Updates from Parking Ad Hoc Committee

An ad hoc committee whose members represent the Planning Commission, Cape Charles Business Association, Main Street Cape Charles, and the Town of Cape Charles Staff.  The committee will study the parking situation within the Main Street Commercial District of the town making both short and long term recommendations.

 Phase 1: In the short term the Committee is addressing the following:

1. A recommendation from the Committee has been sent to the Planning Commission for consideration at their January 7 meeting. Included is

a) Replace reverse angle parking with front end parking at a 45 degree angle 

b) Add one handicapped parking space each in the zero block and 100 block of Mason Street

 c) Add parallel parking stripes on the north side of Mason Avenue between Fig and Peach Streets and from Harbor to Bay Streets.

d) Install better directional signage for the Strawberry Plaza parking lot.

• A petition has been sent to the Virginia General Assembly to be heard in the 2019 session requesting the Town Council of Cape Charles be given the authority to control the parking on town streets including but not limited to boats, trailers, and RV’s. No policy will be set until the authority is given to the Town.

Future Phases: In the long term the Committee will:

1. Identify all parking resources and potential parking sources in Cape Charles including parallel parking along curbs and shoulders, golf cart parking, bicycle racks, and reduced speed limits
2. Investigate the use of current available parking in various seasons of the year, days and hours of the week, and at various events

The Committee will continue to seek public opinion through Community Input meetings.  Cape Charles Main Street presented a phased approach to the Planning Commission at their November 6 meeting.  The Commission will continue to review proposed parking changes and make a recommendation to Town Council.  Public comment is welcome at every Planning Commission meeting.  Any changes to street markings and\or the parking pattern is VDOT’s final decision.

Through articles in the Gazette the citizens of Cape Charles will be kept apprised of all the discussions and decisions of the Parking Ad Hoc Committee. Although public comment meetings will be held regularly the public is invited to attend any of the meetings of the committee which are advertised on the Town of Cape Charles website.  To receive direct notices about Town related meetings sign up for E-Notifications.