CAPE CHARLES, Va. — As the debate over short-term rental (STR) regulations continues to unfold, the Cape Charles Town Council has announced plans for a town hall meeting dedicated solely to discussing the issue/problem.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Civic Center. This decision follows a period of research and community engagement initiated by the Town Council last summer at the request of town staff.
In response to the council’s directive, town staff formed an ad hoc committee comprising individuals with diverse perspectives on STRs. Together, they crafted preliminary recommendations, which were presented to the Planning Commission and Town Council last fall. However, the lack of immediate consensus from both public officials and community members prompted a temporary pause in the process.
During this hiatus, the town conducted its annual community survey, updated its Community Strategic Plan, and monitored legislative developments at the Virginia General Assembly related to STRs. Despite these efforts, public confusion and apprehension regarding the regulatory process emerged.
Recognizing the need for clarity and community input, the Town Council opted to convene a town hall-style meeting specifically focused on STR issues. The meeting is to provide a platform for open dialogue, allowing residents to express their opinions, seek clarification, and pose questions directly to town officials.
Notably, town hall meetings are informal gatherings intended for information exchange and dialogue, with no official actions taken. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively and voice their concerns.
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be live-streamed on Facebook. Additionally, residents wishing to submit input or questions beforehand may do so by contacting the Town Clerk via email at clerk@capecharles.org or by dropping off written comments at Town Hall, located at 2 Plum Street. All submissions must be received no later than one hour before the start of the meeting.
Once community feedback has been collected and reviewed, town staff will resume their work on refining the STR regulations proposed last fall, setting the stage for continued public scrutiny and discussion.
Bay Creek’s HOA board President, ROB HARRIS, just voted to remove the sensible rules and regulations the previous HOA board placed on STRs. Now the Bay Creek community basically has no limits on- STRs.
STEVE BENNETT, the town’s vice mayor, who is also on the Bay Creek HOA board, voted with Rob Harris removing any limits on STRs, along with ELLEN POWELL, CRAIG FELKER and DOLORES BLACKBURN.
Save the Historic district before it is too late. We need a new council who supports limits!
Why is it ok with people that those on council, who own STR’s or B&B and/or have business interests tied to tourism are in a position to make decisions regarding STR.
Why is is ok that those same people (including the TM) are on Cape Charles Main St?
If you think these same people are capable of making decisions that are in the best interest of the Full time residents of Cape Charles….think again.
Town Council has members whose terms end this year. We need candidates who are willing to stand up for our community, and are not profiting from selling our community to tourists.
Otherwise, plan on seeing an arcade on Mason Ave.
AMEN !
Do you know the procedure and deadline for running for town council? I think it may be soon, even though election is in November.
About time! Make the STR’s go away along with ROB HARRIS…ELLEN POWELL, CRAIG FELKER DOLORES BLACKBURN. and ..STEVE BENNETT
That would be Ellen O’Brien, not Ellen Powell.
Nope, Ellen Powell she is on the Bay Creek HOA board and an employee of Bay Creek’s.
I’m sorry. I was not aware of that.
The fight tonight in one corner we have permanent residence
And in the opposite corner people with money interest. Who will win?
The same folks will be selling the upper floor of the library and the parking lot to the north for a 150k net sales price. Full time residents wake up and clean house.
Who gets to decide which emailed comments are actually read aloud at this town hall? And how will Town Council be able to answer questions posed at the town hall, when they needed “more information “ back in November? And if a town hall meeting is less formal, will people still be limited to only 3 minutes to speak?
Of course we want to get rid of the STD’s! What is all of the fuss about?
Just because some of the Town Council members have STD’s does not mean we all have to suffer with them.
I say let’s take”protective “ measures to make sure that this problem does not spread.