In a 4-3 vote, with Mayor Dize casting the deciding vote, the Cape Charles Town Council approved item 6A on the agenda, Application for Zoning Text Amendment – Section 3.14 General Business/Light Industrial H-1. In 4-2 vote, Council also approved item 6B which made changes to the Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA): Rezone 1201 Bayshore Road (Tax Map #90-8-1A1) from Harbor District to General Business/Light Industrial H-1.
Councilman Bennett, Buchholz, and Follmer proved to be clear-headed and seemed to understand the gravity and long-term importance of allowing one of the County’s critical businesses to be able to expand its horizons and diversify the kind of work and jobs it can bring to Northampton citizens. Grossman and Holloway voted no and had some concerns about whether the parcel in question should be allowed to operate by-right for things such as storage. Interim Councilwoman O’Brien also voted no.
Not a single member of the Northampton Board of Supervisors was in attendance. District 1 Supervisor John Coker, who lives just a few minutes away, was a no-show.
While a big win for Northampton families, it was a major rebuke of the group calling themselves Concerned Citizens for Cape Charles.
Before beginning discussions, Councilman Bennett called out a member of the Concerned Citizens group, Joe Coccaro for his gross smear tactics and public, personal assassinations, “I take it very seriously, personally…is Mr. Cocarro giving his opinion or the opinion of this group? Mr. Coccaro questions my relationship with Eyre Baldwin, and my, and my firm’s interest in Coastal Precast. Coccaro alleges in the email citizens are concerned that Coastal Precast has been a or is a client…That I have a conflict of interest. How dare you Mr. Cacarro, you don’t even know me. Nor do you know what my current firm does, or what my previous firms did…this is very insulting…Mr. Coccaro, if you are going to question my professional integrity, in public, you better bring some facts. I have never worked with Coastal Precast so the claims are baseless”.
Bennett then offered to recuse himself, however, no member of the council found any reason to do so.
Councilman Follmer followed, “I support what Steve said, and I have found it very troubling that some people who, unable to raise substantive issues decided to accuse council members of something…there were some people that met with staff, and felt that their lobby was superior just because it was not commercial. That is really distasteful. If all you can come up with is assuming wrongdoing because you can’t come up with anything else, if you want to lose my ear, that is the best way to do it. Don’t tell me you are maligning people because you love this town, that is not true. The mayor told Mr. Coccaro to come to the meeting and read his emails aloud…I do recall the accusations he (Coccaro) made at that (previous) meeting, and they were more direct than he implied in his written comments tonight…I think it is absolutely cowardly that he did not show up in person. Shame on you Mr. Cocarro”.
Some things did raise a few eyebrows, including Planning Commissioner Diane D’Amico. If you are acquainted with Ms. D’Amico, you know that she is a nice, passionate person. Her actions here, however, should be looked into. When this topic came before the Planning Commission, D’Amico could easily be accused of grandstanding the issue. The zoning changes were approved and sent onto Town Council, but D’Amico, acting as a “concerned citizen”, continued to be quite vocal about her opposition to the sale and zoning amendments. Her animosity toward Coastal Precast was apparent and gives the impression that she has a real agenda. As a citizen, no problem, but as a member of the Planning Commission, the appearance of bias and an agenda is problematic.
Town Manager Hozey’s actions were also a bit curious. He appeared nervous, and stuttered and stammered around the motions in a circular manner. He seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to guide Council away from approving the text changes to the ordinance and confusingly set out four options to choose from, three of which would probably have scuttled the deal between Southport, LLC, and Coastal.
Interestingly, it was these options and the purported problems with the light industrial zoning text that Grossman and Holloway glommed onto as a way to justify a nay vote–the optics here were not the best, as it appeared to provide an out, a way to have their cake and eat it too. That is, they can say how much they support the proposed projects, while at the same they can appease the angry mob of concerned citizens by casting a no vote.
“I’m amazed that people are so hesitant over what-if, it is incredible to me that you think these guys are going to close on the property and immediately submit a tree cutting plan and take over the place before we can make these text changes. It’s amazing to me,” Bennett said.
Even in 2021, what you do is still more important than what you say.
Bennett, Follmer, and Buchholz were having none of this nonsense and voted to approve both motions.
