Gentrification and Development Squeeze Working Waterfronts

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The working waterfronts of the Chesapeake Bay are facing an existential crisis as economic growth and development collide with the region’s deep-rooted maritime traditions. Once a hub for commercial watermen, Cape Charles Harbor is rapidly transforming as new residents and businesses reshape its landscape.

Imani Black, a marine conservationist and advocate for watermen’s heritage, voiced concerns over the dwindling number of working watermen in the area at the National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) Conference. “We only have a few existing watermen left. There was a time when that whole space was dominated by watermen, but now we’re losing access as new people move in and change the landscape,” she said.

The pressures of gentrification and rising property values have gradually pushed out traditional watermen, replacing historic maritime infrastructure with waterfront homes, upscale dining, and recreational boating facilities. As a result, those who rely on the bay for their livelihood are struggling to maintain their place in an evolving economy that favors tourism and luxury development.

“We’re up against economic pressure, cultural heritage loss, and an outdated regulatory system,” Black noted. “We need a holistic approach to make all of this work.”

The disappearance of working waterfronts is not just an economic shift—it’s a cultural one. The Chesapeake Bay’s identity is deeply intertwined with its fishing and aquaculture industries, and as watermen lose access to working space, an essential part of the region’s history is at risk of being lost.

Local policymakers and advocacy groups are calling for a balanced approach that preserves the integrity of maritime traditions while accommodating sustainable growth. Solutions such as designated working waterfront zones, tax incentives for watermen, and policy reforms aimed at streamlining fishing regulations could help maintain a thriving industry amid increasing development.

Locally, the future of Cape Charles’ working waterfront remains uncertain. Without proactive measures, what was once a bustling hub for Chesapeake Bay’s watermen may soon be little more than a historical footnote, overshadowed by the relentless march of gentrification.