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4. Housing Analysis

4.1 Housing Inventory

Table 4.1 shows the inventory breakdown of housing in Northampton County since the 2000

Census.

Table 4.1

Housing Units, Northampton County (includes Towns)

Single Family Mobile Home Multi-Family TOTAL

Units % Units % Unit % Units

2000 Housing

Units', 2

5,288 80.8 891 13.6 368 5.6 6,547

2005 housing Units

5,816 81.5 950 13.3 371 5.2 7,137

2010- 2014 ACS Housing Units

5,905 80.6 761 10.3 656 8.9 7,322

1 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, 2000, Census of Population and Housing 2 Mobile Home total for 2000 includes 12 other living unit types reported, including boats, RVs, and vans. Source: US Census Bureau Data 2011, American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate 2010-2014 ACS estimates are period estimates that describe the average characteristics of population and housing over a period of data collection.

Table 4.2 below shows the breakdown in housing types from the 2016 reassessment by the Northampton County Commissioner of Revenue.

Table 4.2

Housing Types

Item Description Quantity 1 Single-Family 5,789

2 Double-wide Mobile Homes 511

3 Single-wide Mobile Homes 757

4 Duplex 113

5 Garden Apartments 13

6 Walk-up Apartments 7

7 Condos 166

8 Townhouses 4

9 Multi-Family 42 Source: Northampton County Commissioner of Revenue

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Housing is available in a wide variety of sizes and ages. Many houses reflect the historic prosperity of the area and coastal cottage charm.

Historic Eastern Shore House

Additional general housing characteristics for Northampton County are presented in Table 5.3. This table characterizes the housing stock in terms of ownership and vacancy.

The County’s total housing units over the period covered in Table 4.3 increased from 19% from 6,132 to 7,322, while renter occupied units decreased 22% and vacant units increased 183%. As of 2014, vacant units represented 29% of the total housing uni ts of which 47% were seasonal. The increase in vacant units for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use coupled with their increasing cost and the County’s limited number of subsidized and affordable housing units resulted in a rental market with limited opportunities for low to moderate income families. An affordability gap exists between what households can afford and what homes sell for. The median value of owner occupied homes in Northampton County declined 23% from $211,700 in 2009 to $162,500 in 2014. County Median Household income, however, over the same period declined 4.9% from $36,450 to $34,656 while the state’s median income increased 7.4% from $60,316 to $64,792. It should be noted that Northampton County’s median income as a percent of the state’s median income decreased from 60% to 53% over the period.

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Table 4.3

Housing Characteristics

1980 1990 2000 2010 2014 (ACS)

2016 (ACS)

Total Housing Units 6,132 6,183 6,547 7,301 7,322 7,342

Total Occupied Units 5,394 5,129 5,321 5,323 5,237 5,075

Owner Occupied units 3,378 3,372 3,655 3,553 3,662 3,412

Owner Percent of Occupied Units

62% 65% 68% 66% 72% 67.23%

Percent of Total Housing Units

55% 54% 55% 49% 50% 46.47%

Renter Occupied Units 2,016 1,757 1,666 1,770 1,575 1,663

Renter Percent of Occupied Units

37% 34% 31% 33% 30% 32.76%

Percent of Total Housing Units

32% 28% 25% 24% 22% 22.65%

Vacant Units 738 1,054 1,226 1,978 2,085 2,267

For seasonal, recreational or occasional use

344 488 1,007 980 969

Percent of Total Housing Units

12% 17% 18% 27% 29% 30.87%

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census

Table 4.4 Median Income

Year Virginia Northampton County

2016 $39,348

2014 $64,792 $34,656

2013 $63,907 $33,635

2012 $63,636 $34,304

2011 $63,302 $36,965

2010 $1,406 $35,760

2009 $60,316 $36,450 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census

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Figure 4.1

Source, U.S. Census, Selected Housing Characteristics, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Table 4.5 shows the distribution of owner occupied housing stock by value of housing units from the 2010-2014 American Community Survey. The median value is $162,500 per unit.

Table 4.5

Values of Owner Occupied Housing Units, 2010-2014 ACS

Less than $50,000

$50-99,000

$100-149,000

$150-199,000

$200-299,000

$300-499,000

$500- 1 million

Above $1million

Units 429 675 602 439 453 630 365 69

Source: U.S. Census, Selected Housing Characteristics, 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates

Figure 4.2

S o u r c e : U . S . C e n s u s , M e d i a n V a l u e o f O w n e r O c c u p i e d H o m e s 2 0 10 - 2 0 1 4 A C S 5 - Y e a r E s t i m a t e s

50%

21.50%

28.50%

Owner occupied Renter occupied Vacant housing Units

Occupancy By Housing Type

$211,700 $199,600 $206,600

$172,700 $168,800 $162,500

$-

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Median Value of Owner Occupied Housing

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Figure 4.3

S ou rce : U.S . C en su s, M ed ian V a lu e o f Ow ner Occu p ied H omes 201 0 -20 14 A CS 5 Y ea r Est im a tes

4.2 Distribution of Housing

There are approximately 211 square miles of land in Northampton County. Only a small portion of the unincorporated area of Northampton County is used for residential purposes. The U. S. Census Bureau has designated the County as “Rural” and has estimated that the overall housing unit density per square mile of land area was about 34.5 in 2010.

2009 2010 2011 2012 2113 2014

Northampton $211,700.00 $199,600.00 $206,600.00 $172,700.00 $168,800.00 $162,500

Accomack $145,400.00 $149,400.00 $153,400.00 $153,800.00 $153,600.00 $152,500

Dorchester $289,300.00 $289,100.00 $279,600.00 $268,500.00 $253,400.00 $188,100

Isle of Wight $237,700.00 $256,900.00 $219,300.00 $227,800.00 $238,500.00 $245,400

Mathews $242,800.00 $248,100.00 $254,700.00 $260,300.00 $247,400.00 $263,700

Middlesex $242,800.00 $218,100.00 $254,700.00 $260,300.00 $247,100.00 $241,600

Worcester $289,200.00 $289,100.00 $279,600.00 $268,500.00 $253,400.00 $242,000

$211,700.00

$199,600.00 $206,600.00

$172,700.00 $168,800.00

$162,500

$145,400.00 $149,400.00

$153,400.00 $153,800.00 $153,600.00 $152,500

$289,300.00

$289,100.00 $279,600.00

$268,500.00

$253,400.00

$188,100

$237,700.00 $256,900.00

$219,300.00

$227,800.00

$238,500.00

$245,400

$242,800.00

$218,100.00

$254,700.00

$260,300.00 $247,100.00

$241,600

$289,200.00

$289,100.00

$279,600.00

$268,500.00 $253,400.00

$242,000

$125,000.00

$150,000.00

$175,000.00

$200,000.00

$225,000.00

$250,000.00

$275,000.00

$300,000.00

$325,000.00

COMPARATIVE MEDIAN VALUE OF HOMES

Northampton Accomack Dorchester Isle of Wight Mathews Middlesex Worcester

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Single-family structures continue to be the predominant housing type in the County . Homeownership still represents just over two-thirds of all occupied housing units in the County with 49% of the total housing units being owner occupied. Table 4.6 shows the population and housing densities per square mile and the population and housing unit changes since 1980. While the population decreased 5.4 percent between 2000 and 2010, the number of housing units increased 11.5 percent. Table 4.7 shows the housing units within the towns since 1980.

Table 4.6

Population, Housing Units, Land Area, and Density; Percent Change from 1980-2010

Population

Housing Units

Land Area (sq.

mile)

Average per square mile of land

Percent Change

Population density

Housing unit density

Population Housing Units

1980-1990

1990-2000

2000-2010

1980-1990

1990-2000

2000-2010

12,389 7,301 211 58.5 34.5 10.7 0.2 -5.4 0.8 5.9 11.5

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

Northampton County’s housing is typical of rural areas with abundant open space dotted with

villages and towns.

Table 4.7

Housing Units within Towns

1980 1990 2000 2010 2010-2014 ACS

Belle Haven* 57 49 35 42 217 Cape Charles 701 689 740 958 936 Cheriton 297 246 239 239 276 Eastville 98 94 75 79 104 Exmore 559 528 524 769 793 Nassawadox 251 227 207 239 317

Denotes NH County portion of Belle Haven

Source, U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Census 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates

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4.3 Rental Housing

Of the 5,323 housing units occupied by the total population of Northampton County in 2010, 1,770, or 33 percent, were renter-occupied. The 2010-2014 ACS reports 5,237 occupied housing units with 1,575 or 30 percent of those renter-occupied. There are two methods for calculating rental costs. One is “contract rent”, which is a set monthly price for the housing unit, and the second is “gross rent”, which adds on to the contract rent the estimated cost of such things as utilities, insurance and taxes. The median gross monthly rent has increased as shown in Table 4.8.

Table 4.8

Monthly Contract and Gross Rent 1980 1990 2000 2010 2010-2014

ACS Contract Rent

$65.00 $151.00 $260.00 $469.00 $479.00

Gross Rent $155.00 $260.00 $383.00 $668.00 $680.00 Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau 1980,1990,2000,2010, 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates

Over a 44 year period contract rents have increased more than 7 times their level in 1980 (637%) while gross rents have increased just over 4 times their 1980 level (339%). The gap between contract and gross rent during the period increased from $90 to $199 or 121%.

Table 4.9

Gross Rent as a Percentage of Median Household Income

% of income paid for rent:

Less than 15%

15-19.9%

20-24.9%

25-29.9%

30-34.9%

35% and above

# of Units 264 110 98 201 147 441

% of renters 20.9% 8.7% 7.8% 15.9% 11.7% 35% U.S. Depart of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Selected Housing Characteristic, 2010-2014 ACS 5 Year Estimates.

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Figure 4.4

U.S. Census, Selected Housing Characteristics, 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates

4.4 Building Permits Issued

As shown in Table 4.11, the County experienced a surge in single-family dwelling building

permit activity during 2002-2004. There was a diminution of that trend in 2005 that continued

downward until it bottomed out in 2009. Single-family building permits were level for the next

two years, increased 62 percent the following year, and then declined for two years ending with

a slight uptick to 30 in 2015; having been as high as 126 in 2004.

20.90%

8.70% 7.80%

15.90%

11.70%

35%

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

Less than 15% 15%-19.9% 20%-24.9% 25%-29.9% 30%-34.9% 35% or more

Gross Rent as a Percentage of Income

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Table 4.10 Building Permits Issued 2001-2015

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Commercial 8 9 5 9 6 3 7 8 0 4 4 2 14 12 6

Single Family 71 120 117 126 94 77 75 31 18 27 26 42 33 27 30

Mobile Home

18 14 15 11 1 3 10 0 4 2 2 0 6 3 5

Multi-Family 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Total New Residential

92 134 132 137 95 80 85 50 22 29 29 42 39 30 35

Total New Construction

100 143 137 146 101 83 92 58 22 33 33 44 53 42 41

Source: Northampton County Building Department

Figure 4.5

Source: U.S. Census, Selected Housing Characteristics. ACS 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates

5,905

162

75

124

63

56

174

761

0

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000

1 unit, detached

1 Unit, attached

2 Units

3 or 4 Units

5-9 Units

10 to 19 units

20 or more Units

Mobile homes

Boat, RV, Van,… Housing by Structure Type

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Figure 4.6

Source: Northampton County

Figure 4.7

Source: Northampton County

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Single Family Building Permits 1990-2014

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Series1 $91, $51, $61, $67, $74, $100 $103 $80, $81, $63, $149 $189 $281 $130 $148 $217 $221 $214 $172 $229 $246 $173 $216 $247 $234

$91,040

$51,760

$61,081

$67,443

$74,607

$100,873$103,805

$80,656

$81,142 $63,682

$149,517

$189,103

$281,711

$130,393

$148,653

$217,378$221,377

$214,194

$172,249

$229,572

$246,780

$173,722

$216,398

$247,165

$234,986

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

Average Value of Building Permit

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4.5 Housing Conditions 4.5.1 Cost

The median value of owner-occupied homes has increased significantly since 1990. In 1990 the median value was $47,700 and it increased 65 percent by 2000 to $78,700 (1990, 2000 U.S. Census). The 2010-2014 American Community Survey (ACS) estimate was $162,500, an increase of 106 percent from 2000. While some of the rise in this measure of value may be attributed to increasing construction costs, both labor and materials, some due to the size of and amenities associated with new homes being constructed by new residents with greater wealth, and some may be due to the national trend of high-end real estate speculative investment during the decade. Table 4.11 below shows the rise and fall of the average sale price of property in Northampton County from 1996 to 2015. After a dramatic spike in the mid-2000s, the average sale price in the County in 2015 returned to just under $3,000 above its level in 1999. Following the 2008 financial crisis the County’s average sale price dropped 53 percent from $141,752 to $66,633, trended up for the next three years and was $82,355 in 2012. After decreasing 10% in 2013 the average improved 24% to $97,333 in 2014.

Housing Stock, Occohannock Neck

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Table 4.11

Total Sales and Average Sale Price 1996-2015

Total sales Average sale Price # Transactions

1996 $20,027,821 $40,055 500

1997 $26,769,389 $45,448 589

1998 34,470,919 $53,360 646

1999 $57,012,232 $76,629 744

2000 $50,639,277 $64,508 785

2001 $72,772,597 $92,233 789

2002 $89,151,056 $94,539 943

2003 $133,330,958 $121,874 1094

2004 $195,231,460 $158,853 1229

2005 $226,566,864 $104,840 2161

2006 $102,350,490 $150,294 681

2007 $86,147,279 $123,597 697

2008 $75,270,474 $141,752 531

2009 $65,767,554 $66,633 987

2010 $55,894,600 $77,309 723

2011 $57,944,162 $78,302 740

2012 $64,814,097 $82,355 787

2013 $66,519,751 $74,407 894

2014 $69,984,499 $97,333 719

2015 $63,069,503 $79,333 795

Source: Eastern Shore Association of Realtors

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Figure 4.8

Source: Eastern Shore Association of Realtors

The high value real estate constructed in the County over the past decade has added value to the County’s tax base. Table 4.12 shows the values of residential property for the last four reassessments in Northampton County.