This night belonged to Mayor Dize–it was his finest hour. Dize fully grasped how critical it is to the working families of the Eastern Shore that Coastal continues to have the ability to thrive and prosper, “When I came for my interview for harbormaster, I looked at the harbor, I looked at the deepwater port. Since I got here, I’ve watched it grow, and over that time, we’ve had a lot of what-ifs, and I can tell you, as harbormaster, I sat up here begging for money to build breakwaters, begging for money to put slips in…across the way, there’s a lot of industrial, I hated to see the rail go, I love the rail…this is a train town, I’d like to see those trains still running. This town was built industrial. That harbor’s manmade. It was built for commerce. It’s a port, a port of entry for ships to come in…also a harbor of refuge…It’s not a marina. It is Cape Charles harbor, look on any Federal map. The port of Virginia, the Commonwealth, the Federal Government, every taxpayer has put money into this town for commerce. For me to sit here and I’ve listened to you, but there’s also a silent majority; I hear from other constituents…you are the loudest, but I have met with Coastal on your behalf (Concerned Citizens), and they have obliged…they have put in silencers, bought a water truck to cut the dust down, they have been good stewards. That park (STIP), was meant for industrial…this is a big opportunity for our area, our kids, they go off to college, but they never return because there’s nothing to do here. I can envision this being an opportunity for the Rosenwald school, being a school again, offering training in the trades. The thing that gets me the most…I know we say town, town, town, but I try to see the bigger picture. When you vote, I want you to think of our kid’s future”.
This was also a reminder that sometimes government still works for the little guy, looks out after those that may not have a voice or the platform and clout to defend their own interests. The attempts to delay, even cancel the zoning changes and jeopardize our future was defeated in Cape Charles tonight.
There were heroes at the August 19, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Cape Charles Town Council: Bennett, Follmer, Buchholz, and Dize.
About the Author
If fact aren’t available, a person can always rely on rumor, innuendo, half truth or character assassination to win the day
Amen!
Well done Mr. Mayor and Town Council-
“…and could care less about the people…”
I know you meant to type “…and could NOT care less about the people…”
Words mean things.
Note: The phrases ‘could care less’ and ‘could not care less’ are synonymous.
Wayne,
Both your passion for this issue and your attention to detail in your writing of your stories on it, have definitely convinced us two liberals that good and righteous decisions were made here!
I saw that the meeting was being streamed on Facebook and tuned in. As a resident of Oyster and a member of the Northampton County Planning Commission, I commend the town for providing the streaming option and will make a strong effort to make our meetings available online as well. It was much easier to identify speakers and note body language, etc., when viewing the proceeding instead of just listening to the tape.
Surprised this vote was close.
Both Mr. Follmer and Mayor Dize gave insightful and articulate comments regarding this very simple rezoning request.
If we see offshore windmills being built and stored at Coastal Precast in the next few years thank these two guys for seeing beyond the rhetoric..and to a well balanced community.
These are never easy votes and to serve a community one must always look past the noise and see the future.
Hats off to Mr. Follmer, Mr Bennet, Mr Buchholz, and Mayor Dize.
HATS Off to the Cape Charles Mirror ! Pulitzer material. Sounds like Joe Kakoo was using the old lawyers trick. “If the facts are against you, argue the law. If the law is against you, argue the facts. If the law and the facts are against you, pound the table and yell like hell”
― Carl Sandburg
We are part-time residents of Cape Charles, and truly appreciate being able to follow Town Council meetings via the internet.
Just some observations of this most recent meeting. From reading the comments, posted on Facebook during the meeting, some folks assumed that all of the councilmen/women had their minds made up about how they would vote. When Town Manager Hozey revealed new information, which he had been able to glean by virtue of having an extra 30 days to study the proposals in question, 3 of the councilmen/women considered this new information and voted “no.” Whether you agree with their vote or not, it is refreshing to know that these councilmen/women listened to new information and based their votes on that.
Surprising that the majority of people who spoke against the plant expansion were from town: Tazewell, Monroe, Madison, Jefferson, and Washington Avenues. I would have thought that people with homes on Mason, or businesses on Mason, or people with an interest in the marina, or restaurants or hotels on Mason, or even people with homes in Bay Creek would have been the ones most impacted by expansion of Coastal Pre-cast, since they are closer to the plant, so not sure what that says about who spoke against this, versus those who were silent.
Mayor Dize WAS elected to represent the Town of Cape Charles, so to seem frustrated that the taxpayers of Cape Charles (who also pay taxes to Northampton County) were questioning something that might negatively affect the town seems odd to me. The citizens of the Town are the ones whose interests the Mayor is elected to protect; not sure a strong case was ever made as to how this expansion will benefit the Town. Much was said about increased revenue being generated by Coastal PreCast, but given that taxes for the Town were just increased, it is not clear whether the Town is seeing, or will ever see this increased revenue. Also curious that no one from the Northampton County Board of Supervisors was in attendance, since ultimately, Northampton County is the beneficiary of an expanded Coastal PreCast.
