Reflections on Cape Charles and the Eastern Shore
Gov. Ralph Northam lifted a mandatory evacuation order on Friday that had been in place all week in anticipation of Hurricane Florence.
On Monday evening, residents of state-designated Zone A around Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore were told to leave due to threats largely of flooding from storm surge.
The rescinding of the order came as the National Weather Service also lifted tropical storm warnings for the region.
Still, one has to wonder if the entire situation could have been handled better.
For those that follow Wrisk.com, as well as tracking the European model, by late Monday, it was apparent Flo was not tracking close to our location. Landfall was looking like Wrightsville, Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, or even further south. Unfortunately, orders to evacuate were made 5 days prior to landfall.
The order to evacuate sent everything into a tailspin, forcing mass closures and unnecessary loss of millions of dollars for businesses, and lost wages for workers. Schools were shut down and sporting events had to be canceled.
Of course, you can’t put a price on lives, hindsight is always 20/20…now that we’ve said the right things, let’s just say it–Northam’s issuing a mandatory evacuation this time was a huge blunder. Maybe start with a voluntary evacuation, and if the scenario becomes more imminent, a mandatory evac? In the Carolinas, yes you had better run…but up here?
Just to be clear, Donald Trump and colluding Russians were not involved, so don’t even try to go there.
Video: Wait for it. To show just how much people overreact sometimes, watch the drama unfold in this Weather Channel video:
Prior to this Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors, a resolution was drafted which would have allowed the county to convey a section of the property, owned by the county but in Cape Charles to Eyre Baldwin and Southport Investors for the price of just $10. The property was conveyed to the county by Cape Charles for use as a right of way in 1996. According to Baldwin, the Town of Cape Charles was in support of the deal. The necessity of the conveyance apparently has to do with the Cape Charles Yacht Center being able to move large vessels across the road. If the road were to remain public, that would not be allowed.
During the presentation, the BoS, seeming to fall all over themselves, fawned over Mr. Baldwin’s activities in Cape Charles. Chairman Murray asked if this conveyance would help create jobs and if it would help create jobs specifically for former Bayshore workers. Baldwin affirmed that it would and that there were already several working there now, apparently cleaning up debris.
“I think it’s great. You are one of the few people spending money in the county, and I for one appreciate that, especially since it happens to be in my district,” Supervisor Coker said. “I really say I support this, I just want to be clear about this.”
However, despite the effusive praise, Supervisor Coker did not recognize the restriction in the deed to Northampton County, unless the Board plans on approaching the Town of Cape Charles to rescind the restriction the town placed in the Deed which will provide Southport additional property for the agreed amount of $10.00.
This backroom deal would have been shoved through unless, during public comments, Granville Hogg had not stepped in with a counteroffer. As Hogg began the public comment, Eyre Baldwin commented, “Just keep it honest.”
Hogg’s sudden counter sent the board reeling for a response, especially when confronted with the optics. Getting testy, Murray said, “So what is your point Mr. Hogg? The resolution is not final until I sign it.”
“Does the Board intend to accept any additional proposals?” asked Hogg.
Murray responded angrily, “This is a conveyance. It is not an auction. You were on the board for four years you should remember that. This is a piece of property we own…we can convey it for a dollar, or for anything.”
Hogg then told the Board that he had a proposal from The Cape Charles Seafood Processors and submitted it to the Board. “The question is are you going to isolate what Southport does from any other business opportunity on that side of the harbor…Southport will control the south side of the harbor.” Essentially, Hogg questioned if it is the Board’s intention is to create a monopoly at the Cape Charles Harbor.
At this point, Mr. Baldwin moved to the podium. Chairman Murray did not tell him to sit back down but instead allowed him to speak.
“The truth is, he (Hogg) is incapable of being honest, with any project that we do,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin noted that the main reason for obtaining the property was due to the infrastructure already in place (without it, Southport would have to construct another industrial road parallel to the existing curve, which could be at least another 1/2 mile of paving).
Murray then asked if this would conflict with the “Front Street Project”.
“Front Street is on the other side…Granville always comes in with this late night and they’re always lies,” Baldwin said.
County Attorney Leatherbury advised the Chairman that the counteroffer, and as well as the standing offer could be discussed in closed session. Chairman Murray agreed and said, “it is the first he has ever heard of it (counter proposal).”
Supervisor David Fauber added comments that bikers and hikers utilize the road to get to the park. Baldwin agreed and told the Board that he has already been working with the town, expanding the trail from Bay Creek, and tying it in with the existing heritage trail. “But once you start activities, you’re not going to want people going through there…they’ll going right through your operation,” Farber said.
“Or you could re-route them,” Chairman Murray said.
Chairman Murray then asked if Mr. Baldwin would be willing to pay more for the land. “Yes we are,” Baldwin said, and added that the original offer, which was $50,000, 5 times the Assessed value of $10,000, still stands. “I don’t know where the $10 Granville is talking about comes from,” Baldwin said.
Janice Williams, Deputy to the County Administrator said that for the resolution draft, they have to stick any number in there, but it can change before the resolution passes and is signed.
Editor’s Note: For a number, why not use $12 million so that we can repair the High School?
Chairman Murray noted that he would like to get that amount in the resolution. The Chairman then sends the Board to Closed Session.
When the Board returned, Chairman Murray again asks Mr. Baldwin if will pay for the property. Baldwin answers yes.
The resolution to convey the property for $50,000 passes unanimously.
Section being conveyed to Southport
Elf The Musical, based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, features songs by Tony Award nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners ,Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).