Table 4.12

Residential Reassessment Values 2004, 2008, 2013 & 2016

2004 2008 2013 2016

Residential Value

$858,590,100 $2,030,412,900 $1,644,540,300 $1,481,724,050

Average Per Unit

$75,620 $159,800 $127,149 $106,805

Source: Northampton County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office

500 589 646744 785 789

9431094

1229

2161

681 697531

987

723 740 787

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010 20012

Tran

sact

ion

s

Year

Number of Property Transactions in Northampton County (1996-

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Figure 4.9

Source: datausa.io/profile/geo/northampton-county-va/#economy

Figure 4.10

Source, datausa.io/profile/geo/northampton-county-va/#economy

4.5.2 Substandard Housing There are a number of variables which can indicate that a dwelling unit is substandard, and it is common practice to use "lacking complete plumbing facilities" to approximate the number of substandard units. Table 4.13 indicates a significant decline in such units since 1990, with approximately 98 percent of all housing units now having complete facilities. This result is likely

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

2013 2014

Median Housing Value 2013-2014

050

100150200250300350400450

Number of Housing Values 2013 v 2014

2013 2014

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due to the success of various state and federal programs locally administered by the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission to address this problem. The most current data can be reviewed in the Indoor Plumbing Needs on the Eastern Shore of Virginia document: http://www.a-npdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Eastern-Shore-IPR-Report_DRAFT-FINAL_2015.11.03b_2-up.pdf.

Table 4.13

Housing Units Lacking Facilities 1990 2000 2010 2014 (ACS)

Lacking Complete Kitchen Facilities 488 171 142 38

Lacking Complete Plumbing Facilities 753 245 112 52

Source: US Census Bureau

4.5.3 Age of Housing Stock

Age of the housing stock is another indicator of the condition of the housing inventory. According to the Accomack-Northampton Regional Housing Assessment completed in June 2002, housing that is 40 years old or over is considered to have a high potential for deficiency. Based on 2010-2014 ACS, roughly 43 percent of the County’s housing stock was constructed prior to 1969, with about 23 percent having been constructed in 1939 or earlier. Unless these units have been maintained over time, it is likely that substantial maintenance is necessary. This conclusion must also take into account the fact that approximately 41 percent of the housing units in the County have been built since 1980.

Table 4.14

Age of Housing Units

Before 1939 1940- 1949

1950- 1959

1960- 1969

1970- 1979

1980- 1989

1990- 1999

2000- 2009

2010 or later

Units 1,707 532 528 374 1,134 937 722 1,353 35

NHCO 23.3% 7.3% 7.2% 5.1% 15.5% 12.8% 9.9% 18.5% 0.5%

US 13.3% 5.4% 10.8% 11% 15.8% 13.8% 13.9% 14.9% 1.0%

Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey

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Figure 4.11

Source: U.S. Census 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates

4.5.4 Vacancy Rates Based on the 2010-2014 ACS figures, 29 percent, or approximately one-third of the County’s housing stock, is vacant, compared to a statewide vacancy rate of about 11 percent. Subtracting the number of units reportedly held for seasonal use the vacancy rate is about 22 percent. A value of 1.01 or more persons per room is the standard for measuring overcrowded living conditions. In 2000 about 3 percent of all occupied housing units were overcrowded (2000 Census). The percentage of overcrowded living in 2010 has decreased to 1.5 percent of all occupied dwelling units (2010 Census) and 1.3 percent in 2014.

4.6 Affordable Housing

VA Code § 15.2-2201 defines "Affordable housing" as: housing that is affordable to households with incomes at or below the area median income, provided that the occupant pays no more than thirty percent of his gross income for gross housing costs, including utilities, calculated as either a monthly mortgage or monthly rents, including utilities.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Before 1939 1940-1949 1950-1959 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009 2010 or later

Year House Built (%)

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The availability of affordable housing is a

continuing challenge facing Northampton County and is a critical issue in its long-term economic health, since lack of adequate housing is a deterrent to economic growth if employees are unable to find suitable, affordable living accommodations. Singlewide mobile homes account for over 10.3 percent of housing in Northampton County, down from 13.6 percent in 2000. The mobile home is often referred to as a low-cost housing option. This is not true in all cases. Mobile homes, particularly singlewide trailers, are actually much more expensive than site built homes. Other types of manufactured homes such as modular homes that are put together on site and affixed to a foundation maintain their value and appearance to a much greater extent. Table 4.15 shows that while similar size site built homes cost more initially, they offer a lower interest rate and shorter depreciation period than singlewide mobile homes. Some local banks will not write a mortgage for a singlewide mobile home, rather the mobile home is financed more like vehicles. The result is that the average annual cost of ownership for a singlewide mobile home is higher than site built even though the original cost appears to be lower.

Table 4.15

Comparison of Mobile Home to Site Built Cost

1,000 square foot home on a site but not included land

Manufactured Site Built

Cost of Home $ 55,000 $70,000

Down Payment $ 5,500 $7,000

Monthly Payment $ 459.59 $442.17

New Roads Community, Exmore

Single Wide Mobile Home

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Annual Depreciation $ 2,200.00 $348.25

Residual Value $ 11,000 $63,350

20 Year Cost to Own $148,801.60 $56,735.80

Net Annual Cost $7,440.08 $2,836.79

Notes:

Depreciation 4.3% 0.5%

Interest Rate 8.0% 4.5%

Mortgage Term 20 years 20 years

Down Payment 10% 10%

Sources: NADA, Northampton County home builders and mobile home sales dealer

Northampton County Tax Commissioner; closing costs excluded

This example deals with the case of home ownership but extends to the rental market in terms of costs that are recovered when units are rented. It should also be noted that old mobile homes can be bought for less since they depreciate at a faster rate, but the cost to relocate can exceed the cost of acquisition. Table 4.9 indicates that about 54 percent of County rentals meet the Va code definition of affordable housing. Table 4.9 indicates a yearly contract rent amount of $5,748 or $479 per month, which falls short of the Fair Market Rent (FMR) figures established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. A little over 46 percent of County renters are paying more than the recommended 30% of their Median Household Income (MHI) on housing. The disparity between the cost of available housing and the Median Household Income might indicate the need for more affordable housing for extremely low income, very-low income, low income as well as moderate income households. Poverty among groups identified in Section 2.8, Table 2.6 might indicate the cohorts most in need of adequate, affordable housing. Virtually all of these households will require subsidized housing. Currently, only 8% of occupied housing units in the County are subsidized units versus over 46 percent of the population paying in excess of 30% of their income in housing cost (Table 4.17).

Table 4.16

Fair Market Rent, FY14

Efficiency One-Bedroom Two-Bedroom Three-Bedroom Four-Bedroom

Final FY 2014 FMR $520 $523 $708 $882 $1,192 Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

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Table 4.17

Monthly Cost of Rent and Percentage of Renters Paying Each Cost

Monthly Rent

<$200 $200-$299

$300-$499

$500-$749

$750-$999

$1,000-$1,499

$1,500+

# of Renters

44 170 247 428 350 130 29

% of Renters

3.1% 12.2% 17.7% 33.6% 25.0% 9.3% 2.1%

U.S. Depart of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Selected Housing Characteristic, 2010-2014 ACS 5 Year Estimates.

Table 4.18 Rents as a Percentage of Income

Rents as a Percentage of Income 1980 1990 2000 2010 2010-2014

ACS Median

Household Income

$9,930.00 $18,117.00 $28,405.00 $36,965.00 $34,656

Contract Rent Yearly

$780.00 $1,812.00 $3,120.00 $5,628.00 $5,748

Percentage of Income

7.85% 10% 10.98% 14.95% 16.56%

Gross Rent Yearly $1,860.00 $3,120.00 $4,596.00 $8,016.00 $8,160

Percentage of Income

18.73% 16.18% 16.25% 21.68% 23.55%

Source: U.S. Dept of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. Median Gross Rent 2010-2014

Based on 2000 data for specified renter-occupied units, approximately 31 percent of renters in the County were paying 30 percent or greater of their household income in rent. The number of renters paying more than 30 percent of their household income in the County has increased 15 percentage points to 46 percent according to the 2010-2014 ACS data. Exmore, Nassawadox, Cheriton, Eastville area, Bayview and Cape Charles all have multi-family subsidized rental units, which are income, age and/or disability restricted. Table 4.18 shows the type of units available for these apartments.

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Table 4.19

Subsidized Housing in Northampton County

Income Restricted

Total Units

1 BR

2 BR

3 BR

Senior Disabled Other Location

Exmore Village 1 X 36 36 X X Exmore

Exmore Village 2 X 65 65 X Exmore

Peter Cartwright Manor (Exmore)

X 47 47 X Exmore

AP’s Freedom Apt. (Exmore)

X 15 15 X X Exmore

Virginia Street X 10 3 7 Exmore

New Roads Village Apts.

X 16 4 8 4 Exmore

Crispus Attucks X 23 Exmore

Dogwood View Apts.

X 24 24 Develop-mentally disabled

Nassawadox

Sunnyside Village X 16 11 4 1 Cheriton

Seabreeze X 28 14 14 X Cape

Charles

Heritage Acres VI (Cape Charles)

X 93 93 X Cape

Charles

Culls Woods Apts. X 16 10 6 County

William Hughes Apts.

X 34 3 12 15 farm

workers County

Source: Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission

The County’s Community Housing Committee produced a report, endorsed by the Board of Supervisors in early 2006, which includes discussion of the existing housing inventory, distribution, rental housing, condition of existing housing, plumbing, age of existing units, crowding and mobile homes. The Report reflects conditions in the County at that time. The report, Northampton County Affordable Housing Committee Report January 2005, is on file in the County’s Development Department office. The Committee has since been disbanded by the Board. Findings by the Committee indicated a direct correlation between the identified poverty

cohorts and those most in need of affordable, often subsidized housing. Adequate rental

housing was identified as a primary need for single heads of households with children.

Inadequate housing among the elderly was identified primarily in owner-occupied homes.

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The County has 423 subsidized residential housing units restricted to low income, elderly,

disabled and/or agricultural workers. The County does not have residential units specifically

designated for homeless, mental health or addiction rehab or recovery. Heritage Hall in

Nassawadox provides nursing home residential living arrangements for elderly and disabled.

4.7 Factors that may Influence Future Housing Trends

Hospital relocation – See Section 6.11 Hospital/Health Services in Part II Section 6

Community Facilities & Services

Zoning change – See Section 154.145 (G)(2) Height and Bulk Regulations

Flooding and Sea level Rise – See Part II Section Environment & Natural Resources

Section 5.2

CBBT Toll Change – See Part II Section 7 Transportation Section 7.5.8 Chesapeake Bay

Bridge Tunnel

Aging of Population – See Part II Section 2 Population & Demographics

Declining Population – See Part II section 2 Population & Demographics

Increasing tourism market - See Part II Section 3 Economic Analysis Section 3.6 Tourism

William Hughes Apartments, Eastville

EastEastville

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Summary

The County’s population has declined since the last Census, but the number of housing units has increased— indicating an increase of vacation, resort rental or second homes which are not occupied year round, but which add to the real estate tax base.

The number of renter-occupied units has decreased since the last Census and the monthly rents have increased. This might indicate a shortage of affordable rental units.

There has been a significant decrease in the value of homes since the last Census with little to no impact on the disparity between Median Household Income and median home value.

There is a segment of County population whose income will not allow them access even to "affordable" housing. The need for housing for low, very low, and extremely low income households will continue to be a challenge. Although there are more than 400 income assisted rental units in the County, there may be a need for more low cost subsidized rental units for population cohorts identified in Section 2.8.

Moderate cost rental units are needed for workforce housing, for both year round and seasonal workers.

There are thousands of available residential building lots in the County, in the towns, in subdivisions and in other areas of the County. They are available at all price points.

Impacts of the hospital relocation and the possibility of changing housing demands should be carefully considered in terms of an increase in the cost of County services as a result of residential development.

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5. Environmental Data and Analysis

5.1 Introduction

Natural features and conditions of the land are both impacted by and have an effect on

settlement patterns. The features of topography, soils, geology, water, and vegetation

establish the basic suitability and capacity of the land for development, influencing overall land

use patterns, economic opportunity, quality of life and the cost of public facilities and services.

When land use is not planned to consider impacts to natural resources, the environment can be

at risk for permanent alteration and diminution of resources.

The most obvious and noticeable influence on Northampton County’s environment is that it is

a long, narrow peninsula between two major water bodies; the Atlantic Ocean and the

Chesapeake Bay. Northampton County’s fertile soils, extensive marshes and productive

waters have provided the foundation for an agricultural economy and a seafood industry that

has spanned centuries and supported the inhabitants since the dawn of human occupation.

The following section details the most significant baseline data on current and historical

environmental and ecological conditions in Northampton County and associated near shore

Atlantic waters and the Chesapeake Bay.

5.2 Climate

The climate of Northampton County is classified as temperate with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Latitude, topography, prevailing winds, and the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean all exert an influence on the climate.

The County generally lies near the mean path of both winter storm tracks and warm moist tropical air from the southwest Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico during the summer and early fall.

The average temperatures, as recorded from Weather Station Oyster 1 W, are 77.9 degrees F in July and 38.1 degrees F in January. The average annual temperature is 58.6 degrees F, see Table 5.1.

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Table 5.1

Average Temperature in Northampton County

Fahrenheit Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Average

Minimum

31.8 33 38.3 48 55.8 66.4 71.5 69.7 63.3 53 44.3 35.4 50.9

Average

Maximum

46 47.9 54.8 65.1 73.9 82.9 87.3 85.2 79.7 69.9 60.1 50.1 66.9

24-Hour

Average

38.9 40.5 46.6 56.6 64.9 74.7 79.4 77.5 71.5 61.5 52.2 42.8 58.9

Source: Eastville, VA NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 1981-2010 Summary of Monthly Normals. Eastville is located at about 37.388 Degrees North

and 75.974 Degrees West at Height about 10 feet above Sea Level.

Rainfall, derived from cyclonic weather systems in fall, winter and spring months and from local

convection and thunderstorms in summer months, is distributed evenly throughout the year.

Precipitation averages about 46 inches per year according to NOAA’s National Centers for

Environmental Information. The average snowfall is about 8 inches. There is an average of

230.5 frost-free days per year. The average first frost is November 15 and the average last frost

is March 20.

Prevailing winds are southerly at an average velocity of 10 miles per hour. The Eastern Shore is

vulnerable to hurricanes; at least 10 hurricanes caused destruction in this region since 1901.

During hurricane periods, coastal lagoons receive a great influx of sediments from wash-over.

When storms are of unusual severity, new inlets may be formed or existing ones may be closed.

The hurricane season begins in June and extends through November 30.

Northeasterly storms, which occur primarily during the fall and winter, are a more significant

cause of erosion along the coastal area than the summer hurricanes. Typical "nor’easters” are

accompanied by heavy rain and strong northeast winds which may cause unusually high tides

and seas, and flooding of exposed coastal and low lying areas. Durations of these storms are

variable, but usually persist for two to five days.

5.2.1 Sea Level Rise

The Mid-Atlantic region has the second highest rate of sea level rise in the United States,

according to NOAA. Sea levels are rising due to the combined impacts of climate change and

land subsidence; the land mass in the Mid-Atlantic is sinking at a rate of approximately 0.1 inch

per year. In Virginia, the impacts of sea level rise were analyzed in a January 2013 report by the

Virginia Institute for Marine Sciences (VIMS) at the College of William and Mary entitled

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“Recurrent Flooding Study for Tidewater Virginia.” Recurrent flooding is caused by both the

rising sea level and the stronger, more frequent precipitation events and storm surges

associated with climate change. Areas that currently experience regular flooding will be flooded

more frequently and experience longer periods of inundation. Areas that currently see little or

no flooding may begin to experience flooding more often. In Northampton County, the Barrier

Islands, intertidal areas and marshes, as well as any development in the inundation areas, will

be impacted.

Figure 5.1 below shows the most recent version of relative sea-level rise curves for the Eastern

Shore based on the same methodology used in the VIMS study with adjustments based on the

annual local subsidence rate for Wachapreague of 1.6mm/year.

The lowest or “historic” scenario is a projection of observed long-term rates of sea-level rise

going back more than a century and incorporates no acceleration. The “low” scenario is based

on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 4th Assessment model using conservative

assumptions about future greenhouse gas emission (the B1 scenario). The “high” scenario is

based on the upper end of projections from semi-empirical models using statistical

relationships in global observations of sea level and air temperature. The “highest” scenario is

based on estimated consequences from climate change combined with the maximum possible

contribution from ice-sheet loss and glacial melting.

Figure 5.1

Source: VIMS,

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Source: A-NPDC 2015 Transportation Infrastructure Inundation Vulnerability Assessment, (TIIVA), May 2015; http://www.a-npdc.org/accomack-northampton-

planning-district-commission/transportation-planning/plans-projects/

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VIMS identified the locations on the Eastern Shore where recurrent flooding is currently a

problem and could be expected to increase in a 20 to 50 year time frame under projected

climate change and land subsidence scenarios. The estimated rate of sea level rise for

Northampton County used in the VIMS study is 1.5 feet over the next 20 to 50 years. The

report concludes that of 132,032

acres of Northampton County, .46

percent more land acreage and 44

additional miles of road could be

flooded over the next 20 to 50 years

due to sea level rise with

accompanying 3 foot storm surges.

Of this additional area, only .01

percent is currently developed with

housing or commercial structures.

As of January, 2016, there were 572 National Flood Insurance Program policies in the County, with 334

of those being in the unincorporated portions of the County. There have only been 102 claims since

1978, only 87 in the unincorporated portions of the County. A total of 24 homes in Northampton County

have been documented as having been elevated out of the floodplain. With changes to the Flood

Insurance Rate Map delineations of the Special Flood Hazard Areas, there are 139 fewer buildings

insured in 2016 than in 2011, while this could indicate less buildings being in high hazard areas,

insurance is important for the resiliency of a community to rebound following a natural disaster (Source:

A-NPDC 2018).

Flooding in Bayford

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Figure 5.2

Source: VIMS Recurrent Flooding Study, page 65

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Figure 5.3

Source: VIMS Recurrent Flooding Study, page 73

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Figure 5.4

Source: VIMS Recurrent Flooding Study, page 79

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Further data on the potential impacts to Northampton County from sea level rise will be

available when more detailed mapping is complete. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), an

optical remote sensing technology, has been used to obtain high accuracy elevation data for

the Eastern Shore. LiDAR data can be used to update flood insurance maps, hazard mitigation

plans, update storm water management plans, document sea level rise and to plan for future

development. NOAA’s Coastal Service Center has included

the Eastern Shore on its Sea Level Rise Coastal Flooding

Impact Viewer. The viewer displays potential future sea

levels, provides one foot increment sea level rise simulations

at the local level, shows areas of uncertainty or low

confidence, and overlays social and economic impacts due to

sea level rise. The link for the viewer is:

http://www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/slrviewer/

5.3 Topography

There are three noticeable topographic corridors running the length of the County. The first is

the bayside corridor which faces the Chesapeake Bay with a varied coastline consisting of 25-

foot bluffs, 50-foot dunes to flat sandy beaches, and marshlands at and below sea level. The

entire Bay coast is incised with a complex system of creeks. The middle ridge is the high ground

between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean where elevations range between 25 to 50

feet above sea level. This ridge is visible on topographic maps and is obvious to the naked eye in

many places as a pronounced bluff along both the bayside and seaside corridors of the County.

Furthermore, this ridge approximates the boundaries between the Atlantic Ocean and

Chesapeake Bay drainage basins. The seaside of the mainland drops down from the ridgeline 25

foot contour to land that is inundated at high tide and emergent at low tide. There is an

extensive tidal marsh system between the fast-land on the seaside coast and the barrier islands

off the coast with a few deep water channels leading to the Atlantic.

Historically, most of the development in the County was located within the central ridge-corridor. In recent decades, the Bay side has experienced more development because of the many creeks and extensive waterfront land along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary creeks. Five large creek basins, each with deep water access and unique characteristics are located within the Bay drainage area. Most of the development pressures during the last two decades have been near this waterfront and this trend is continuing.

5.4 Soils

Soil types are important in that they have a significant influence on agriculture as well as

residential and industrial development. The percentage of the County's total land area in prime

LiDAR example

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or unique soil types has influenced agricultural practices and productivity, making it a

significant factor in land use decisions. The ability of soils to absorb septic wastes and their

suitability for buildings and roads is one factor that impacts development.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, and Soil Survey of

Northampton County provides data on soil classifications, suitability, fertility, and other

relevant features (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm). It is on file and

can be reviewed in the Northampton County Planning & Zoning Department. Figure 5.5 shows

the soils types that are present in Northampton County. Table 5.2 lists the soil symbol, the

name, and the percent of occurrence in the County.

Table 5.2

Soil Types & Percentage of Occurrence

Map symbol Soil Name %

AsE Assateague sand, 2 to 50 percent slopes 0.3

AtD Assateague fine sand, 2 to 35 percent slopes, rarely flooded 0.1

BeB Beaches, 0 to 10 percent slopes 1.2

BhB Bojac loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes 3.8

BkA Bojac sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 17.3

BoA Bojac fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 19.1

CaA Camocca fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded 0.8

ChA Chincoteague silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded 24.4

DrA Dragston fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 1.1

FhB Fisherman fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded 1.2

FmD Fisherman-Assateague complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, rarely flooded 0.3

FrB Fisherman-Camocca complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, frequently flooded 1.1

MaA Magotha fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes frequently flooded 1.3

MoD Molena loamy sand, 6 to 35 percent slopes 3.0

MuA Munden sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 10.4

NmA Nimmo sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 9.2

PoA Polawana loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded 0.8

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SeA Seabrook loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes 0.1

UPD Udorthents and Udipsamments soils, 0 to 30 percent slopes 0.2

W Water 4.3

5.4.1 Septic Suitability & Soil Types

Generally, soils with good septic suitability are the Bojac soils. Those soils that have fair septic

suitability are Munden soils. Other soils present in the County are more hydric (high moisture

content) and are generally categorized as being poor in septic suitability. Figure 5.5 shows the

occurrence of the soil types divided into the three categories according to their septic

suitability.

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Figure 5.5

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Figure 5.6

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5.4.2 Agricultural Land Use & Soil Types

Northampton County is well-endowed with excellent soils for agriculture. Those soils present in

the County that are well suited to agriculture are the upland soils of Bojac and Munden. They

are moderately to excessively well-drained. As shown in the table 6.3 below, there are several

soil types in the County that are classified as “Prime Farmland.” Prime farmland is a soil

classification of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that identifies soil that has major

importance in meeting the Nation's short- and long-range needs for food and fiber. Because

the supply of high-quality farmland is limited, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes

that responsible levels of government, as well as individuals, should encourage and facilitate

the wise use of our Nation's prime farmland.

Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture, is land that has

the best combination of physical and

chemical characteristics for producing food,

feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is

available for these uses. It could be

cultivated land, pastureland, forestland, or

other land, but it is not urban or built-up land

or water areas. The soil quality, growing

season, and moisture supply are those

needed for the soil to economically produce

sustained high yields of crops when proper management, including water management, and

acceptable farming methods are applied. In general, prime farmland has an adequate and

dependable supply of moisture from precipitation or irrigation, a favorable temperature and

growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, an acceptable salt and sodium content, and few

or no rocks. The water supply is dependable and of adequate quality. Prime farmland is

permeable to water and air. It is not excessively erodible or saturated with water for long

periods, and it either is not frequently flooded during the growing season or is protected from

flooding. Slope ranges mainly from 0 to 6 percent (7 C.F.R. Section 657.5.). Sometimes farmers

also sow a portion of their crops in the lower lying areas where the presence of hydric soils such

as Nimmo and Dragston are present; this is to safeguard against total crop failure in the event

of extreme drought, which does occasionally occur in this area. In total, about 75% of the land

in the Northampton County is classified as Prime Farmland as shown in Figure 5.7.

Prime Soils

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Table 5.3

Prime Farmland Soils

Map

Symbol

Map Unit Name Farmland

Classification

AsE Assateague sand, 2 to 50 percent slopes Not prime

AtD Assateague fine sand, 2 to 35 percent slopes, rarely flooded Not prime

BeB Beaches, 0 to 10 percent slopes Not prime

BhB Bojac loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes Prime

BkA Bojac sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Prime

BoA Bojac fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Prime

CaA Camocca fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded Not prime

ChA Chincoteague silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded Not prime

DrA Dragston fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Prime if

drained

FhB Fisherman fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded Not prime

FmD Fisherman-Assateague complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, rarely flooded Not prime

FrB Fisherman-Camocca complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, frequently flooded Not prime

MaA Magotha fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded Not prime

MoD Molena loamy sand, 6 to 35 percent slopes Not prime

MuA Munden sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Prime

NmA Nimmo sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Prime if

drained

PoA Polawana loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded Not prime

SeA Seabrook loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes Not prime

UPD Udorthents and Udipsamments soils, 0 to 30 percent slopes Not prime

W Water, less than 40 acres Not prime

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Figure 5.7

5.4.3 Hydric Soils

There is a significant part of the County's land area where hydric soils are present. As would be

expected, this area includes the tidal marshes and the barrier islands. On the upland portion of

the County, hydric soils are concentrated along a north to south axis, from Exmore to

Machipongo. Another sizeable block of hydric soils is located on Occohannock Neck. It is

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estimated that 13,312 acres (about 9.2%) in the County are occupied by these soil types

unsuitable for conventional septic systems.

Hydric soils are of particular importance in rural counties such as Northampton because septic

systems have been and will continue to be a prevailing method of residential waste disposal

unless more public systems are developed. To function properly, septic systems require an

adequate vertical separation between the septic absorption area and the seasonally high water

table. Determining the suitability of a septic system site is a responsibility and function of the

State Health Department. They conduct an on-the-ground inspection (soil borings) and issue

the required permit if the site is found suitable. Hydric soils are shown as those being of poor

septic suitability on Figure 5.5. With new technology, there are a variety of alternatives to

conventional septic systems that provide adequate treatment where public sewers are not

available, and where a conventional septic system would not be desirable due to inadequacy of

available soils or other reasons.

5.4.4 Tidal Wetland Soils & Sandy Beach Soils

The soils making up the tidal wetland areas are Chincoteague and Magotha soils. They occur

between the mainland and the barrier islands in the zone between low tide and the lines of the

spring and storm tides. Salt water frequently floods these soils.

The soils making up the sandy beaches are the Fisherman, Beaches, Camocca, and Assateague

soils. They are present on the barrier islands and on the southern tip of the mainland. They

make up the dunes and the tidal marshes adjacent to the ocean. They consist of sandy material

subject to erosion and accretion. These barrier islands will continue to erode and shift, possibly

impacting the sensitive aquaculture growing grounds and tidal salt marshes located between

them and the mainland. Also these barrier islands act as natural living shorelines that help

deflect intense wave actions during storm events.

5.5 Carolina Bays

Carolina Bays are prominent geomorphic features on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. They are

wet, shallow, elliptical depressions that occur along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from Florida to

New Jersey. Carolina Bays on the Eastern Shore are present from sea level to the highest

elevations on the peninsula but most are found along the central spine of the peninsula. There

are over 700 Bays on the Eastern Shore. Figure 5.8 shows the Carolina Bays along the center of

the County in the Machipongo area. Complete mapping of the Carolina Bays on the Eastern

Shore can be found here: (http://cintos.org/SaginawManifold/Planforms/VA_bays/index.html).

The structure of a Carolina Bay is marked by a pronounced rim that is usually circular or

ellipsoidal in shape. Aerial photographs depict the rim as higher elevation and lighter in color

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than the interior. The soil type inside the bay is Nimmo, which is indicative of wet, poorly-

drained soils. Occasionally the bay rims, which are well drained, are used for building sites,

roads, and cemeteries. All bays have been drained by ditching through the rims and were then

developed or farmed. Carolina Bays are believed to be important areas for groundwater

recharge. A better understanding of the hydrology of this system is an important piece in

effectively preserving our ground water resource.

Figure 5.8

Source - http://cintos.org/SaginawManifold/Planforms/VA_bays/index.html

5.6 Forest Land

Where forested lands exist, they complement the other components of Northampton County's

unique environment by providing habitat for wildlife and opportunities for hunting and other

recreational activities. The forested areas in the lower Delmarva are significant for the survival

of Neotropical migratory songbirds that utilize the forests for resting and foraging during the

fall migration. Forests also function as natural buffers and windbreaks. Forests serve as the

most effective filtering agents for sediments and pollutants that might run off into surface

waters and they protect groundwater recharge areas as well as preventing erosion on steep

Carolina Bays

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slopes. In view of these benefits, the retention and restoration of forested areas warrant

consideration in land use planning and establishment of related regulations.

Within the County there are approximately 30,000 acres of forestland. Loblolly pine is the

predominant forest type. The three other types of forest present are pine/hardwood,

hardwood, and bottomland hardwood. Climate change is expected to impact the forest

ecosystems of the Virginia Eastern Shore due to increased spread of disease, invasive species

and changes to ideal growth ranges of various plants. (See, Southern Forests Futures Project,

May 2011. http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/futures/)

The timber industry within the County is of modest economic scope. The Virginia Department of Forestry ranked Northampton County at number 77 in the state, with an average annual timber sales value of $557,906 from 1987-2001. Recent years have varied widely: $222,800 in 2010; $550,080 in 2009; and $214,423 in 2008. There are no operating sawmills within the County nor any secondary processors. There is presently only a minimal amount of clearing of forestland for agriculture purposes. Periodically, blocks of timber are harvested as they become mature. “Intensive forest management, such as site preparation (mechanical and chemical) for new stand establishment, has not been widely practiced in the County due to the prolific nature of the native loblolly pine seed source. Mid –rotation practices, such as commercial thinning, have not been widely practiced, principally because of a lack of market outlets (ex. pulpwood/chip buyers) for the small diameter logs such practices generate1”.

5.7 Ecological Communities, Flora and Fauna

5.7.1 Ecological Communities

Northampton County supports a variety of flora and fauna that are ecologically significant (i.e.,

unique and/or critical to species survival) and arise from a combination of factors, including

location along the Atlantic seaboard, island biogeography, and location within a major

migratory bird flyway. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Division

of Natural Heritage, characterizes the habitat of rare, threatened, or endangered plant and

animal species, unique or exemplary natural communities, and significant geologic formations

as “Natural Heritage Resources”.

Northampton County is currently home to 60 distinct types of Natural Heritage Resources with

178 total occurrences throughout the County (http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/).

In addition, DCR has identified 33 terrestrial and aquatic conservation sites as areas necessary

for the survival of the identified Natural Heritage Resources.

Northampton County supports a number of Maritime Zone Natural Communities that are

identified as globally rare and imperiled Natural Heritage Resources. These are identified as:

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1. Maritime Dune Grasslands. Coastal grasslands that include saltmeadow cordgrass, American beachgrass, bitter seabeach grass and beach panic grass.

2. Maritime Dune Woodlands. Deciduous, coniferous and broadleaf evergreen woodlands that occur on back dunes protected from regular salt spray. Important as Delmarva Migratory Bird Stopover Habitat.

3. Maritime Upland Forests. Evergreen or mixed coastal forests of sheltered Oceanside or bayside dunes and sand flats protected from salt spray. Dominated by Loblolly

4. Pine; sometimes associated with Southern red oak, black cherry, water oak, sassafras, southern wax myrtle and blueberry. Sparse herbaceous layer.

5. Maritime Dune Scrub. Occupies the somewhat protected maritime back dunes and leeward dune slopes, generally along the inland edges of dune systems in zones sheltered from constant ocean salt spray. Dominant species include Northern bayberry, groundsel-bush, and stunted individuals of loblolly pine, persimmon and black cherry. Important as Delmarva Migratory Bird Stopover Habitat.

6. Maritime Wet Grasslands. These are confined to the barrier beaches and encompass swales and low hollows between secondary dunes. The primary influence is fresh water from rain, but may be flooded from ocean surges. The vegetation is primarily saltmeadow cordgrass, rushes and sedges; with all types uncommon to rare and existing in fragile environments.

At least five rare plants have been identified in the County along the dunal and maritime

communities described above. These are: seabeach needlegrass, beach heather, yaupon holly,

sea oats, and Virginia Beach pinweed.

5.7.2. Landbird Migratory Concentration Area

Science has confirmed what recreational birdwatchers have long known; that the southern

portions of Northampton County experience a large increase in the number of species and

individual birds from approximately mid-August to mid-November of each year. From a global

perspective, the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, entirely within Northampton County’s

jurisdiction, is of vital biological significance to avian biodiversity. Northampton County’s

scrub/shrubland and maritime forests provide a crucial stopover, feeding and staging area for

many of North America’s breeding

songbirds such as warblers, hummingbirds,

orioles, vireos, and thrushes, in addition to

hawks, owls, woodcocks, and other birds

on their southbound migration journey.

From vast breeding grounds in the eastern

U.S. and much of Canada, migrating birds

funnel through the relatively small

landmass of the Delmarva Peninsula where

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they are completely dependent on this area’s food and shelter in order to replenish their

resources before they fly across the Chesapeake Bay, or even directly over the ocean, to

continue on their migration route. Many of these migrants spend the winter months in the

tropical forests of Central and South America, hence the name “neotropical migrants.” About

70% of all birds breeding in North American forests are Neotropical migrants and an estimated

5 to 6 million Neotropical migrants funnel through Northampton County on their journey

southward.

Substantial research has concluded that Neotropical migrant songbirds become concentrated

within the lower 10 km of the Delmarva Peninsula, particularly along the wooded bayside

corridor, and entirely within Northampton County.1 Furthermore, the majority of migrants

select habitat with the most dense understory vegetation. Additional fieldwork demonstrated

that during a two-week period of peak Neotropical migration, bayside woodlots experienced a

40% decline in insect mass. These studies demonstrate that Neotropical migrants are utilizing

the “southern tip” of the Delmarva for rest and refueling before continuing on the long

migratory journey. For Neotropical migrants, the dense understory not only supplies abundant

nourishment but also provides ample cover for protection from migrating raptors. It is

important to note that there is a direct relationship between understory density and quantity of

food supply. Reduction in existing habitat has a direct correlation to loss of food supply – and a

direct per capita (i.e. bird) reduction in food availability.2 For some avian species, Northampton

County is the last feeding stop before a non-stop flight to the Caribbean or South America.

Reduction in food availability would undoubtedly result in large proportions of Neotropical

migrants failing to obtain food supplies in amounts sufficient to meet their nutritional

requirements for a long-distance migration. Thus, significant loss of migratory songbird

stopover habitat in Northampton County could lead to severe declines in breeding songbird

populations throughout the New England states and Canada.

Another major category of birds utilizing the uplands of Northampton County are the

temperate migrants – birds that migrate on a more limited scale, never leaving North America

and often spending the entire winter on the Delmarva Peninsula and dependent upon the fruit

and seed-bearing vegetation. Although fewer in number of species than Neotropical migrants;

the temperate migrants outnumber the Neotropical migrants by a ratio of 2 to 1 in sheer

abundance. In addition, large numbers of both diurnal and nocturnal raptor species are known

to utilize the Delmarva Peninsula during the autumn southward migration, taking advantage of

1 Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Landbird Migration on the Lower Delmarva Peninsula, by Dr. Bryan D. Watts and Sarah E. Mabey.

Sponsored by: DEQ, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (“DCR”), and Virginia Department of Game and Inland

Fisheries (“DGIF”), September 1993.

2.

Migratory Birds, Near Southern Tip

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the migrant songbird populations as a food supply. Figure 5.9 shows migratory bird stopover

habitat, conservation sites, and preserves.

Figure 5.9

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5.7.3 Threatened and Endangered Species

Threatened and Endangered Species are designated by federal or state government, and are

afforded special legal protections that regulate any taking, harassing or altering the habitat of

these species. In Northampton County, the following species are listed as either threatened or

endangered and regulated by either the U.S. government or the Commonwealth of Virginia:

1. Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle: Federal and state threatened species found along sandy beaches of the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Population threatened by shoreline development without seasonal restrictions, some types of beach stabilization, recreational use and associated disturbance, pesticides and natural weather events.

2. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle: state and federally endangered species. 3. Loggerhead Sea Turtle: federally endangered and state threatened species 4. Green Sea Turtle: federal and state threatened species. 5. Leatherback sea turtle: federal and state endangered species. 6. Delmarva Fox Squirrel: state and federal endangered species. 7. Right Whale: federal and state endangered species. 8. Humpback Whale: federal and state endangered species. 9. Piping Plover: federal and state threatened species 10. Wilson’s Plover: state endangered species 11. Peregrine Falcon: state threatened species 12. Gull-billed Tern: state threatened species 13. Bald Eagle: state threatened species, and also protected by the federal Bald and

Golden Protection Act. Threats to this species include human disturbance of nest sites, habitat loss, biocide contamination, decreasing food supply and illegal shooting.

5.7.4. Other Fauna

The barrier islands system within Northampton County includes the barrier islands, the coastal

bays and salt marshes, and mainland marshes and watersheds, all of which support some of the

largest nesting populations of colonial waterbirds along the east coast, such as herons, egrets,

gulls, terns, and skimmers. Several non-colonial waterbird species also utilize the area for

nesting and feeding, including oystercatchers, willets, rails and the threatened piping plover.

The extensive coastal salt marshes, bays, barrier beaches and interdunal ponds provide high

value migration, wintering and breeding habitat for both large numbers and a wide variety of

waterfowl species. Large numbers of migratory shorebirds utilize the tidal mud flats and

beaches of the islands, marshes and bays – species that include significant proportions of

hemispheric populations of whimbrels, dunlins, black-bellied plovers, dowitchers, and red

knots. The marine waters and marsh system also provide critical feeding, spawning and nursery

habitat for many commercial and recreational species of shellfish and finfish.

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Although core areas of the barrier islands are protected, many avian species are declining and

experiencing nest failure. Declining species include Common Terns, Least Terns, Gull-billed

Terns, Black Skimmers, Black Ducks, migrant Canada Geese and several herons. These species

are threatened by:

1. Offsite activities (particularly mainland development) resulting in degradation of water quality (nutrient overload, sedimentation, toxics), loss of food supply and reduction in habitat;

2. Severe weather events; 3. Competition and displacement from nesting habitat by aggressive avian

species or mammalian and avian predators and direct predation from same; 4. Direct human disturbance from increased recreational use of barrier

islands, bays and marshes 5. Diminished habitat due to erosion and shifting of costal barrier islands

Numerous waterfowl winter within Northampton County’s bayside creeks, Chesapeake flats,

and seaside marshes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated in their 1971-1974 Atlantic

Winter Flyway Survey that the Eastern Shore waterfowl density was 27.3 birds per square mile

compared to the state waterfowl density of 1.5 birds per square mile. The average count on

the Eastern Shore represents 31% of the state count.

The only large game in the County is the Virginia white-tailed deer. Small game is plentiful and

hunting for cottontail rabbit and gray squirrel is a popular activity. Mourning dove, turkey and

woodcock are the most frequently hunted upland game birds. Other wildlife are found, such as

opossum, weasel, skunk, muskrat, red and gray fox, raccoon, river otter, coyote, and mink.

5.8 Water Resources

Northampton County is surrounded by salt water and has no fresh water streams of

significance. There are about one dozen tidal creeks in Northampton County and those are

largely supplied from groundwater flows, with some contribution from surface water runoff,

precipitation and tidal inflow. The majority of drinking water needs in the County are met

through withdrawals from fresh groundwater wells. Surface waters are not an important

source of drinking water but they do provide some irrigation water and are important to

shellfish, finfish and other wildlife.

5.8.1 Groundwater Resources

The fresh and salt water resources found within the underground geologic layers of

Northampton County are referred to as “aquifers.” The aquifers are comprised of sand, gravel

and shell material, which are permeable, and the confining units, which are comprised of clay

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and silt, and are less permeable and more restrictive of downward groundwater movement. In

Northampton County, the unconfined, fresh, water table aquifer is the Columbia aquifer (also

called the surficial aquifer and water table aquifer), which is typically 60 to 80 feet thick. This

aquifer is used primarily for private on-site domestic wells and agricultural irrigation. The

confined aquifers, in order of increasing depth, are: Yorktown-Eastover (includes upper, middle

and lower Yorktown aquifers), St. Mary’s Choptank aquifer, Brighteast aquifer, and Potomac

aquifers. Fresh groundwater generally occurs only in the upper 300 feet of ground, and at

shallower depths along the coastlines of the Eastern Shore, and is limited to the Columbia and

Yorktown-Eastover aquifers.

Annual precipitation of about 434 inches per year provides the recharge to the Eastern Shore

aquifers. Only about 12% (6 inches per year) of the precipitation actually recharges the shallow

Columbia aquifer. Most of the water that makes it to the Columbia aquifer flows from the

middle of the peninsula towards the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean where about 84%

is taken up by plants and 15% directly discharge fresh water to our tidal creeks and bays.

The clay confining layers that separate the Columbia aquifer from the Yorktown-Eastover

aquifer system serve to protect the aquifer from many of the water quality threats. But the

clay confining units also act to impede the amount and rate of recharge to the deep Yorktown-

Eastover aquifer system. Only about 1% of the precipitation that recharges the Columbia

aquifer contributes to the recharge of the deeper confined aquifer.

Figure 5.10 shows the aquifer area ranked in order of recharge value for the Columbia aquifer,

“5” being of highest value and “1” being of least value. The aquifers on the Eastern Shore are

strongly influenced by geology, rainfall, and groundwater use.

Groundwater quality is generally good in the deep Yorktown-Eastover aquifer system, though

localized problems with high iron content have been encountered. While high concentrations of

iron are thought to be more prevalent in shallow wells, water quality analyses of well water in

the County do not support this conclusion. Nitrate levels tend to be higher in shallow wells,

principally a result of fertilizer application on the land. While nitrate may be higher in the

shallow wells, only a small percentage of the shallow groundwater exceed the drinking water

Maximum Contaminant Level. Wells associated with the deep Yorktown-Eastover aquifer

system did not indicate pollution problems. However, high salt levels in Yorktown-Eastover

aquifer wells are common in areas near the Bay and Seaside. In some cases, the salt levels can

exceed drinking water Maximum Contaminant Levels.

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Figure 5.10

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The Yorktown-Eastover aquifer can range in depth from 80 to 600 feet below the land surface,

though most wells are pumping from layers between 150 and 300 feet deep. The amount of

water available from the Yorktown-Eastover aquifer is location dependent. In general, fresh

groundwater becomes scarcer:

1. with greater depth,

2. closer to the Bay and Seaside, and

3. further south, toward the tip of the County.

The shallow Columbia aquifer is used to a lesser extent. This source is especially amenable to

agricultural use since there is not the need for low nitrate levels as it is for drinking water.

Some of the highest yields per minute found on the Shore have come from the Columbia

aquifer. Unfortunately, the continued use of this source for drinking water supply is limited in

many localized areas due to nitrate contamination from agricultural runoff and septic system

failure. Close monitoring of septic systems is needed to prevent long-term health hazards from

occurring.

5.8.2 Ground water Management

Groundwater resources in Northampton County are vulnerable to impacts from saltwater

intrusion, impairment to groundwater recharge, over withdrawals, well to well interference,

and contamination from activities occurring on the land (e.g., poorly operated sewage

management, leaking underground storage tanks, chemical spills.) A number of local, state and

federal authorities have studied and regulated the fresh groundwater resources of the entire

Eastern Shore over the past several decades in order to both understand and prevent the loss

of the valuable groundwater resources.

On a federal level, the Columbia and Yorktown-Eastover Multi-Aquifer System was designated

as a “sole source aquifer” pursuant to Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act by the

United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1997, meaning that the aquifer supplies

more than 50% of the water needs for the communities with the boundaries, there are no

viable alternative sources of sufficient supply, and if contamination were to occur, it would

pose a significant public hazard and a serious financial burden to the communities within the

aquifer service area (See, 62 FR 17187, April 9, 1997.). Federal funding may be withheld from

any project that threatens a designated sole-source aquifer.

The Virginia Ground Water Act of 1973 established the duty of the Virginia State Water Control

Board to manage groundwater resources and designate Ground Water Management Areas that

were considered to be at risk for overdrawing, contamination, or well interference. The Eastern

Shore of Virginia, including Northampton County, was designated as a "Ground Water

Management Area" in 1976, and became subject to additional water withdrawal regulations

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under Virginia’s Groundwater Management Act of 1992. These regulations prohibit any

withdrawals of groundwater at a rate greater than 300,000 gallons per month for purposes of

agricultural, industrial, commercial and municipal uses, without a permit from the Virginia

Department of Environmental Quality.

At the request of Accomack and Northampton Counties, in 1990 the bi-county Eastern Shore of

Virginia Groundwater Study Committee was formed to oversee the development of a Ground

Water Management Plan. On May 5, 1992 the Committee adopted the Groundwater Supply

Protection and Management Plan for the Eastern Shore of Virginia (http://www.a-npdc.org/wp-

content/uploads/2016/05/ESVAGroundwaterResourceProtectionAndPreservationPlan2013compress.pd

f). The plan includes a detailed analysis of Eastern Shore groundwater resources and issues and

makes recommendations for the protection and management of the groundwater. This plan

recommended the protection of open spaces and undeveloped land in the spine recharge area

through creation of an

overlay protection

district. The Plan was

updated in 2013.

Another study,

Technical Analysis and

Justification for Ground

Water Ordinances on

the Eastern Shore of

Virginia, was

completed in January

2001 by Malcolm Pirnie for the Accomack-Northampton County Planning District Commission

(A-NPDC).

The report is on file in the Northampton County Planning, Permitting, and Enforcement

Department.

The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), working cooperatively with the Virginia Department of

Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission

(ANPDC), developed an upgraded computer simulation model of the Eastern Shore ground

water system. Information on this new model is provided in the USGS report SIR 2009-5066.

The DEQ is currently using this model to assess the impact of pumping from additional

proposed withdrawals. The DEQ analyzes the effect each proposed withdrawal will have on

future water levels and salinity before any new application is approved, and they will continue

to update the model with the most recent withdrawal data. The ANPDC has also utilized this

Eastern Shore aquifer system

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tool for ground water resources planning: Northampton County Water Supply Plan, (http://www.a-

npdc.org/wp-

content/uploads/2016/05/ESVAGroundwaterResourceProtectionAndPreservationPlan2013compress.pd

f).

5.9 Shoreline, Wetlands, & Barrier Islands

5.9.1 Shoreline

According to the most recent figures supplied by VIMS, Northampton County has 1,916 miles of

shoreline when digitized around outer edge of all marshes. The measurement only along the

marsh/upland interface would equal 688 miles.5.9.2 Wetlands, Dunes, and Marshes

The seaside shoreline grades quite gradually into vast tidal marshes and shallow bays which

extend seaward to the barrier islands. Old dune lines are absent and streams are narrow and

generally without significant embankments. The immediate shoreline is almost continually

fringed with broad marsh, making access to open water difficult except where natural deep

water or maintained channels exist. Between this seaside shoreline and the barrier islands is a

maze of tidal flats, salt marshes, and shallow bays, which constitutes generally one of the finest,

most pristine aquatic ecosystems of its kind. Ecologically these areas are extremely rich,

supporting a vast array of marine, avian, and terrestrial life. The visual quality of these areas is

another of their chief attributes.

Sand dunes, both primary and secondary, are very valuable resources. Primary and secondary

dunes are the first line of defense against the sea. When storms occur, dunes act as flexible

barriers to high tides and waves. Dunes also act as sand reservoirs to help keep shorelines

intact. In addition to providing valuable and inexpensive protection from storms, the dunes

provide aesthetic value and serve as wildlife habitats where vegetated.

The County has adopted a wetlands ordinance and established a Wetlands Board. The Board's

primary function is to review and pass judgment on applications for permits dealing with

proposals that may impact on wetlands. The image below shows the jurisdictional boundaries

for the Wetlands Board.

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Figure 5.11 shows the wetlands present in Northampton County that are listed with the

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI).

Figure 5.11

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5.9.3 Barrier Islands

Northampton County's barrier islands

are among its most important and

unique natural resources. For

centuries, they played a major role in

the history, economy, and culture of

the area. Although there once were

small fishing villages and hunting lodges

on the islands, today they are

uninhabited. Most of the islands are

included in the Virginia Coast Reserve,

which is an island and salt marsh

preserve owned by The Nature

Conservancy of Arlington, Virginia. The

Virginia Coast Reserve has been

designated an International Biosphere

Reserve by the United Nations in

recognition of the importance and

fragility of the ecosystem. Northampton County's islands, together with contiguous islands in

neighboring Accomack County, represent the last undeveloped barrier island system on the

Atlantic Coast.

There are twelve barrier islands in Northampton County. Hog, Rogue, Cobb, Little Cobb, Ship

Shoal, Godwin, Myrtle, Mink, and Smith Islands are mostly owned by The Nature Conservancy.

The Commonwealth of Virginia owns Mockhorn and Wreck Islands. Fisherman’s Island, on the

tip of the peninsula, is owned by the Federal government and is part of the Eastern Shore

National Wildlife Refuge. The Nature Conservancy has specific rules regarding the use of the

islands they own. Most of the islands are open to the public for low-impact, non-commercial,

recreational day use (hiking, bird watching and fishing). Motorized vehicles, pets, and overnight

camping activities are prohibited. There are also seasonal restrictions to protect nesting birds.

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The barrier islands play a number of important

roles in Northampton County including: protection

from storms as buffers to dissipate the energy of

the ocean; economic benefits including

commercial and recreational fishing; recreation

including fishing, hunting, crabbing, clamming,

hiking, boating, and bird watching; and nature

study as an educational resource, increasing

awareness of the importance and rarity of the

island system, and protection of threatened species,

offering sanctuary to many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles that are threatened or

endangered. The islands are dynamic in nature; migrating westward over the past 160 years.

Because the Virginia Coast Reserve is gaining national and international attention as one of

America's last remaining intact barrier island systems, Northampton County benefits through

research and educational programs centered around the island system. The University of

Virginia has established a National Science Foundation Long Term Ecological Research Center in

Northampton County and established its headquarters in the Village of Oyster.

Most of the barrier islands are included either in the Virginia Coast Reserve, the Federal

National Wildlife System, or the Virginia Natural Areas Program, but even limited development

on any of the islands would drastically alter the system scientifically and aesthetically. In

managing the barrier island system, biological diversity has been the priority. It is important to

recognize that the island system functions as an interdependent whole. The system includes

related natural communities of beaches, dunes, upland forest, extensive salt marshes, bays,

creeks, guts, unvegetated wetlands, mainland salt marshes, and any seaside mainland which is

part of the watershed.5.9.4 Chesapeake Bay Preservation

In the 1960’s, a decline in the Bay’s water quality and productivity was noted. A massive effort

to avert further decline was spearheaded by the Chesapeake Bay Commission. A combined

major Federal, multi -state, and citizen effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay to its earlier

productiveness has been underway for several decades. As a result, Virginia enacted the

Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. This Act created a Local Assistance Board, charged with

developing regulations that provide for the protection of water quality and shoreline habitat.

The adopted regulations (promulgated July 1, 1989) are used by local governments in granting,

denying, or modifying requests to rezone, subdivide, or otherwise consider development of

shoreline areas designated as Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. In Northampton County,

these criteria are also applied to the seaside areas.

Barrier Islands

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Northampton County has established resource protection areas and resource management

areas in accordance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. Figures 5.11 A and B show

cross-sections of the protection areas. Please see these two links for the Water Quality

Implementation Plan for the Gulf, Barlow, Mattawoman, Jacobus, and Hungars Creek:

http://deq.state.va.us/Portals/0/DEQ/Water/TMDL/ImplementationPlans/Mattawoman_TMDL_IP_Tech

nical.pdf), the Total Maximum Daily Loads, and the VDEQ page:

http://deq.state.va.us/Programs/Water/WaterQualityInformationTMDLs/TMDL.aspx (A-NPDC 2017).

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Figure 5.12A

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Figure 5.12B

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5.9.5 Priority Conservation Areas

A collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF),

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation – Division of Natural Heritage (DCR-DNH),

and Virginia Commonwealth University – Center for Environmental Studies (VCU - CES) was

completed in 2009 that combined conservation information and priorities into a single data set

called Priority Conservation Areas (PCA). The PCA is defined as “lands and surface waters

identified as important for conservation of Virginia’s wildlife, plants and natural communities.

The identified lands/waters can be used to prioritize areas for preservation, protection or

specific management action.” The data set was developed to guide localities in conservation

planning. Figure 5.13 shows the PCA.

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Figure 5.13

5.9.6 Land Conservation Opportunities

There are several opportunities for land preservation in Northampton County. The use of the

term “land protection” in this section is not limited to land being the reason for protection in

and of itself. Specific motives for protection are defined by the agencies and organizations

administering each program. Each is geared towards different aspects of protection. Some of

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the more common examples include farmland preservation, habitat protection, open space

preservation, water quality protection, and historic preservation. Some programs are aimed at

perpetual protection and others target specific timeframes.

There are several programs at the Federal level. The USDA website is a good resource for this

information. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has some programs

available as well. Some examples of federal programs are as follows:

Farm & Rangeland Protection Program (FRRP)

Fish & Wildlife Services

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA)

The Commonwealth of Virginia has several agencies and programs available. The Department

of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are

good resources for information. The following list shows some of what is available through the

state:

Cost Share Programs through DCR

Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF)

State Parks programs

Virginia Department of Forestry programs

Northampton County has five Natural Area Preserves protecting significant habitats. The

Virginia Natural Area Preserves System was established in the late 1980's to protect some of

the most significant natural areas in the Commonwealth. A site becomes a component of the

preserve system once it is dedicated as a natural area preserve by the Director of the

Department of Conservation & Recreation. Natural area dedication works in much the same

way as a conservation easement by placing legally binding restrictions on future activities on a

property. The Natural Area Preserve System includes examples of some of the rarest natural

communities and rare species habitats in Virginia (DCR). The five Natural Area Preserves

include:

Cape Charles

Magothy Bay

Savage Neck Dunes

Pickett’s Harbor

Wreck Island

In the private sector there are several organizations with hundreds of programs available.

Following is a list of some of the more popular ones:

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The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Ducks Unlimited (DU)

Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust (VESLT)

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)

Northampton County has some conservation tools that can be utilized as well. There is a

Conservation District designated in the County’s Zoning Ordinance. The County also has an

overlay district created for Historic Preservation, but it is not currently being used and has no

areas designated for protection or preservation. One conservation tool which is currently in

use in the County is the Agriculture/Forestal District (AFD) designation. Each AFD, as it is

applied for and approved by the Board of Supervisors, becomes its own district with specific

terms and conditions. The County also has a Purchase of Development Rights Program, which

allows landowners to sell the development rights of their property.

Figure 5.14 shows land in the County which is currently protected and/or located within an

AFD. As of October 2016, there were approximately 37,736 acres in the AFD program and

12,495 acres in preservation or conservation easements.

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Figure 5.14

5.9.7 Northampton County Natural Heritage Resources

Natural heritage resources as defined by the Virginia Department of Conservation and

Recreation – Division of Natural Heritage (DCR) are the habitat of rare, threatened, or

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endangered plant and animal species, unique or exemplary natural communities, and

significant geologic formations such as caves and karst features. Northampton County is

currently home to 63 distinct types of natural heritage resources with 182 total occurrences

throughout the county (Table I: Natural Heritage Resources). In addition, DCR has identified 27

terrestrial conservation sites as areas necessary for their survival and has 5 Natural Area

Preserves within its boundaries (Table II: Conservation Sites and Natural Area Preserves).

DCR identifies and protects natural heritage resources statewide and maintains a

comprehensive database of all documented occurrences of natural heritage resources in

Virginia. DCR has developed conservation sites that contain known populations of natural

heritage resources and include adjacent or surrounding habitat vital for their protection.

Conservation sites do not represent protected lands. They are recommended for protection and

stewardship because of the natural heritage resources and habitat they support, but are not

currently under any official protection designation. Conservation sites can be used to screen

development projects for potential impacts to natural heritage resources, aid local and regional

planning, identify targets for acquisitions and easements, and guide priorities for restoration

activities.

The Northeastern beach tiger beetle historically ranged from coastal Massachusetts to Cape

May County, New Jersey, with a disjunct population occurring along shorelines of the

Chesapeake Bay. Currently, only the Chesapeake Bay populations (including the Virginia

occurrences) and one occurrence in Massachusetts remain (NatureServe, 2009). Along the

Chesapeake Bay, this species inhabits wide, highly dynamic, sandy beaches with back beach

vegetation. Adults are most active in the summer, actively hunting for insects along the beach

(NatureServe, 2009). The larvae live in burrows in the sand where they sit and wait for passing

prey to feed on. Larvae are present on the beaches year round, though they hibernate

beginning in early fall (NatureServe, 2009). This species is currently classified as threatened by

the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture

and Consumer Services (VDACS).

Northeastern beach tiger beetle,

Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis, Photo by S.R.

Roble © 2003

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Threats to the northeastern beach tiger beetle include shoreline development, beach

stabilization, high recreational use, pesticides, and natural events including winter beach

erosion, flood tides, and hurricanes (Knisley, 1991). Disturbance to dynamic, sandy beaches in

areas where they occur may detrimentally impact tiger beetles through habitat degradation

and individual mortality.

The Northern harrier is a slender bird of prey that breeds throughout the northern parts of the

northern hemisphere in Canada, the northernmost USA, and in northern Eurasia (Bazuin, 1991).

Marsh Hawk is a disused common name for the American form. Northern harriers hunt small

mammals and birds, surprising them as they drift low over fields and marshes they inhabit.

While Northern harriers are common in Virginia during the winter, they rarely breed this far

south, with only a few nesting locations known each summer in the coastal plain. There are

scattered, non-breeding summer records from across the state.

In the early 20th century, hunting posed a great threat to the Northern harrier (Bazuin, 1991).

Later, it suffered from the effects of DDT, a widely used pesticide, which resulted in the

thinning of its egg shells and thus failed reproduction (NatureServe, 2009). Current threats to

the Northern harrier include human disturbances to nesting birds and destruction of breeding

habitats, including the alterations of wetlands and the conversion of grasslands from native

grasses to monotypic farmland (Bazuin, 1991; NatureServe, 2009).

Maritime Zone Communities

These are ecological community groups with distributions and vegetation controlled by oceanic

influences (e.g., deep sand deposits, salt spray, and maritime microclimates). In Virginia, these

are confined to narrow zones along both flanks of the Eastern Shore, the western shore of the

Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic shore in extreme southeastern Virginia.

Maritime Dune Grassland

Photo by I.T. Wilson © 2004

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Maritime Dune Grasslands

These coastal grassland communities of ocean- and bay-fronting dunes are greatly influenced

by storm surge activity. Communities of this group are characterized by a few well-adapted

herbaceous species and exhibit zonation that is likely related to gradients of salt spray and soil

moisture. Maritime Dune Grasslands occur along the Atlantic coast of the United States from

New York south to South Carolina. The dominant plants in Virginia stands are saltmeadow

cordgrass, American beachgrass bitter seabeach grass, and beach panic grass.

Maritime Dune Woodlands

These deciduous, coniferous, and broadleaf evergreen woodlands occur on back dunes

protected from regular salt spray. Similar communities occur along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts

from New Jersey to Texas. Compared to maritime upland forests, these woodlands are more

localized and restricted to xeric dune systems. Loblolly pine dominates the canopy, but

hardwoods such as Southern red oak, Water oak and American holly are frequent. Tall shrubs,

low shrubs and herbaceous cover are sparse.

Maritime Upland Forests

This group contains species-poor evergreen and mixed coastal forests of sheltered, oceanside

and bayside dunes and sand flats generally protected from salt spray. Similar forests occur

along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Delaware to Texas.

Pine-dominated maritime forests are distributed along the length of the outer Coastal Plain

maritime zone and barrier islands in Virginia, including the western shore of the Chesapeake

Bay. This community is dominated by Loblolly pine which can be the sole canopy component, or

can be associated with Southern red oak, Black cherry Water oak and Sassafras. A tall shrub

layer when present is composed of Southern wax myrtle and Blueberry. Vines and lianas are

nearly always in abundance but there is a sparse herbaceous layer.

Maritime Dune Scrub

The shrublands of this group occupy somewhat protected maritime back dunes and leeward

dune slopes, generally along the inland edges of dune systems in zones sheltered from constant

ocean salt spray. Maritime Dune Scrub occurs along the Atlantic coast of the United States from

New Jersey south to Florida. The vegetation is characterized by several tree, shrub and dwarf

shrub species. Dominant scrubby species include Northern bayberry, Groundsel-bush, and

stunted individuals of Loblolly pine, Persimmon, and Black cherry.

Maritime Interdune Swale / Pond

In Virginia, Interdune Swale/Pond are confined to the barrier beaches of the Eastern Shore

(Accomack and Northampton Counties) and southeastern Virginia (City of Virginia Beach).

Encompassing swales and low hollows between secondary dunes, habitats are characterized by

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perched water tables and shallow, seasonal or temporary flooding. The swales are

predominantly influenced by fresh water from rainstorms, but some may be periodically

flooded by salt water from ocean storm surges. Typically, occurrences are densely vegetated by

one or more species of grasses such as saltmeadow cordgrass; rushes; or sedges. All types

within the group are uncommon to rare, small-patch communities existing in fragile settings

(Fleming et al, 2017).

Sea-beach knotweed is a lustrous perennial with bluish-green, fleshy leaves with reddish brown

nutlets on erect branches (Beal, 1977). This globally rare species occurs from Massachusetts to

the Carolinas on sand dunes and beaches of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Virginia

has nine current occurrences of the species and four historic occurrences.

Potential Threats to Natural Heritage Resources:

Due to its orientation and geographic position, the lowest reach of the Delmarva Peninsula in

southern Northampton County (“Southern Tip”) represents a significant bottleneck for birds

migrating along the Atlantic Coast during the fall months. Large numbers of migrants that reach

the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay “fall out” and utilize habitats near the southern tip of the

peninsula. The area is important for raptors and passerines that breed in northeastern North

America and winter in the Caribbean as well as for temperate migrants that winter in the

southeastern United States. An estimated 10 million passerines and 80,000 diurnal raptors

migrate through this area between August and December, including many species of

conservation concern.

The single greatest threat to this area and its bird species is the ongoing conversion of habitat

to residential and commercial development. Interest in the area from developers and potential

homeowners has led to a rise in land valuations and subdivision of privately owned land for

development. Alteration of the local hydrology by land disturbance and ditching can change or

eliminate habitat. Fragmentation of forests and the introduction of invasives, both flora and

fauna, can have a direct effect on the survival of many native plants, migratory bird species, and

the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel.

Threats to the barrier islands along Northampton’s Atlantic coast, and to the Maritime Zone Communities are incompatible development, and recreational activities; overfishing, invasive species; incompatible agricultural and forestry practices and sea-level rise. (Section 5.9.7 Source:DCR)

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Summary:

The environment and natural resources of Northampton County are greatly influenced by its location as a peninsula surrounded by two significant water bodies: the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Northampton County lies within one of the most important migratory flyways in the world, supporting globally significant populations of shorebirds, songbirds and raptors during the annual fall migration. These avian resources provide an opportunity for an expanded tourism season based on bird watching.

A number of ecologically significant flora and fauna are supported within Northampton County, in addition to thirteen species designated as threatened or endangered.

Northampton County supports a number of Maritime Zone Natural Communities identified as globally rare and imperiled Natural Heritage Resources.

Northampton County has excellent soils for agricultural crop production, including several types classified as Prime Farmland.

Tidewater Virginia, including Northampton County, has one of the highest levels of sea level rise in the United States.

The barrier islands system provides prime nesting and feeding habitat for numerous waterfowl species, habitat for various mammals and reptiles, recreational opportunities, scientific research opportunities, and provides some level of protection from the effects of storms.

Ground water is the sole source of drinking water in Northampton County, and the county has been designated by the Virginia State Water Control Board as a “Ground Water Management Area.” and by the EPA as a sole source aquifer.

Northampton County has established Resource Protection Areas on the bayside and seaside consistent with standards in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.

State agencies have mapped Priority Conservation Areas within Northampton County to

prioritize areas for preservation, protection, or specific management action.

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6. Community Facilities & Services

6.1 Introduction

Community facilities and services are the improvements, infrastructure, and programs made

available to an area to serve the general public. They include both facilities owned by the

public, but also those owned and operated by private enterprise for the benefit of the

community. The following pages describe existing facilities, infrastructure, and services in

Northampton County.

The Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) total operating budget for Northampton County is $25,763,594. Included in the sections below are allocations from the County’s FY17 operating budget to sectors that provide community services and/or facilities.

6.2 Arts & Culture Resources

Many visual, graphic, and performing artists have made Northampton County their home.

Local and regional performing artists appear regularly at various private venues described

below. Arts Enter and the historic Palace Theater in Cape Charles provide art, dance, and

theater instruction for children and adults. Now a venue for the nationally known Virginia Arts

Festival, the theater presents performances by regional, national, and international artists. The

Cape Charles Historical Society regularly hosts traveling exhibitions from regional and national

institutions. Eastern Shore’s Own (ESO) in Belle Haven presents year round education programs

in the arts, dance, culinary arts, yoga, and science for both children and adults. It is the site of

the annual Shore Made Music Festival and Craft Beer Festival. The Barrier Islands Center, a

museum and cultural center presenting the history of the Barrier Island communities and

lifesaving stations, is located in the old Almshouse Farm in Machipongo. It presents regional

and national arts exhibitions and other events all year.

The Arts Council of the Eastern Shore (ACES) presents an annual program of regional and

national performance art at various sites on the Shore. The Eastern Shore Art League presents

an annual member’s show, a student show and offers post-secondary arts scholarships. The

Artisans Guild-Eastern Shore of Virginia offers mentoring and professional development to its

working members. The Guild holds an annual three-day Open Studio Tour every year over

Thanksgiving Weekend. Local fiction and non-fiction writers, many nationally known, hold

readings and book signings at County libraries and cultural events. “A Walk Through Eastville –

A Walk Through History” provides tourists with a self-guided tour featuring Eastville area

history and architecture.

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6.3 Churches

There are approximately 45 churches in Northampton County, with most denominations represented. In a county with a modest population, churches are a catalyst for many community services and programs such as AA, serving as polling places, Food Banks, thrift shops, and others.

6.4 Communications

Telephone service is provided by Verizon and other companies offering cellular and digital service.

Four major television networks from the Hampton Roads metro area and one public television station from Portsmouth cover the County. Charter Communications offers 35 channels. Dish-satellite systems are heavily used and offer hundreds of channels.

There are several radio stations serving the area. Numerous AM and FM stations in the Hampton Roads metro area also serve Northampton County.

The Eastern Shore News, The Eastern Shore Post, and The Virginian-Pilot are newspapers serving the County. Publications from other areas such as Norfolk, Newport News, and Richmond also cover the County. Various other local publications are available online. The Eastern Shore Broadband Authority is a public authority that was created by Accomack and Northampton Counties to construct the backbone of the fiber optic network. Other service providers are able to use the broadband network to connect to end users. There are several service providers in Northampton County that provide internet, phone, and TV options. The main providers are Verizon, Chesapeake Bay Communications, Eastern Shore Communications, ShoreDSL, NeuBeam, and Charter. Northampton County established a County-wide Emergency Alert Program, Everbridge, in 2012. The program provides critical information related to severe weather, road closures, missing persons, and evacuations. Citizens are able to sign up on the County EMS website to receive notifications via text message, phone (cell, home or business), or email (http://northampton-ems.org/).

6.5 Electric Utilities

The County’s electric power is supplied by the Accomack-Northampton Electric Cooperative

(ANEC). This company is capable of supplying services to meet demands expected from future

projected population growth. The transmission line is owned, managed, and operated by Old

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Dominion Electric Cooperation (ODEC). A new transmission line has been constructed between

Tasley and Exmore substations to increase reliable service to customers south of Tasley.

6.6 Propane Gas

Propane gas is available from local companies but no natural gas is available. These vendors are

capable of supplying services to meet demands expected from future projected population

growth.

6.7 Water & Wastewater Facilities

6.7.1 Public Water Systems

Cape Charles, Eastville, Exmore, Bayview, Riverside Hospital and the County Complex presently

maintain public water systems. These systems serve about 25 percent of the total County

population. All town systems draw water from deep wells that tap the Yorktown-Eastover

aquifer system. Water quality is reported to be good and no treatment is administered in

Eastville or Exmore. Each town system utilizes elevated storage tanks and pressure

maintenance. The remaining 75 percent of County residents and businesses rely on self-

supplied wells for their water supply.

Bayview

The Bayview Community water system began operating in 2003. The permitted volume is not to exceed 300,000 gallons per month for three consecutive months. The system has two wells which withdraw approximately 8,000 gallons of water per day (GPD). There is a 15,000 gallon storage capacity for the system. The County’s Public Works Department now owns the Bayview water system.

Cape Charles

Cape Charles’ original system was built in 1930 and was replaced in its entirety in 1992 and is the largest. The water supply comes from two wells which withdraw approximately 130,000 GPD. The water supply is stored in an award winning tower with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. Included in the public water system is a treatment plant capable of processing 940,000 gallons a day with an onsite laboratory and treatment facilities for iron and manganese removal, water softening, pH adjustment, fluoridation, and disinfection.

Eastville

The smallest municipal system is Eastville and it was built in 1946. Eastville operates a municipal water supply system drawn from wells. The water tank has a storage capacity of 75,000 gallons, and average usage is 51,000 GPD.

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Exmore

The Exmore system was installed in 1940 and expanded in 1967. The water tank has a storage

capacity of 200,000 gallons, and average usage is 100,000 GPD. The town also serves the

adjacent town of Belle Haven.

6.7.2 Municipal (Public) Wastewater Treatment Systems

Cape Charles’ wastewater facility serves all residents and businesses in Cape Charles. The

system was designed and permitted to treat 250,000 GPD and could be expanded to 500,000

GPD at a relatively low cost. Average daily flows are approximately 150,000 GPD. Treatment at

the facility presently consists of secondary biologic decomposition of waste matter and includes

ultraviolet light disinfection. Sludge from the facility is transferred to the County landfill for

transport off site. The current plan is to send reuse water to Bay Creek for golf course irrigation.

Exmore has two systems, the Downtown System and the New Roads drain-field system. The

Downtown System was installed in 2006 and serves 250 taps with an additional 240 available

taps. The permit capacity for this system is 60,000 GPD. The existing operational capacity is

25,000 – 30,000 GPD with an average operational capacity of 27,000 GPD. The New Roads

system was permitted in 2000 and is strictly for residential use and permitted for 50,000 GPD.

The town expects to begin replacement of the system within 24 -36 months and extend service

to every parcel within town limits.

The Bayview wastewater collection and treatment system was placed in service in 2003 at the

same time as the water system and it currently serves 74 units. The current system capacity is

97 units. In December of 2009 the County took over the responsibility of this system and in

2012 fully acquired it.

6.7.3 Private Wastewater Treatment (Septic Systems)

Approximately 15% of the year-round housing units in the County are served by public sewer.

Almost all remaining units are served by septic tank and drainfield systems, with only a few

cesspools or pit privies remaining. The sandy nature of Eastern Shore top soils coupled with

typically high water tables may allow septic tank drainfield effluent to rapidly reach

groundwater aquifers without adequate treatment. The County has a 5 year requirement for

septic tank pump out.

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6.8 Solid Waste Management The County is required to have a Solid Waste Management Plan in accordance with State Code

and the Virginia Waste Management Act. The County employs the services of Draper Aden

Associates to assist in solid waste planning. The County’s Solid Waste Management Plan was

updated on May 28, 2013. The FY17 budget for Solid Waste is $1,517,991 and includes

collection, disposal, and recycling services.

6.8.1 Collection

The County collects all residential waste from its six waste collection sites through a third party.

The waste collection

sites are located in

Wardtown, Hare Valley,

Birdsnest, Eastville,

Bayview, and Cheapside.

In addition, waste is

collected from nine (9)

non-public sites

including each of the

school facilities, courthouse, Indiantown Park, and the Health Department.

6.8.2 Disposal

Northampton County operates a transfer station near the community of Oyster. In addition to

regular household waste, construction debris, yard waste, and bulk household items are also

accepted. The waste is transported by a third party vendor to the King and Queen Landfill for

disposal. In accordance with state regulations, the Northampton County Landfill was closed and

capped in 2009.

6.8.3 Recycling

Recycling services are also offered at the County’s waste collection centers through a single

stream contract with Tidewater Fiber Corporation (TFC). “Single stream” means that all

acceptable recyclables are collected in the same container and then separated at the final

disposal site. Plastic (number 1 and number 2), paper, cardboard, glass, and metal are

acceptable products. Additionally, the County continues to accept used motor oil, scrap metal,

and batteries for recycling purposes.

Hare Valley Waste Collection site

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6.9 Emergency Services & Law Enforcement

The Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Communications Center serves the Counties of Accomack and Northampton, excluding the Town of Chincoteague (which has its own 9-1-1 Center). All 9-1-1 calls are received by the Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Communications Center (located in Accomac, VA). Law enforcement calls are transferred to local Sheriff's Offices or the Virginia State Police for processing and dispatching. Fire and emergency medical services calls are processed and dispatched directly to fire and EMS agencies. In addition to receiving wire-line 9-1-1 calls, the Communications Center also serves as an answering point for cellular and other wireless 9-1-1 calls.

The Emergency Operations Plan for Northampton County was rewritten in 2011 and adopted by

the Board of Supervisors in 2012. Interagency cooperation and frequent updating is intended to

provide the greatest possible protection to life and property from natural disasters and hazards.

“The Northampton County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) provides education and guidance

for the County and responding partners and follows federal- and state-level guidance for

developing response plans. The EOP describes the unique challenges posed by all disaster

situations within Northampton County that may necessitate specific leadership decisions,

response actions, and communication mechanisms, with the intent to limit the impact of a

disaster, preserve continuity of essential government functions, and minimize social disruption

and economic losses.”

6.9.1 Fire Services

Volunteer fire departments are based in each incorporated town (except Belle Haven): Cape

Charles, Cheriton, Eastville, Nassawadox, and Exmore. The County provides some funding, while

the major portion must be obtained by the individual companies from bingo, fund raising

projects, grants, and appeals to the public. The County allocated $206,438 for Fire response

services for FY17.

6.9.2 Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services are provided by a combination system of volunteer and paid

providers.

Three volunteer rescue squads serve the County. Volunteer EMS stations are located in Bayview,

Nassawadox, and Exmore. Northampton County provides funding for twenty-five full-time and

fifteen part-time EMS positions. The County provides three types of coverage. The first is 6:00

AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, consistently staffing two (2) ambulances, one in the

south at Cape Charles Rescue Service and one in the north at Community Fire Company in

Nassawadox. The second is for nights, weekends, and holidays with one staffed ambulance at

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the centrally located Machipongo station. The third type is supervisory personnel for an

Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicle that provide 24/7 coverage at the Machipongo station.

Table 6.1 below shows the total calls and response times from 2010 through 2015.

Table 6.1

EMS Response Data

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Total Calls 2803 2759 2758 2654 2860 2786

Average Response

Time Day (minutes)

9.72 9.37 9.42 9.40 8.88 9.42

Average Response

Time Night/Weekend

(minutes)

13.70 12.24 11.47 11.5 10.55 10.43

Maximum Response

Time (minutes)

45 50 44 55 39 42

Source: Northampton County EMS Department

Several private ambulance companies offer ambulance service throughout the entire Eastern

Shore. Sentara Nightingale Air Ambulance Service based in Norfolk offers air ambulance

transportation to Eastern Shore citizens. The FY17 budget for Emergency Services is $1,927,688,

7.4% of the total operating budget. This includes $1,634,257 for EMS operations, $282,021 for

911 Emergency Services and $11,410 for the Eastern Shore Emergency Services The relocation

of the hospital from Nassawadox (and particularly the emergency services) to Onley(18 miles

North in Accomack County), has increased the workload of Northampton’s EMS. Additional

rolling stock (an ambulance) and staff (two full time employees) have been added. A new

building to house the EMS is being added to the current EMS facility near Machipongo.

The total number of calls, average response times, and maximum response times have

remained flat over the last five years, as shown in Table 6.1. The weekend response time has

improved over the same, reflecting the addition of paid EMTs. Monitoring these established

times will indicate the need for additional resources.

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6.9.3 Public Safety & Law Enforcement

The Northampton County Sheriff’s Department and County jail are located just outside the town of Eastville. In addition to the Sheriff and Major, there are 20 law enforcement deputies,

40 jail deputies, and 6 communications officers. The jail also employs 8 persons for medical and kitchen staff. The County’s FY17 contribution to Law Enforcement is $ 6,503,730, 25% of the total operating budget. This amount includes $2,307,176 for the Sherriff’s Office, $295,453 for the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, $23,719 for Victim Witness, $35,580 for Judicial Court Services, and $3,706,375 for the Eastern Shore Regional Jail. The County allocated $100,958 for Animal Control for FY17 and $34,469 for the Accomack-Northampton Animal

Control Facility.

The towns of Cape Charles, Eastville and Exmore also maintain small police forces. The town’s officers are dispatched through the Sheriff’s Office in Eastville and remain in radio contact with the Eastville dispatcher. The Town of Cape Charles presently employs five officers. The Town of Exmore employs seven full-time officers. The Town of Eastville employs two officers. Cheriton employs four County deputies on a part-time basis.

Northampton County also benefits from services provided by the Virginia State Police. The local headquarters is located near the Town of Melfa in Accomack County. The Melfa office has 22 assigned officers and equipment that can be requested as needed. The State Police also offer technical support to the County officers and present safety programs to schools, churches, civic organizations and other groups that request their services. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police Department employs 39 officers whose duties are not only to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth, but also to render services to the patrons crossing the facility.

Also contributing to the public safety are personnel of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. There are three officers in the County who are responsible for enforcing all laws relative to the taking of wildlife as represented in the Code of Virginia and Regulations of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Also, these officers are the chief enforcers of Virginia's boating safety laws. Boat safety and boating safety laws are also taught, and enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Charles and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Currently there is one National Wildlife Refuge officer with law enforcement authority. This officer is authorized to protect U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service property and enforce wildlife and public use laws and regulations in the local area or as directed.

County Courthouse, Eastville

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The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) has 15 officers assigned to the Eastern Shore, 7 of which are in Northampton County. This number may fluctuate depending on activity. These officers are responsible for

6.10 Government Services

The County of Northampton has a five-member Board of Supervisors with a County

Administrator overseeing the day-to-day operations and the implementation of policy adopted

by the Board of Supervisors. The County’s primary campus houses the court house, Social

Services building, jail and sheriff’s offices, and Juvenile Court services building. The old court

house has been renovated to house various administrative offices. The FY17 budget for the

Board of Supervisors and Administration is $45,898 and $363,851, respectively.

Northampton County implements a range of programs and services dealing with land

management. For FY17, the allocation for land management was $832,502 or 3% of the total

operating budget. The majority of this amount was for Planning and Zoning ($587,111) which

includes $72,575 for Code Compliance. $75,302 went to the Extension Service, $32,518 went

to the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission and $28,783 went to the Soil &

Water Conservation Service. The remainder went towards Johnson Grass Control ($20,650),

Planning Commission ($6,180), Wetlands Board ($2,102) and the Eastern Shore Resource

Conservation & Development Council ($7,281).

Northampton County provides plan review and inspection for building construction in

accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The County allocated $137,873

to implement this program for FY17.

6.11 Hospital/Health Services

The Virginia State Department of Health in Richmond oversees the area’s health planning

services. Through its Eastern Virginia Regional Office, the State Department of Health is

mandated to increase accessibility, acceptability, continuity, and quality of health care service.

In addition, the Office monitors and evaluates the costs of health care to restrain cost increases

and to insure that services are not duplicated. For FY17, Northampton County contributed

$385,049 to the Health Department. The ratio of patients to physicians in Northampton County

in 2014 was 825:1 (Prior to the relocation of the hospital to Accomack County) compared to a

ratio 1,345:1 in Virginia and a ratio of 1,051:1 in the US overall (Source: CountyRankings.org).

Approximately 50 private health care providers including physicians, dentists, and chiropractors

provide care to citizens of the Eastern Shore. The majority of the offices are currently

concentrated in the Nassawadox area.

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Northampton County was federally designated as a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) in 1978.

A MUA is defined as a region that has a relative or absolute deficiency of health care resources–

e.g., hospital beds, equipment and/or medical personnel. On the Index of Medical Underservice

(IMU), where 0 represents completely underserved and 100 represents best served,

Northampton County rates 59.7 (Health Resources Administration). Clinics serving rural areas

designated as MUAs are eligible for certification as Rural Health Clinics by the Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid services.

Eastern Shore Rural Health Systems, Inc.

Eastern Shore Rural Health provides care to residents of Northampton County under the

authority of the Rural Health Clinic Services Act (PL 95-21, as amended).

The Eastern Shore Rural Health Systems, Inc., (ESRHS) was established in 1976 with a Rural

Health Initiative grant and is the only grant funded provider. There are currently two ESRHS

locations in Northampton County, one in Bayview and one in Franktown. The Franktown

location was initially established as a pediatric center

and added adult services in 2003. The Bayview location

opened in 1985 and expanded in 1994. ESRHS plans to

build a new facility in Eastville that will combine the

Franktown and Bayview offices into a central location.

The new facility will offer extended and Saturday hours.

ESRHS provides primary health care to all ages of

citizens, including family medicine, internal medicine,

pediatrics (Franktown) and general dentistry

(Franktown). Dental services are provided by 6 ESRHS

dentists and two dental hygienists who rotate through

ESRHS units. Staffing and hours of the centers are in Table 6.2.

Table 6.2

Eastern Shore Rural Health Systems

Location Hours Physicians Physicians'

Assistant

Nurse

Practitioner

Patient visits per

month

Franktown M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 3 1 2 1608

Bayview M 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM T-F

8:00AM - 5:00 PM

1 1 1 678

Franktown Community Health Center, Near

Nassawadox

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ESRHS accepts all major private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. In addition services

can be obtained on a sliding scale to qualified individuals based on income and family size.

Eastern Shore Health District

The Eastern Shore Health District provides Health and Clinical services, Food and Environmental

Safety, and Emergency Preparedness and response services to the citizens of Northampton

County.

Public Health

Some health and clinical services are provided on a sliding fee scale. School immunizations are

provided free of charge. Health services provided include a Maternity Clinic; a Resource

Mothers Program to assist pregnant and parenting teens, a Family Planning Clinic; a Life

Matters Program, providing comprehensive breast health care to women age 18 to 63 years old

and symptomatic men via funding from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tidewater Affiliate;

Women Infants and Children (WIC) program, providing supplemental food for financially and

nutritionally eligible pregnant women, breast feeding women and children up to age five;

immunizations; investigations and support related to communicable disease exposures;

community health education; the Ryan White program, providing medication for the treatment

of HIV/AIDS for eligible individuals; and Nursing Home Preadmission screening.

Food and Environmental Safety

The Environmental Health Division manages programs such as a Beach Monitoring Program,

Lead Poisoning Prevention, Mold Information, Marina Sanitation Program, Migrant Labor Camp

Sanitation Program, Rabies Prevention and Control, Swimming Pool/Tourist Establishment

Sanitation Program, Restaurant/Food Safety Program, Restaurant inspections, and sewage and

water safety programs.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Eastern Shore Health District responds to emergencies impacting public health through

preparation, education and rapid intervention in collaboration with local EMS, Ready Virginia,

US Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and the Virginia Department of Emergency

Management.

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Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital

Shore Memorial Hospital was purchased by Riverside Health Systems in 2009 and is now known

as Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. In February 2017, the hospital relocated to a new 52 bed

facility in Onley in neighboring Accomack County. The new facility will include Shore Cancer

Center as well as an additional medical building. They also operate a physician practice in Cape

Charles. The plans for the Nassawadox campus have not been clarified at the time of this

writing. Riverside has stated that they plan to leave an urgent care center in what is currently

the cancer center, but details pertaining to hours, and scope of operation have not been

presented.

Heritage Hall

Heritage Hall was built in 1981 and was extensively renovated in 2011. Services include

rehabilitation services, with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy

provided seven days a week, in addition to the provision of long term care. Heritage Hall has

145 beds and employs 130 staff members. They manage the only Alzheimer’s unit on the

Eastern Shore, with 20 beds. An activity bus takes patients on outings such as visits to area

restaurants, fishing, and shopping. Citizens expressed concerns on the lack of facilities available

for assisted living

Mental Health Services

The Eastern Shore Community Services Board (ESCSB) was formed in 1971 and is comprised of 9 local citizens appointed by the Board of Supervisors of both Counties. Its mission is to provide services, supports, prevention and education regarding mental health, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and substance use issues to the people of the Eastern Shore of Virginia utilizing a person centered, coordinated care delivery model. The Administration and Emergency Service Offices are located in Nassawadox. The County contributed $65,941 to the ESCSB for FY 16. Mental Health services are provided via private psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, as well as mental health professionals employed by the Eastern Shore Community Services Board (ESCSB). The Shore has no inpatient beds for psychiatric or substance use needs and therefore the individuals, in need of those services, are required to travel across the Bay or to Maryland in order to receive these needed services. ESCSB strive to provide a comprehensive level of care to those who are in need of our services. These services range from housing and day programs for those with developmental disabilities to substance abuse prevention and treatment to mental health counseling as well as crisis intervention services. Mental Health outpatient and case management services offer psychological and psychiatric evaluation for adults, adolescents and children, as well as family, group and marital counseling.

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Substance abuse services include counseling, aftercare, family education, Suboxone treatment for those struggling with Opiate addiction, as well as referrals and coordination of care for detox and inpatient services out of our locality. ESCSB have partnered with Eastern Shore Rural Health by co-locating 2 clinicians as well as 1 child Psychiatrist, part time, in the Franktown center. Emergency on-call services are available on a 24-hour basis for those in need of Emergency Services due to being a threat to themselves or others. The ESCSB began a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Program in 2016 as well as have been able to pair with Riverside Shore Memorial to have a CIT Assessment Site, a location in the ER where Police Officers can bring individuals in need to be evaluated when in a crisis. Psychosocial Rehabilitation programs, such as the Clubhouse and Mental Health Skill building services, provide rehabilitation for seriously mentally ill individuals recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital. Day Support and Case Management Services are provided for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families in our Exmore location. Programs are coordinated to support individuals in creating “a life like yours and mine” while supporting them to reach their potential with an ultimate goal of independent living. The Dogwood View Apartments in Nassawadox was constructed in 1990 and has 20 units. The project has successfully allowed adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to live, successfully, with minimum supports. Northampton County also contributes to the Social Services Department’s Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) Program, a program for at-risk youth and their families. In FY16, the County allocated $145,000 towards this program.

Senior Services

A senior center is managed at the offices of Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging on Bayside

Road near Exmore for people more than 60 years old. Programs provided for clientele include

exercise, tai chi, speakers, field trips, crafts, and more.

6.12 Libraries

Library services for Northampton County residents are provided by the Eastern Shore Public Library. This regional library system is responsible for serving Northampton and Accomack Counties with a branch in Nassawadox, and the main branch in the Town of Accomac in Accomack County with plans to relocate to Parksley. There is also an affiliated library located in Cape Charles. The library is an active participant in the interlibrary loan system. The County

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contributed $127,559 to the Eastern Shore Public Library for FY17.

The Cape Charles Memorial Library located in Cape Charles was the first memorial library to be

established in Virginia, dedicated in 1927 to the memory of local men who died in WWI. It has

recently moved into a larger, newly renovated building in town. The County contributed

$20,000 to the Cape Charles Public Library for FY17.

6.13 Parks & Recreation

6.13.1 Indiantown Park

This 52-acre area is the headquarters for the

Northampton County Parks and Recreation

Department. There is a full-time director,

several part-time personnel, basketball

softball and disc golf league officials, fitness,

aerobic and gymnastic instructors, and a

summer play camp director and aides.

The Park has a picnic shelter, a soccer field, a playground, a lighted softball field, a 36-hole disc

golf course, and a two-mile nature trail. A recreation building houses the Department offices,

restrooms, and a large multi-purpose room available to civic, church, and County organizations,

as well as to individuals for a small fee. The Park was recently renovated with building

upgrades, new stone parking area, playground equipment, new lighting for the softball field,

signage and landscaping. The Department offers a wide variety of activities including basketball,

tennis, softball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, gymnastics, and aerobics. By utilizing facilities at

several public schools as well as those at Indiantown Park, leagues are organized on a year-

round basis. Various recreation programs are offered: summer play camp, runs, disc golf

tournaments; children's parties for Christmas, Halloween, and Easter; food, toy, and clothes

drives; and planned bus trips off the Shore. A small fee is charged for many of the programs.

For FY17, the County allocated $236,953 for Parks and Recreation.

There is an Advisory Board appointed by the Northampton County Board of Supervisors that

meets monthly for hearing public comment and planning for the future of recreation and parks

in the County. A private, non-profit foundation called Friends of Northampton County Parks

and Recreation was founded in 2014 that consist of a volunteer Board of Directors, meeting

monthly, with the mission of fundraising for improving the parks and recreation facilities for

Northampton County. Their immediate goal is to establish a public aquatics facility for

swimming instruction and recreation.

Indiantown Park, Eastville

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6.13.2 Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

In 1984, the Department of the Interior, Fish, and Wildlife Service acquired the Air Force Base

at the southern tip of the County just north of the bridge-tunnel. The site formerly included

Fort John Custis. The 653 acres of land is at the end of the East Coast Migratory Flyway; thus,

it is an important habitat for wildlife, including several endangered species. School, scout,

and conservation groups and the general public are invited to use the facilities, including a

small but excellent museum. Scheduled tours are conducted to nearby Fisherman's Island

from October to the beginning of March for nature walks and bird watching. Displays and

informative material at the Welcome Center highlight the Refuge and the ecosystems of both

bayside and seaside, as well as areas of environmental and historical interest in both

Northampton and Accomack Counties. A USS Missouri gun barrel is on display at the refuge.

This 120 ton gun barrel is similar to the barrel formerly in the bunker at the former Fort John

Custis. It was on the USS Missouri at the time of the signing of the Japanese surrender on

September 2, 1945.

The Southern Tip Hike & Bike Trail is a 2.5 mile paved trail along the old railroad bed that

connects the Refuge to Kiptopeke State Park. Phase II of the trail has been approved from

Cedar Grove Drive to Capeville Drive but has yet to be completed. There are plans to extend

the trail further north to the Cape Charles area.

6.13.3 Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park is located along the Chesapeake

Bay in the southern part of the County. Kiptopeke

offers two beaches for public use with a modest

entrance fee. The north beach is designated as a

swimming area with no boats, fishing, or pets

allowed. The south beach allows dogs on leashes and

also allows fishing. Amenities adjacent to the beach

include kayak rentals, bathrooms with outdoor

showers, and a store selling bait, floatation devices, and ice cream. The beaches are connected

to the campsite areas by boardwalks and 5.1 miles of nature trails.

6.13.4 Town Facilities

Cape Charles has a large, Central Park offering landscaped grounds, evening lighting and a

children’s playground. It is the site of community and regional events and activities. The Town

also has a newly renovated public library, a public fishing pier (no license required), a boat

Kiptopeke State Park

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launch, public beach and a town harbor. A public bathroom is located next to the beach and in

the town park. Golfing opportunities are found at Bay Creek Resort with both an Arnold Palmer

and a Jack Nicklaus designed course.

Eastville has a large, well-maintained park in the center of town. A picnic spot is located next to

the County “time capsule” monument, and the property has been the site of community events

and fund raisers. A court garden is located next to the historic Courthouse Green area.

The Randy Custis Memorial Park in Nassawadox has multiple baseball diamonds, soccer fields

and other athletic fields for organized team sports as well as a children’s play center sponsored

by Northampton Little League. There is also a town children’s playground.

Exmore has a children’s playground, a gazebo, and a picnic park.

6.13.5 Boat Ramps & Beach Access

Three public beaches are located on the bayside

of Northampton County, one in Cape Charles and

two in Kiptopeke State Park. Recreational boating

and fishing are very popular sports on the Eastern

Shore. Boat ramps within Northampton County

include: Cape Charles (town harbor with 51 slips),

Kings Creek (privately owned with 125 slips),

Oyster (County owned with 10 slips), Willis Wharf

(County owned with 50 slips), Morley's Wharf

(County owned), Red Bank (Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries), Wise Point Boat

Ramp (Fish and Wildlife Services), and Kiptopeke State Park.

Recreational finfish in this area include striped bass, spot, croaker, gray and speckled trout,

channel bass, black drum, flounder, cobia, and bluefish. There are public fishing piers at the

Morley’s Wharf boat ramp, Cape Charles, and Kiptopeke State Park. For FY17, $26,180 was

allocated to boat ramps and harbors.

6.14 Schools & Education

6.14.1 Elementary & Secondary Education

Northampton County Schools consists of two elementary schools constructed in 1993 and one

comprehensive high school for grades 7-12 with an on-campus careers and technical center.

Northampton High School is organized on a hybrid-modified block instructional model. This

instructional model provides the flexibility to structure class time to meet students’ individual

Willis Wharf

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needs. Students may enroll in college courses at the Eastern Shore Community College or

through Virtual Advanced Placements School. Students may enroll in the following ESCC Dual

Enrollment courses: Calculus, US Government, Psychology, English Comp I and English Comp II,

Early Childhood Education, Health Care Tech and Welding. Cultural events such as student

concerts and student art exhibits are generally held several times a year.

As well, students at Northampton High School are able to take a variety of Career and Technical

courses which could lead to industry certifications. Included among the student’s options are:

Agriculture Production, Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Culinary Arts, Marketing and

various business offerings. Advanced Placement Courses and Honors Courses are offered and

include AP Statistics, AP U.S. History, AP European History, AP Psychology Honors English and

Honors Biology.

In 2013, over 82% of graduates went on to further their education in institutions of higher

education and the military. Graduating students may be awarded the following diplomas:

Advanced, Standard, Modified Standard, Special, GED/ISAEP and Certificate of Completion.

Northampton County offers a universal Pre-Kindergarten program at both local elementary

schools. The Pre-K program is a free, full day, traditional school year program that provides

children with opportunities for social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and physical development.

Admissions are open to all children living in the County regardless of religion, race, national

origin, at-risk, or economic status. Each class has a maximum of 18 students and is taught by a

certified teacher and a teaching assistant. The program follows the Virginia standards for

universal Pre-Kindergarten, as well as literacy and mathematics programs adopted by the

district.

Gifted education is offered K-12. Potentially gifted students are identified at an early age.

Academic programs and competitions as well as the Governor’s School Programs challenge

students beyond the classroom. Extracurricular and many athletic activities are also offered to

provide enrichment beyond the regular classroom setting.

Special Education is available to students with disabilities who are provided services according

to the student’s Individualized Education Plan. Speech therapists, learning disabilities teachers,

teachers of emotionally disturbed, an occupational therapist, and a school psychologist serve as

resource personnel in the provision of a comprehensive program of services for students with

handicapping conditions.

Northampton County Public Schools operates an annual summer Migrant Education Program

for approximately 100 students over a period of four (4) weeks beginning in early July and

ending in early August.

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All Northampton County schools have wireless Internet. Promethean Boards, response

systems/clickers, Elmo document camera, iPads, iPods and a variety of other technology

devices are used daily to engage students in the delivery of the instructional content.

Technology training is provided to teachers in support of the effective use and integration of

technology in the classroom. In addition to textbooks, a great variety of supplemental

instructional materials are provided by the Division.

The Northampton County Public School System is accredited by AdvancEd which provides

accreditation under the seals of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and

School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council

on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). For the 2014-2015 school year,

Kiptopeke received an Accreditation Denied rating, Occohannock Elementary and Northampton

Middle School were Partially Accredited: Improving School-Pass Rate, and Northampton High

School was Fully Accredited by the Virginia Department of Education. Accreditation Denied

rating is given to a school if it fails to meet the requirements to be rated fully or provisionally

accredited for four consecutive years. Partially Accredited: Improving School-Pass Rate rating is

given to a school that is not fully accredited and do not qualify for a rating of Partially

Accredited: Approaching Benchmark-Pass Rate, but the school is making acceptable progress

towards full accreditation. Fully Accredited is earned by a school when students achieve an

adjusted pass rate of 75 percent in third-grade and fifth-grade English, 70 percent in

mathematics and 50 percent in third-grade science and history/social science. Otherwise, the

student results must meet the adjusted pass rate of 70 percent in each of the four core

academic areas – English, mathematics, science and history/social science. School capacity and

enrollment information by school based on Fall Enrollment are provided Tables 6.3 and 6.4.

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Table 6.3 School Enrollment by School

School Capacit

y

2007-

08

2008-

09

2009-

10

2010-

11

2011-

12

2012-

13

2013-

14

2014-

15

Kiptopeke

Elementary

550 481 616 581 589 534 493 490 480

Occohannoc

k Elementary

550 494 588 592 610 552 531 497 474

Northampto

n Middle

School

600 390 N/A N/A N/A N/A 256 265 253

Northampto

n High

School

800 553 638 626 601 723 697 433 444

Source: Northampton County Public Schools

Table 6.4 School Enrollment by Grade

Grade 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

PK-3 701 686 656 647 670 630 600 592

4-7 536 518 517 552 546 523 518 485

PK-7 1237 1204 1173 1199 1216 1153 1118 1077

8-9 267 269 254 253 249 240 257 263

10-12 414 369 372 348 344 328 310 311

Total PK-

12

1918 1842 1799 1800 1809 1721 1685 1651

Source: Northampton County Public Schools

For the 2012-13 school year, 33 students who live in Accomack County applied to attend

Northampton County schools and 28 students who live in Northampton County applied to

attend Accomack County schools.

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The Northampton County School Board Policies and Regulations provide a basis for the

operation of the schools. The School Board employs approximately 175 professional staff

persons for program coordination and implementation. At the present time, 99% of the

Division’s teachers and administrators are endorsed in their assigned field, and in 2012,

approximately 40% had graduate/doctoral degrees.

School support services include health, dental, transportation, food services, operation and

maintenance of facilities, instructional assistants, and clerical. Approximately 140 employees

are involved in providing these services. Pupil transportation is provided with 38 school buses

with 4 of those buses being handicapped accessible. In addition, buses are available for

approved field trips, certain after-school activities, and scheduled athletic contests.

As in all rural counties, the educational budget represents the single largest budgetary

commitment of the County government; 33% or $8,607,077 of the County’s FY17 operational

budget is transferred to the Public School system.

Northampton County benefits from the school division’s participation in the Hampton Roads

Educational Telecommunications Association, Inc (HRETA). Eighteen (18) school divisions

currently comprise the HRETA, the parent corporation that owns the assets of WHRO. WHRO

convenes over 40 regional educational planning/leadership meetings each year, involving local

school board representatives, superintendents, key instructional leaders, and technology staff.

WHRO provides online educational resources for student education and for professional

development of teachers, workforce development and quality children’s programming 24 hours

per day. Northampton County invested $4,892 in WHRO in 2011-2012 with a direct return on

investment of $711,920.

6.14.2 Higher Education

The Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) near Melfa serves residents of both Northampton

and Accomack Counties. It occupies a 43,000 square foot building on 115 acres. It has the

capacity for 500 full-time students and enrollment averages approximately 450. ESCC is

accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

and its degree programs are approved by the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia. It is

a two-year institution offering transfer and occupational-technical certificate programs and a

variety of credit and non-credit courses for residents of the two Counties. For FY17,

Northampton County allocated $131,723 to ESCC.

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The Business Development and Workforce Training Center opened in January 2009. The 20,000

square foot facility enhances the effort to establish links between the College and the business

community as well as individuals who need training and professional development in order to

advance in their careers. The Division collaborates with business, local and regional

government, social service agencies, and economic development authorities, as well as the

College’s academic departments to fulfill the educational component of community and

economic development initiatives. A broad range of cost effective education and training

services are available to individuals, as well as business, industry, government and professional

organizations.

The college operates an Adult Basic Education Program in cooperation with both County school

systems and the Eastern Shore Literacy Council (ESLC). These classes and free one-to-one

tutoring by professionally trained volunteers are designed to serve the basic education needs of

the 30% of the Northampton County adult population with less than eight years of schooling.

Individuals may obtain their General Educational Development (GED) degree through the Adult

Basic Education Program.

6.14.3 Private Schools

There are currently four private schools located in the County, Broadwater Academy, Shore

Christian Academy, Franktown Montessori, and Cape Charles Christian School. Broadwater

Academy is a private, coeducational, college preparatory school located in Exmore, Virginia. A

campus of approximately 120 acres provides space for four classroom buildings, gymnasium,

library, cafeteria, and fine arts space for the school's 334 students in grades pre-kindergarten

through 12. The curriculum is academically oriented and 97% of graduates go on to college and

universities. The school serves Accomack and Northampton Counties as well as the

southernmost county of Maryland. It is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent

Schools. Broadwater accepts students regardless of race, creed, or national original. A limited

amount of scholarship aid is available.

Shore Christian Academy started in 2004 and is located in Exmore. It is an extension of Exmore

Baptist Church. The academic program is centered on the A Beka curriculum, which integrates

the Christian principles into the classroom. The school currently has 71 students enrolled and is

planning to construct a new facility to accommodate all grade levels.

The Montessori Children’s House of Franktown (MCHF) was started in 2007 and is located at

Franktown United Methodist Church (FUMC). MCHF focuses on the principles of Dr. Maria

Montessori where the emphasis is on developing the child’s unique potential. Currently, MCHF

has 41 students enrolled. MCHF is building two new classrooms adjacent to FUMC. MCHF holds

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certification from the Association Montessori Internationale, the most stringent level of

accreditation that follows Dr. Montessori’s principles and practices.

Cape Charles Christian School (CCCS) opened in 2009 and currently enrolls 43 students. CCCS

aims to educate and develop students in a non-denominational Christian setting. CCCS offers

pre-K through eighth grade and is located on Tazewell Avenue in Cape Charles.

Summary

Northampton has numerous cultural and artistic venues throughout the County, attracting artists and providing entertainment for residents and tourists.

Communication systems include telephone, numerous radio and television stations, newspapers, DSL and broadband.

Private wells are the predominant source of water in Northampton County, with public water systems serving Cape Charles, Eastville, Bayview and Exmore.

There are two municipal wastewater treatment systems in the County.

Disposal and recycling is managed through waste collection centers in six locations.

Emergency Medical services are provided through a combination of paid and volunteer staff from locations in Bayview, Machipongo, