The USS Gerald R. Ford, a CNV 78 aircraft carrier was completed five months ago. The carrier boasts nearly two dozen new technologies not present on older carriers – including a more spacious flight deck, an electromagnetic aircraft launch system and advanced arresting gear to better recover incoming aircraft.

Saturday, President Trump was in Norfolk for U.S. Navy’s commissioning of the Ford.

“For the rest of your lives,” President Trump said to the crew, “you’ll be able to tell your friends and family that you served on greatest ship in the U.S. Navy and, in my opinion, the greatest ship in the world. American steel and American hands have constructed a 100,000-ton message to the world that American might is second to none.”

“For those in the world who wish to terrorize us here in the U.S. and abroad, those who wish to challenge our shores, those who challenge our values…,” Admiral John Richardson said, “this is not a day of celebration for them. This is their worst nightmare.”

Capt. Richard McCormack will serve as the Ford’s first commanding officer.

Ford class carrier CVN78 diagram (Huntington-Ingalls)

Last month, the Cape Charles Town Council voted to close the skateboard park located at Plum and Madison. It also asked the Planning Commission to look into an appropriate location where the park could be relocated. During discussion, council also wanted the commission to explore the possibility of building a larger facility to include basketball, baseball and soccer, even a dog park. Council listed the following possible locations to consider:

1. Tennis Court
2. Keck well lot
3. Behind the Library
4. Randolph 700 block

Staff reviewed the locations, and found that the Keck Well lot seemed to hold the most promise, however it can only be accessed by vehicle, and would require a special use permit.
The Planning Commission met this Monday to review available locations.

Not to be confused with the Algonquin Round Table, this discussion was circular in nature and was absent any form of pun, quip or witty repartee. Commissioner Kieth Kostek complained that he was still fuzzy and recovering from his son’s bachelor party weekend, and that hazy aesthetic seemed to spread to the rest of the commission.

At one point, Kostek asked whether any one even skateboarded in Cape Charles. Planner Larry DiRe confirmed that the skateboard park was indeed used, “I live right across from it, and I see kids there all the time.”

After about twenty minutes of higgledy-piggledy banter, the commission still seemed confused as to why they had been brought together like this. Finally, chairman McCoy asked, “I think we are supposed to make a recommendation?”

Someone else echoed, “Yes, I believe we are (I can’t confirm the identity of that speaker, as I admit that by this point I may have been dozing off or daydreaming or contemplating stabbing myself with a pencil).”

Commissioner Stramm made a motion to recommend the Keck well property as a location for the recreational area. Councilman Buchholz seconded the motion, and added that the Community Enhancement Board might be able to help with this project, and that grants might be available to fund it.

The motion passed. Town council is scheduled to take up the matter in a special work session in August.

The Cape Charles Historic District Review Board voted this week to approve the revised version of the Historic District Guidelines. This is the first update to the guidelines which were first produced in the 1990’s. The guidelines act as the definitive reference for renovation and construction in the historic district. The major purpose is to manage and protect the historic integrity of structures in Cape Charles.

The revision focused on updating and tightening some language, attempting to remove as much ambiguity as possible. Major themes covered by the revision focused on the use of vinyl and fake products in new and old construction, woodwork, masonry and windows.

A section on signs has been removed from the document. Planner Larry DiRe explained that the new sign ordinance more thoroughly handles the use of signage in the historic district, and more close follows language changes the came about after the Supreme Court Ruling Reed v. Town of Gilbert, which found that content-based regulation of speech, such as signs, violates the First Amendment.

Exmore, VA – You’ve found a buyer or a terrific deal on Craigslist, Facebook or other online marketplace, now what? Meeting strangers to execute a transaction can be intimidating, especially when cash is involved. Relax! The Exmore Police Department and the Town of Exmore just made it safer and more comfortable for ESVA residents to buy or sell online by providing a designated “Meetup Spot” in the parking lot of the Exmore Town Hall, 3305 Main Street in downtown Exmore.

Exmore “Meet Up Spot” (Photo Town of Exmore)

The location is open to everyone, not just Exmore residents. It is well-lit, under 24-hour video surveillance and within steps of the Police Department. “The internet is an excellent, legitimate commercial platform, but it also provides a level of anonymity that attracts bad apples,” says Police Chief Angelo DiMartino. “Too many transactions are a ruse, and deals can take a bad turn.”

Establishing a safe Meetup Spot, or Internet Purchase Exchange Location (IPEL) as they are officially known, is a concept that is gaining national support. As a deterrent to criminal intent and activity, the IPEL locations seem to be working, helping lower the rate of negative incidents. The Exmore Police Department has proactively undertaken the project using their own resources. Signage for the site, a 12’’ x 18’’ green aluminum plaque, was donated by OfferUp, a large mobile online marketplace. OfferUp also showcases the Exmore Meetup Spot on their mobile app.

“This is another step toward the Exmore Police Department’s goal of maximum protection for our citizens,” says Chief DiMartino. “We plan to ensure that exchanges take place without a hitch, and that both parties leave happy.”

For more information, follow the Exmore Police Department on Facebook, or visit www.exmore.org.

A 2016 traffic safety report by the Virginia Department of Transportation found that the Cape Charles/Stone Road intersection was one of 25 hotspots that were addressed in the analysis.

Key concerns at the intersection include buses stopping unexpectedly at the railroad crossing adjacent to the traffic signal, which has been associated with some rear end crashes, along with nighttime crashes, according to the highway department presentation.

The Transportation Technical Advisory Committee, a committee of the ANPDC met last month to discuss the proposed traffic improvements around the Food Lion shopping center. Below are the proposed plans that were submitted at the meeting:

Transportation Technical Advisory Committee proposed plans for Food Lion shopping center.

L to R Exmore Police Chief Angelo DiMartino and Officer Jason Campbell (Photo Exmore Police)

EXMORE, VA (July 21, 2017) – Exmore Police Chief Angelo DiMartino announced today that the Exmore Town Hall has been designated as one of two official drug drop-off locations in Northampton County, dedicated to the safe disposal of unused and expired medications.

Anyone wanting to clear their medicine cabinet and home can bring unused or outdated medications to the lobby of the Exmore Town Hall during regular business hours, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and drop the drugs in the “Safe Medication Disposal Bin”. This includes the full range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, from pain killers and antibiotics to cold medicines and diet pills.

“Improper disposal of medications can create problems for the environment as well as for people,” according to Chief DiMartino who is spearheading the program for Exmore. “”When you flush antibiotics, mood enhancers or other drugs down the toilet, they eventually end up in the waste water treatment facility and disrupt the treatment process by killing the bacteria in the plant. If left in the medicine cabinet, they can end up in the wrong hands. Our drop-off box ensures the safe, correct disposal of all drugs.”

This initiative, now underway for the community through the Exmore Police Department, is in partnership with Rite-Aid Foundation and KidCents “Safe Medication Disposal” Program, created to protect young people.

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