Arts Enter Cape Charles will be performing Elf the Musical this Christmas. Auditions are scheduled for Sunday, September 23rd at 1:00 at the Palace Theater. Please bring a brief monologue that you can recite or read, and a short song you can sing acapella. We are looking for a full range of characters, both young and old, from experienced to first-time actors. Don’t be shy, if you sing in church, you will certainly be able to sing for this show.
For more information, contact Wayne Creed at waynepcreed@yahoo.com, or contact The Mirror at capecharlesmirror@gmail.com.
Roles
Security Guard #1 and Security Guard #2 are a stern duo from Walter’ s office, making sure everyone who enters has permission. Cast a duo that works well together and fits the bill for a tough pair.
Finale Soloists #1,#2,#3 and #4 are good roles to highlight four of your strong solo singers.
Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin are on the scene in Central Park and are convinced of Santa s magic after Buddy reveals their past Christmas gifts. Look for two young ladies with nice singing voices and some acting experience to take on these small, but featured roles.
Synopsis
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Grand Gala “Celebrating the Arts” with the Virginia Opera and live music by Ghost Town Union
Saturday September 29, 2018 6:00 PM Tickets: $50 Call 757-331-4327 to make reservations or come to Lemon Tree Gallery at 301 Mason Avenue in Cape Charles
Arts Enter and GEAR invite you to join us in celebrating the arts and kicking off our 2018-19 Season of Performing Arts at the Historic Palace Theatre, now under the direction and management of GEAR.
This celebratory Gala launches GEAR as the new steward of arts programming, education and creative programs that will continue to thrive at the Historic Palace Theatre. We move forward with dance, theater, music and visual arts programs as well as educational opportunities for area schools.
During the evening, we announce the new theatre season, other program information and future changes to the organization and management of GEAR. The Gala will include a performance by the Virginia Opera, food by Gourmet Gang, champagne and live dancing music by Ghost Town Union. Surprise performances and guests will also add to the fun.
Put on your dancing shoes for this fun evening, find a cocktail or evening dress you haven’t had an excuse to put on in a while and find out more about the new vision, management and future for our beautiful theatre and arts programming at the Historic Palace Theatre, now home to GEAR, Global Exchange Arts Roundtable.
Schedule of Events: Saturday September 29, 2018
6-6:30 PM Champagne and elegant tastings
6:30 – 7 PM Virginia opera Arias and Duets
7:30 – 7:45 PM Announcements
8 – 11 PM Dancing & Bar
Historic Palace Theatre
305 Mason Ave. Cape Charles, VA 23310
757-331-4327
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The table below lists all of
the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the calendar year of this report.
Although many more contaminants were tested, only those substances listed below were found in your water. All sources of drinking water contain some naturally occurring contaminants. At low levels, these substances are generally not harmful in our drinking water. Removing all contaminants would be extremely expensive, and in most cases, would not provide increased
protection of public health. A few naturally occurring minerals may actually improve the taste of drinking water and have nutritional value at low levels. Unless otherwise noted, the data
presented in this table is from testing done in the calendar year of the report.
The EPA or the State requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. Some data, though representative, may be more than one year old.
In this table, you will find terms and abbreviations that might not be familiar to you. To help you better understand these terms, we have provided the definitions below the table.
A public comment period for issues related to poultry operations and groundwater originally ran from June 25, 2018 through July 25, 2018. During the comment period, 262 comments were received from 84 individual commenters. As a result, a public information session was held on the Eastern Shore on August 22, 2018 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Arcadia High School (8210 Lankford Highway, Oak Hall, Virginia 23416); approximately 75 people were in attendance. The public comment period was reopened and ran from August 23, 2018 through August 31, 2018 in which 23 additional comments were received. A summary of the comments received and the DEQ’s response is listed below.
The State Water Control Board will consider this issue on September 20, 2018. The Meeting will be held at the offices in Richmond. More information can be found on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall Website. The SWCB will consider whether or not to issue the conditional consent orders for the 57 (out of 83) poultry facilities in Accomack County. Also, any public hearings granted as result of permit actions will “be held in the county that the specific facility is located.” [Read more…]
After the passing of big storms, we know that everyone will be hard at work cleaning up yard debris, etc. from your yards. The Public Works Department has issued a reminder
asking citizens NOT to rake or blow leaves or other yard debris into the streets. Doing so will clog up the storm drains which will lead to flooding that could severely damage personal
property. Please do your part to keep the yard debris out of the street by bagging them for proper pick-up.
The Town will collect stacks of brush, not exceeding 4’ x 4’, from the curbside. Loose debris,vines and leaves must be bagged in biodegradable bags and must not exceed 30 lbs. The Town’s recycler only accepts biodegradable bags which can be purchased at most retailers, including Watson’s Hardware in town.
Please contact the Public Works Department at 331-1410 with questions regarding any other items prior to leaving it out for collection. You can arrange for a special pick-up by contacting the Utility Clerk Kathy Fraas at 757-331-6901.
After Labor Day, dogs are permitted on the beach during all hours as long as they remain in the owner’s control.
If you have your dog on the beach, or in any public location throughout the Town, please be courteous and pick up the waste. There are a number of doggie waste stations along the boardwalk, in Central Park and around the Town which contains bags for your convenience. Failure to comply could result in a class 4 misdemeanor charge.
At all times, dogs must remain under the owner’s control and not permitted to run at large.
The Saltworks Opera Voice Competition is scheduled for October 13th, 2018 in Cape Charles, VA 23310. This event is FREE and OPEN to the public! Competitors are chosen using a ‘blind audition process’ and our committee receives no information that would allow them to identify a singer. We make selections based on audio selections alone.
Special thanks to our event sponsors: A.C.E.S. (Arts Council of the Eastern Shore) and Cape Charles Christian Academy! Without the generous support of our community, our programs would not be possible.