Vice Mayor Bennett’s rant about someone questioning his relationship with Mr. Baldwin was not something you expect from an elected official, in a public setting. All he had to do was answer the question posed, and that could have been done when the gentleman asked the question at the previous question and answer session. Yes or no. Taking offense when someone asks you a question, when you are an elected public servant makes you look guilty. The constituents have a right to ask questions; it comes with being an elected public servant.
Finally, the elephant in the room continues to be the clamming operation on Mason Avenue. When someone tried to bring it up at the Town Hall meeting, Mayor Dize essentially shouted the man down, telling him that the clamming operation was not the purpose of the town hall meeting. Large tractor trailers traversing Mason Avenue, when it is teeming with tourists, cars, and golf carts seems like an accident waiting to happen.
We are grateful for these elected officials, who love this little town and are willing to dedicate time and energy for the betterment of everyone who lives here. The town is having growing pains, and so conflicts of opinion are to be expected, but giving people the opportunity to express opinions to the Council, and giving the Council the opportunity to correct misinformation, helps the town to move forward, together.
Note: There was no ‘new’ information provided, both light and M-2 have been in place for many, many years. Everything in light industrial, which was being voted on, was proper. What seemed wrong, was the text of M-2, so a ‘No’ vote on this proposal was just stupid. Requiring a conditional use permit for by-right functionality is stupid. As for, Mr. Bennett, he was just defending his reputation, which part-timers may not get. They were not asking questions, they were making accusations. Part-timers may not get that part. Also, once you’ve lived here full-time for 20 years or so, you might begin to understand work on the water, that is, clams.
Rant?? Everyone, including public officials and celebrities, is entitled to rebut unsubstantiated libel and slander. There is no better time than in a public forum to “rant” about an injustice.
The idea that public individuals are “fair game” is one of the worst doctrines imposed by our ‘blessed’ Supreme Court.
You cannot have an economy based on tourism without a vibrant and diversified employment base. VRBO owners and wealthy retirees for the most part are not cooking your food, waiting on tables, cleaning the beds or ringing up sales. When one looks at the concrete plant, which predates the vast majority of homeowners in Cape Charles, perhaps you should see not just 135 plus employees but most likely 500 plus members of a family: wives, husbands and children that can be able to live here just like you in your cozy refurbished escape. On one hand I hear “tourism is the future” of which is and will be a significant and successful part of Cape Charles’ future, but it can only be a part of a diversified and vibrant economy for this town to function. It’s not a private playground or escape from reality, it’s a functioning economy based on many inputs and requirements. On the other hand I hear whining of not having enough eateries etc or long waits or limited business hours. Why? Not enough help. Help that does not come from Cape Charles proper but the surrounding area. Do yourself a favor and look at some of the written submissions to Council. Words like “eyesore” conveniently withheld by the same person while commenting in public. Perhaps the next time you hear some sound from the concrete plant, or a clamming operation say a prayer for their safety and be thankful some family can put food on the table. It will make you have a happier and successful day.
Diversification. Amen. This town, and county, made the failure of not diversifying in the past.
Thank you Not a Pharisee.
NOISE from “clammers” on Mason? Now Scotiagirl has heard it all. Maybe some of the “come here’s” need to leave, spend time in just about any city…where they will experience NOISE. Meanwhile lets all do what we can to shut up those noisy clams …heard they’ve been keeping people awake at night.
They are discussing the clams that are being offloaded on the property directly across Mason Ave. from Kelly’s. Being offloaded during the week onto 18 wheelers, that’s what is causing noise, not local waterman. Maybe scotiagirl should pay more attention.
Scotiagirl has a special place in her heart for water men. Don’t underestimate her “attention”
All well & good, but so far only one has come forward that really works at the plant and lives in CC.
What is your point? Only one person affects CC? No one else that works at the plant ever spends money in CC? Pays income taxes? Shops or eats in CC? Participates in life, goes to church or is part of an organization and enriches CC or the adjoining area? Has a family member that works in CC? How many CC residents shop at the Food Lion? How many CC residents fill up their car with gas outside CC? Stop being so narrow minded and selfish.
John Coker was not present as the County Board of Supervisors meeting was held at the same time as this meeting.
Note: There is this new thing called ‘Email’, where, you know, you can kind of pretend to be professional, and at least let your Northampton constituents know your position on a matter of well, importance. The Town Clerk reads them at each and every Regular Meeting of the Cape Charles Town Council. But we understand, the Eastville Inn can take up a lot of time and energy.
The information on this issue was coming in up to and during this meeting. The Town Council members had the difficult decision on their shoulders, had the benefit of seeing and hearing all of the information, and had the responsibility for the vote. John doesn’t have a vote on the matter and making comments with incomplete and inaccurate information would be reckless.