CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Town of Cape Charles will hold a public hearing on February 15th regarding a proposed lease agreement with the Maritime Institute, formerly known as the Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA), for the installation of a contemporary lifeboat and davits system in the Town Harbor.
February 15, 2024 – 6:00 PM
Cape Charles Civic Center
The installation of the original lifeboat and davits was authorized several years ago by the Town of Cape Charles to facilitate mariner training. Initially situated on the south side of the harbor, the equipment was later relocated to the north side in anticipation of the development of the south side into a yacht center. Despite the absence of an official lease, the Maritime Institute has been renting the space, equivalent to a docking space, for $408.50 per month.
Recognizing the need for modernization, the Maritime Institute has proposed replacing the antiquated lifeboat and davits with a contemporary system commonly found on merchant and government ships. The proposed plans, reviewed and approved by marine engineering firm Langley & McDonald, entail installing the new equipment in the same location as the existing lifeboat.
To formalize the arrangement, the Maritime Institute presented a lease agreement to the Town of Cape Charles. The proposed lease term is three years, with three one-year renewal options. Under the terms, the initial rent would be $429 per month, representing a 5% increase over the current rate. Subsequent rent adjustments would be tied to the changes in the Consumer Price Index – Urban published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Virginia state law mandates a public hearing before town property can be leased.
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