On Thursday January 02, 2020 The Cape Charles Town Council will discuss a new ordinance that will ban boats and other vehicles from being parked on the town streets. The retreat will be held at 6:30 at the Civic Center, 500 Tazewell Ave.
Last year, Town Council discussed an ordinance that would ban boat trailers, watercraft, and camping/travel trailers from being parked on the town’s streets. The Town petitioned the General Assembly during its 2019 session for the state code to give the Town of Cape Charles some control of the parking of certain vehicles within the streets of Cape Charles. The General Assembly approved the request during the last session.
With the General Assembly approval in its pocket, Town Council will be discussing a draft ordinance that would ban certain vehicles from being parked on the streets of Cape Charles. Councilwoman Cela Burge drafted the ordinance. The first draft is published below:
MJM says
Sounds like a perfect example of “after the fact” to me. We’ve been permitting this type of parking for a long time. Now we’re going to tell everyone that owns such a vehicle they have to get rid of it ? Or pay to park it in a commercial rental space ? This due to the fact that the vehicle is dangerous properly parked on the side of the road ? I don’t park any such vehicle on the road in Cape Charles, but I think if you are unable to avoid a properly parked vehicle you shouldn’t be driving. No ? Doesn’t the 48 hour clause prove that statement ? The boat or camper is perfectly safe for 48 hours and thereafter it becomes dangerous ? Hmmmmm……….This also sounds like someone who buys a home near Oceana and then complains about jet noise. I understand that either situation may be imperfect, but it looks to me like the complainer made the wrong decision and now wants someone else to assume an expense because of the complainer’s unhappiness. I don’t buy it.
David Gay says
I applaud the town council for taking steps to make our streets safer; however, when taking away our right to park such vehicles on the streets the town should offer an alternative so we do not inconvenience the full time citizens. Also, the draft ordnance seems vague. What are “other devices”?
mp says
I agree the boats, etc. be parked elsewhere-not on Cape Charles streets. Not only for the safety reasons, but it limits the space to park CARS-especially in the summer when we have so many guests in town. I would guess most people pay to have their boats stored somewhere, marina, harbor, parking lots, etc., so why should others be allowed to park free on Cape Charles streets when parking is already at a premium? Cape Charles is not a campground. It is a small, charming town with limited resources. Let’s use the resources in the best possible way. I’m wondering, however, how the Town plans to enforce the 48 hour thing. Sounds like an expensive headache to me.
Thomas D. Giese says
The simplest and obvious solution would be to make it illegal and a capital offense for a town resident or visitors to own a boat or using a boat on the Chesapeake Bay. Boat owners are mostly privileged people, so the above solution is very politically correct and would get the full support of all loyal, card Carrying Democrats.
Sorin Varzaru says
When I bought my boat the fact that I could park it in the street was taken into account. Now I have to spend $50 a month to keep in storage because people can’t drive around a boat / camper parked on the side of the road? Seems a solution in search of a problem.
Publius Americanus says
Wants more Government.
Gets more Government.
Complains about more Government.
Sigh……………………………..
Sorin Varzaru says
I can see the irony in that…
calvin k wood says
They know that a lot of houses in Cape Charles are too small to hold boats in their backyard. Another way to force people to use “their” dock and of course the “fees” to use it…Sad..
Ellen powell says
I don’t know where the woman is from that drafted this piece of crap but she needs to go back to where she came from. I grewup in Cape Charles n never was it any problem with half the stuff these so called town officials have come up with… Really naming all the cats in town ..people come to Cape Charles to go fishing but they don’t want the boats on the town streets. People have been driving those streets for years like they are. I suggest if people can’t drive around something parked on the street don’t drive…
Becky says
Due to limited housing in Northampton County, you get a place to live at best…. Why should residents (whether permanent or not) have to pay extra to store their boats, trailers, etc somewhere else. It’s such an inconvenience. If it’s not being used then I could possibly understand. What man in their right mind wants to store a boat somewhere else, just to have his tools at home, drag everything with him if he needs to work on his boat? I mean really people. In regards to removing these things off the streets so theres can have more parking for their guests is unfair. Or even the extra golf cart parking where those are more dangerous around town in the summertime than someones boat, trailer or utility trailer. Those boat trailers carry those boats that may be those that bring the complainers the fresh local seafood they eat. Those utility trailers belong to construction crews renovating old businesses & homes in the lovely Cape Charles that is now a tourist attraction more than the quiet little town it was just a few short years ago. Stop complaining of & tryi g to change everything!!!!
Glenn Hall says
As a long time visitor, and 5yr. resident to this area, I have seen quite a lot of change to Cape Charles. From the transformation of the old rickety pier where the marina is now, to the run down homes that are now lovely summer homes and permanent homes. The streets have always been narrow, boats have always been parked on the streets with no problems. Speed limit is 25, maybe people should slow down and enjoy looking at how wonderful this town has become. The addition of golf carts tpplo this community is more of a nuisance than a couple of boats on the street. We should have designated parking spot at the beach, and in town for golf carts. If we really are concerned about visitors to our town, we should have easy accessible parking that isn’t used up by golf carts.
Michael D Gebauer says
I am fortunate because I have enough land to store my boat just outside oyster but do not agree with the ordinance. The town has changed, some for the good and some bad. I am afraid Cape Charles is no longer a quaint local town but a trendy tourist trap.
Karen Rodgers says
My husband and I have been coming to Cape Charles from Ohio for more than a decade now. We love the nature and we have relatives in the area. Unfortunately we also bring our kayaks on a trailer. Last year we were assured by the owners of the Northamton Inn that it was not a problem. Obviously it is. We have always tried to be respectful. I am currently working to submit my vacation requests and book rooms. This has solved the issue for me. I love Virginia but we will be staying in Smithfield where the kayaking is equally spectacular and the Landing understands people need to park. We can always take our touristy selves to Kiptopeke for a day trip.
Sorin Varzaru says
I just realized, the new ordinance doesn’t even allow for 48 hours parking, it bans parking of boats, trailers , motorhomes for any period of time unless for loading/unloading or emergency repairs. Goodby business from people driving through town, fisherman or people traveling with RVs. This is even more idiotic then I originally thought.