The next phase for the part of the harbor also known as the TAVI property is underway. Eyre Baldwin and partner CCRF have put together a concept for that, according to Baldwin will “tie and pull” disparate parts of the town together, connecting Mason Avenue, the harbor, and the beachfront.
At the core are a seawall and promenade, with floating concrete docks that will have the capacity to service and provision megayachts up to 360 feet in length.
The yacht provisioning center will exist on the footprint of the old center that has just been torn down.
Plans for a small restaurant or tiki bar and an eventual larger restaurant are also part of the concept.
The team envisions public access that will tie the yacht center with the multi-use trail and the beachfront, as well as creating a synergy with the existing town park near the jetty. Sand control is an issue that is under design, such as trying to find a way to keep sand from blowing off the beach and around the corner onto the property. Excavation and long-term controls, such as a larger stone jetty trap sand are potential solutions. Beach enhancement near the dock is also being considered.
Additional town parking potential could be also be added.
Below are the concept drawings supplied by Mr. Baldwin.
I think that developing this area is a great idea, and Ironic as it could be was thinking almost these exact thoughts while enjoying the seasons first Ice cream with my family at Brown Dog after dinner tonight. I’m sure most people are thinking simular ideas, and I doubt anybody thinks just leaving it a big field of grass is helping anybody or this City.
But my question is, at what price? And I’m not talking money, I’m talking about the direction of our community. What are we going to become if we build a center based on bringing in the mega yacht community here? And it’s not just the boat size I’m getting at, Are we trying to become a ” little Nantucket” or “Martha’s vineyard”? It Looks Great on TV, and its great for the city Coffers and I will even agree that there will be many positives espically at the start, but are we thinking about the negatives on this? When our home values go from 300k and sky rocket to 500k in a decade, and then start pushing 750k for the next generation and the City and County start gradually raising taxes slowly so you don’t feel it all at once where will your Children live and raise their children because it wont be here.
There is a famous lyric from a Billy Joel song and If I remember it correctly its goes ” there isnt anymore room for Islanders on the Island anymore” and thats where we will be heading if we dont at least keep in mind what we will give up when we dont plan our direction.
I know this will be a massive undertaking but in lieu of the single shot mega revitalization projects that always seem to benifit that small amount of people who cry ” community” but really don’t care about their community long term, let’s start planning a balance that not only appeals to updating, growth and revitalization but insures that the next 3 or 4 generations of the Cape Charles community get to dip their toes in the bay and enjoy some peace for their souls without having to sell their souls to do so.
AMEN on all you’ve said! What price development?
Well said Matthew Watson!!!
Attitudes like this are why we are the poorest county in the commonwealth and always will be. Every time something comes along that can bring money and jobs into the area, y’all worry about impacts that are unfounded. Our children are leaving anyway to find decent jobs, or are staying and living day to day at or below the POVERTY line. If that’s what you want to continue to hold to, then shame on you.
Nice sentiment, “Fire me.” That being said, do we need more jobs to be created? There aren’t enough people in this town to staff this new megayacht center. The yacht center is run by George and three helpers. Where’s the ships carpenter? Where’s the electrician? There never will be. Anyone reading this knows the reason for lack of growth is because you just CAN’T get good help that will stick around. Where will these new jobs come from? Will Mr. Baldwin build them their new neighborhood?
This town runs on a skeleton crew even in the peak season. Charlie and Spencer are doing a great job with what they have. Smitty is doing a great job with what he has, too. There is a small pool to pick from and I just don’t see it being sustainable! The first person to comment was correct. At what price? The next generation will pay the price for this by having to move out of town to be able to live reasonably.
I don’t like this whatsoever. This comes off as a ploy by Eyre to make sure Eyre’s family will endure the next few generations- not the rest of us. Take it how you may, but I feel like this sentiment is shared by many.
This big empty grass lot is absolutely not doing the town any good. Correct. What good will it do after our town is turned into a megayacht port? How many little men will it kill? How many small businesses will it hurt? Mr. Baldwin is finally going to make living in downtown DC just as affordable as living in Cape Charles.
That’s a hard NO from me. #dontbuildit
Maybe with Smitty as Mayor the unabashed efforts on Baldwins part to monopolize the harbor to his benefit will cease….
I agree; NO. It will block water views, crowd the downtown, only bring in a few select jobs, and denigrate our peaceful status. I for one don’t want to become St. Michael’s, Solomon’s, or Annapolis.
