scaled back. It now includes expanded restrooms and showers, a shaded vendor area, and the popular LOVE sign installation. ADA-compliant access is provided at both the Jefferson Avenue plaza and the existing fishing pier.
Officials are also considering the addition of a breakwater along the southern end of the beach, which would help expand the usable beach area.
Residents are encouraged to review the online materials and submit comments to help guide the Town as it finalizes plans for the waterfront improvements.
I LOVE the design and concept. If we get the go ahead I just hope the town hires a first class AIA compliant contractor to get it done! History from the fountain to the side street off Madison reflects a history of poor management and projects taking FOREVER. We won’t see completion until the next century (with the potential of significant storm damage while undergoing construction) if history repeats itself.