CAPE CHARLES, Va. — A citizen has raised concerns about the legality of Cape Charles using the privately owned Sea Breeze Apartment parcel for a town-sponsored basketball tournament held during the July 4th festivities.
In a formal complaint submitted to the town, the resident questioned whether the property—zoned residential and privately owned—required a permit for public assembly. “I assume there has been a permit secured for the public assembly the town plans to have there on Friday?” the resident wrote. “May I please have a copy of the permit?”
The town responded to the inquiry as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, stating that no special permit was issued for the event. “This is part of the one-day town-sponsored event,” the response read. “We have reached out to the property owner, and he has agreed to allow us to do this. We have added the Town as an additional insured. We are only using the parking lot and not using any of the buildings. There is no permit required.”
The citizen, unsatisfied with the response, countered that the town has no legal authority to determine permit necessity on private, residentially zoned property. “What gives you the right to make that determination? It’s a private parcel and you are not a federal, state, or local judge,” the resident wrote, arguing that a lack of permitting could invite complaints over noise or unauthorized use.
The basketball event, new to this year’s July 4th lineup, was held on the lot’s parking area, not inside any structures. Town officials maintain that written permission from the property owner and liability coverage were sufficient for the temporary use.
It remains unclear whether further legal review or policy changes will follow in response to the citizen’s concerns.
Told Ya!!!
Actually,you were wrong on every count. The property owners were identified, the event was held in a safe area, and the permit was issued. A locality has the right to waiver certain conditions on permits administratively. You also incorrectly identified me as the owner of an antique shop. And you say “i told you so?”
So you don’t know anyone in cape charles town politics well? Yet you believe everything they tell you? Or everything they want you to believe. Are you brainwashed? Are you really who you make yourself out to be? Or is this really someone pretending to be you? You didn’t previously deny being the owner of an antique shop so why deny it now? When are you planning to run for town council? Or do you just know your word isn’t good enough for a single vote? If you don’t know anyone in town council politics well, then obviously you don’t live in town and the town should be none of your concern.
Correction….a permit was not needed
which town council person is speaking through you? or is it a town employee?
Actually, Peter, I speak for myself. I don’t know anyone in Cape Charles politics well.
If you aren’t happy with your representation, why don’t you run for office? Or support someone.you respect?… oh…I guess it’s easier to throw rocks at the people carrying the water instead of carrying it yourself.
So, you just know they had a permit? No wait. You just know they don’t need a permit? Thank you councilperson. Resign. You are unqualified.
I think he wants to a be on town council but is obviously too ashamed to run. Either that or he’s their little secret member.
From Peter Alpern who said it best:
The problem here is that the Seabreeze is a condemned property. As such, this was an unlawful assembly according to both Cape Charles Division 2, Sec 22-201 (B) and Commonwealth of Virginia section 18.2-406. If anyone had been hurt, it could have been construed as willful gross negligence. Why would the town take this litigative risk when they never had to before?
I suspect someone is trying to white wash the history of the Seabreeze which is one of neglect and shame. Neglect to the point of condemnation and emergency rehousing. Instead of doing something material for the people of Cape Charles or the former residents of Seabreeze, some people want to celebrate the 4th of July there? And call it Breezy’s Arena?
Shame! Lets not forget what has happened here. The Seabreeze was a neglected property that disintegrated. No one cared about the residents until it was determined the Seabreeze was unlivable.
Town Council allowed the Seabreeze to be rezoned into full blown luxury apartment building where the developers told Town Council they were building 28 units they planned to sell for $400k – $600k each. Do the math thats $11.2m to $16.8m – a property they bought for $1.565mm – contingent on it be rezoned the way they wanted it.
What a gift! Who is ashamed?
Who continues to use the people of Cape Charles to white wash their shame on the 4th of July?