I often wonder when people say that Northampton County is the poorest in the Commonwealth. The most recent census puts Northampton 75th among 134 counties and cities in Virginia in Per Capita Income and we are well above the bottom in household income. What measure of wealth are you using to make this assertion?
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Virginia_locations_by_per_capita_income
No jobs and no tax base. Schools are crumbling and need to be replaced, etc. etc.
Have you walked into the high school lately? That place is basically a building that should be abandoned.
Well said indeed Matthew!!
I get it, so let’s look at it this way. Growth is necessary for existence.UNCONTROLLED GROWTH is suicide. No growth, one stagnates and dies.
It is up to us the citizens to, via taking part in various community organizations to oversee that neither happen and the growth is done in a tastefully productive manner. Empty parks nobody wants to visit. Yet productive parks draw crowds which is good for all peripheral businesses. Reality is I would want people to visit ,stay a few days spend some cash then go home. What Mr Baldwin is doing is great and with a few more new building as Patrick and Dave are doing ,I have spoke with a bicycle shop, Toy train shop, Para sail and a kite store sponsoring kite driven surfing competitions just to name a few.
But they are watching to see how the town shapes up. A fine example of a sleepy little town that entices Big money is St.Tropez France. I see us going that route.
Be careful what you ask for!
But if you don’t ask you may never receive.
That could be horrible!!!
I would like to see a town storage rack for sea kayaks where folks could pay a small fee annually and safely leave their kayaks when they’re not being used!! It’s great to accommodate large yachts but how about us little folks with self-propelled vessels?
It seems to me that you all are carting to tourist attractions how about the people and their families that live here year round. You all are building homes that a normal working person can’t even afford. Why not help the locals.?
Very true debbie. The ones that have lived here there whole life have been made to leave because of the higher prices. This small town is being bullied into another ocean city An Virginia Beach. Our quaint little town is beautiful the way it is!!!!!
Make it even better by designing the main building to mirror the old ferry/train terminal building!!! That would be magnificant!
Agree! We’ve been thinking the same thought!
Yes, wouldn’t that be a great idea!! I saw it once on Long Island and they completely restored it and made the old train station a Museum!
No one wants any ‘Long Island’ on Va’s Eastern Shore.
NO surely don’t want LI HERE! Was only using it as an example of an old train station somewhere out on LI that was lovingly restored by grassroots locals! Went with the Adirondack Mountain Club who had an annual meeting about 15 years ago on LI instead of upstate. So sorry you misunderstood me!!! Please, NO Long Island, yikes!!!!
It’s about time! If it weren’t for “outsiders” and tourists who became full time residents, Cape Charles would still be a run-down Dump like it was a short twenty years ago. You “locals” like to complain, but y’all didn’t do SQUAT to curb the squalor that had settled into this beautiful town. And what’s wrong with becoming more of a destination? Kudos to the Baldwins!
That is a little harsh Steve.
If that is ‘Harsh’, you may want to put your ‘Big Boy’ pants on.
Mr. Downs, although there may be some truth in your post, I can’t help but wonder if attitudes like yours isn’t what creates the division between the “locals” and the “outsiders”. I am proud to say I was born and raised in Cape Charles and graduated from CCHS. I am very excited about the many positive changes I’ve seen in CC. I give thanks and appreciate those who contributed to the positive growth in our little town but in all my years growing up in Cape Charles, I never lived in a “dump” nor did I live as a squalor, as a matter of fact, I recall a little piece of heaven. I hope at some point that the “locals” and “outsiders” can come together as one for the love of our little town and end this petty division. Mr. Downs, I welcome you and I thank you if you played a part in bringing new life to our beloved town but I sincerely hope that our “local” small town hospitality and appreciation will eventually rub off on you.
Hope there is plans for lodging in the near future.
I’m sure no matter what, The Chief will have it under control!
No chance of turning into Martha’s Vineyard with an elite consisting of low level bureaucrats and failed alcoholics. Prada and Armani ain’t comin’ your way Baby!
Mr. Downs sentiment is mostly correct. It took outside funds and influences to resurrect Cape Charles. It wasn’t happening otherwise.
Squalor? Poverty-stricken? Struggling youths?
As an else where “country-raised” now mother of three, and wife:
One; the “branding” above is misplaced – our community’s youth is strong. And that strength is owed to a dedicated, ever diligent community – and a few all-star individuals, who’s heart’s are 100% “in the fight” every single day.
And that is not to say; We have an ever-circulating rotation of troubled, poverty-bound youth flowing through our school doors everyday, arriving out of the troubled, poverty stricken generation of that which produced them.
That statement simply implys the harsh, yet oblivious truth – that 50% view as an offensive slight that ought never be spoken, and the other 50% view as a challenge: Not every human-being born in this world is destined to be the CEO of a Fortune 500. Just as every human-being born to this planet is not done so emerging with the perseverance required to successfully farm, and produce.
Raising children, assisting young individuals in recognizing their potential, and actually seeing them off to their “perfect spot” in this world is a monumental challenge – in every area of the world, every single day.
Sadly, you simply will not win everytime. And despite what 50% believe, that is not always call for redirected blame placing. Likely, upwards of 80% of those cases can be equated to a total lack of responsibility of one’s self. Unfortunately a lack there of that is usually handed down directly from a parent. But, with commentary like “shame on you” – that point is likely lost on such individuals.
Which leads directly to my number two; the “shame on you” finger pointing is with respect, yet deep sincerity – an obvious lack of an efficient argument. And in this relaxed, not face-to-face platform – statements such as that elude to a clearly distinguishable truth: your stake in this community’s past, current, and future is not one beholding to much self-reflection.
Many have agreed, the horizon-view that awaits one when traveling Southbound on the CBBT is one of excitement. A view of city-style adventure – in it’s many forms of thought, expression, and culture. A sense of convienence and opportunity – for some, even an emotion of development and progress.
The view while traveling Northbound, however, is one invoking of an entirely separate form of inspiration – the long inhale of natural beauty, and the fulfilling exhale of a sense of freedom. Opportunity here is alive, abundant, and thriving – and that opportunity is unmistakably clear…to those who don’t habitually steer, without hesitation, toward every pre-planted form of convienence set fourth for them.
Believe me when I say: As an individual who was raised in a “…back then” community – the overhaul that you so deeply desire, will be one that you regrettably never forecasted. And the economical opportunity that you so strongly believe will be hot-plated to your youth, will instead only amount to a steady rotation of non-dedicated workers – rolling out of the area, just as carelessly as when they strolled in, in order to serve as fulfillment to the upper-class’s needs.
Which, yes – certainly will amount to an increase in the area’s economical income. An increase that will benefit the larger, corporate owned. Because make no mistake – that hand will poke it’s head around the corner. And who will they initially outshine in funds and eventually all-together in ability to stay afloat? Correct – the locally owned and operated. The generations-strong. The born and bred community based employing. The think globally, invest locally acting parties.
And when those actors realize the poking around the corner heads that they gracefully welcomed into their community, now threaten their own cherished version of it – they will sell. Make no mistake about it. And why, how could they – you ask. Because that is what the wise do. Whether from a place of naivety, coercement, or fear – they will recognize the newly approaching wave of strangling regulations, ridiculous and crippling enforcements – and they will get out while the getting is good.
That is simply survival – in it’s purest of current forms.
And a “shame on them” argument would not/ could not/ and never will formulate any statement – past hypocritical.
…As they dodge bullets headed toward their own children’s future, and you complain of lack of opportunity existing in your’s.
I was raised in a community that experienced this very effect. And the differences are day and night. Some would certainly refer to this as “progress.”
But – when no one longer waves hello, greets with a proper good morning, good afternoon, good evening, when every open field is now congested with eye sight long rows of rental townhomes, when your back roads sole existence now serves as a hopeful shot at a traffic diversion route, when your 1 acre property is now worth 3 times what you bought it for but your county regulations state a mile long list of what you’re not allowed to place, or build, or hunt on it…
Well, then there goes our gem that is, what you refer to as “poverty stricken and lacking of opportunity.”
…Wonder what your “slums” will look like then?
…Tucked away much more neatly and conformly – I’m certain. As we wouldn’t want to display any “turn-offs” to any additionally potential investors.
I ponder if your regret would hold causation awareness at that point? Or, would you simply be another drone – constantly complaining about the traffic, while leaping with excitement as the 3rd new Wawa approached its construction phase’s finish.
Continue introducing new investments for tourist attraction, as well as locally based community parties to utilize, benefit from, and enjoy – CERTAINLY!
Continue the effort to educate, inspire, and motivate our community’s young mind’s, in the hopes that they will enjoy their journey through life and return fulfilled and accomplished – EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Make every open nook of this area’s land into just another convenient stop where your certain to receive your ordered soy-only macchiato from some rude, dismissive barista before you fight for your slither on an over-crowded running path where every individual utilizing it is conducting an imaginary Bluetooth call so as to not have to acknowledge your effort to acheive your slither of road – MEH…sounds like just another uninspiring city, built specifically for the masses…but thats me.
Why not hire VETERANS from Navy, Coast Guard, Army to man this mega marina?? There are so many living in Virginia Beach and Norfolk!! Electricians, mechanics, radar specialists, carpenters (CBs) yard workers!! I think that’d be a win-win!
I didn’t see any mention of work that is already going on. They have been on that bulkhead working for weeks ..if we missed the news else where… Why is this being reported as a concept…I would imagine the town would have already had to given them permits to work there?
Note: The developer owns the property and is working there now. They also have applications for more work, pending approval from the Dune and Wetlands Board. What has been proposed is in fact just a concept. Some, none or all of this may someday appear.
Has anyone thought of affordable housing for the working folk that DO live here? You simply cannot find housing under $600-$700 per month, then add in the required water/sewage/trash of $108 and what do you have? It’s great that we are growing and expanding, but, think about the teachers we can’t keep or the other people that would love to live and work here but simply can’t afford to. You can’t live and support yourself on $10 per hour. I listen to people talk all day about how much they love Cape Charles, it’s quaintness, friendly small town feel. Let’s not lose that while growing. Make it affordable and enjoyable so younger people want to stay, and can afford it. It’s wonderful to be able to cater to a larger clientele, just don’t forget about the “in between” folks. As a “come here” myself, it’s extremely difficult to support yourself and/or your family with the low wages and high housing costs! If you want good employees to work at these places we need to think about them and what they need to survive. We can’t even supply the “boat people” that DO come here without a vehicle a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk in town!? I don’t have the solution to this problem, only my perspective. Let’s not get “too big for our britches” by looking too far ahead! If we run the “poor” working people out of town because they can’t afford to live here, what will we have left?? We simply cannot only cater to the “rich” and expect to survive! There won’t be anyone left to do the catering! We are all here to make money, not all of us can survive all year long, why? Let me tell you. The local working people can’t afford the prices to go out for dinner and drinks. We already are a tourist town, let’s put some of that money into the longevity of our good employees to help then survive so we can keep them. Let’s take the Shanty for example; I see the same faces in there year after year, yes they hire summer help but, the core team stays in place. Why? My guess is they take good care of their people so they can afford to stay year after year, and enjoy living AND working in Cape Charles. Again, I don’t have the solution but, in my opinion we need someone from the “lower class” to help bring in a different perspective. Cape Charles Strong!!
Well said from a come here. You have the same idea as us as locals that have lived here all our lives .
Well now there’s plenty of money in this county, though just like our nation 1% holds the pot. I am glad and proud to know people like Eyre who don’t squander their parents money and do somthing good with it. This hotel will create jobs and support jobs.
Mr. Baldwin boat yard maybe slightly undermanned for your convenience, however in a DIY yard many local contractors get to be involved spreading the wealth.
I have tried for 25yrs to bring in a proven attraction to this town and met some of the most ridiculous negatives.
People who already have businesses are afraid of competition, Well in the real world the trophies only go to the winners.
So quit your crying and find a way to support with positives, get involved in community boards and have your say, where it counts. And be a community player. LEAD, SUPPORT OR QUIT CRYING.
This is a positive and I would only suggest installing a two or three more dolphins to protect the boats from necessary commercial traffic. .
Thank you good to know…
This town boomed until the Bridge came, then every one just passed thru, over time more are visiting, so either you have have some thing or nothing at all, I prefer improving the Harbor and the Concrete Plant (once its empty) as opposed to letting it just rot and become a reminder of what once was before the Bridge
Folks, let’s take a minute- relax, and get the facts straight.
For those of you who are so determined to be negative please, pay special attention.
While you’re eating your $4+ ice cream cones- tell me exactly what are you so upset about?
The handful of mega yachts that will be docked at the new proposed Harbor site will be carrying crew, not owners. And the newly proposed hotel will have 70 – 80 rooms at a middle income price point.
Cape Charles will never be Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
I grew up on the Eastern shore and love it dearly- but, I have also had the privilege & the pleasure of vacationing at Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket several times… Both of those destinations have MANY oceanfront beaches that are easily accessible by car and both islands are located within minutes/ hours to two of the Nation’s largest financial markets: Boston and New York City.
Cape Charles- while beautiful and charming in every way, doesn’t offer a fraction of the natural amenities that Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket offer. Owners and high-end vacationers are not going to be coming to Cape Charles, folks. Trust me.
If you look carefully, Mr. Baldwin and his family are deeply invested in the Eastern Shore of Virginia. What have they done in the past that has been so wrong? He and his family give money to countless nonprofits- that many of you enjoy, and he gives back to the community through responsible development projects.
Have any of you driven through Eastville lately? I see a lot of money being spent by Mr Baldwin who is quietly improving the landscape and infrastructure of that town and I seriously doubt he is getting rich from that transformation.
How many of you have enjoyed the free film festival at the harbor in years past or indulged in a free glass from the one of the Palace theater’s functions?
In all honesty, it seems to me, that Mr Baldwin is constantly re-investing money he earns from these projects right back into the entire Eastern Shore- especially Cape Charles.
Both of the ventures Mr Baldwin has proposed: the mega yacht docking facility and the mid sized hotel will bring a variety of jobs and more people, yes…middle-class people, to the town. Everyone will benefit immensely: People who need jobs, and shop owners already in town. Appropriately scaled progress- is good stuff folks!
From what I can tell, Mr Baldwin is working on the town’s beautification and economic growth, not retiring on a mega yacht – and not just sitting still fretting about where we will be in 50 years.
Look at the facts- please….This is all good and positive news….
Be honest…. Be happy! and Be kind!
Y’all are funny…. bought a house here 26 years ago…. the town is a far cry from what is was then…. some really good, some weelllll….. but people helped manage the change so we have a nice town now…. soooo lets keep moving forward, ’cause if you ain’t movin’ forward you’re just planning for death….
I doubt anyone in Irvington complains about the Tides Inn.
All the improvements that are being talked about are fine. Seem as though all the people from other states are coming to the area buying homes and businesses. My gripe is what is done for the people there with no affordable housing. There are families there still with outside toilets. These little cities are the places that need to be addressed to make Northampton County a better place to be. I love Va. Nithing like coming home enjoying all the festivities that Cape Charles has to offer. What about a Whole Foods store which would provide healthier foods for families especially the elderly. Cape Charles needs to add something for families as well as something fir the night hawks. A jazz club would really be nice. I tried to fine a drink one night and the restaurant didn’t even have top shelf liquor. Was very disappointed with such a nice place. Seem as though all the developments are done without considering the families that live there.
Once Dicky Foster bought the property around Cape Charles “the train left the station”.
Cape Charles will never be the sleepy rundown place it was when we bought our house in 1996. The key to the future is to manage growth and change. The leaders of this wonderful community need to balance the interest of the people who live here 12 months and the people who visit here during the summer.
Been watching the ups and downs, of what my family calls…tha Cape, for over 40 years.
Loved it when I found it and love it still !
T
Hope,
Don’t get your hopes up. I have tried ford thirt years to bring in various railroad excursion companies and local attempts to Save The N.Y.P&N Railroad, developing the excess land into park,shops, apartments, including museums and an outdoor model railroad people can actually ride on.
But , a museum this size must and cannot support 67 miles of track without commercail business.
It could be done and might be done, but after last night I think a lot of people in this town are just Fed up with everything, pissed at the county seat, hold to many petty grudges and dislikes and basically can’t get behind one project and see it through for the benefit of the community.
With that in mind it creates opportunity for intelligent businesspeople to walk in and take charge. I support Mr. Baldwin and if he can take over Cape Charles because everyone is to lethargic to build other enticement to the community then God bless him he dese ever it because he’s putting his money into the community which is more then I can say for some other well off Eastern Shore Families.
This town is sitting on a Platnuim mine and won’t get off their ass and dig it. Waiting for somebody to get anybody means nobody does a danm thing.
The Commision is suppose to work for the people, but all I observe them doing is getting what they want and not caring or even listening to people in the community who are just as qualified as they are but not in their position.
If the city people don’t tell the commission what they want as a unified community then the commission thinks we elected them because we can’t do it ourselves. I don’t believe this for a minute, but they do!!
See you at the council meeting hopefully, get involved.
” Save the NYP&N” (NIPON RAILROAD affectionately called)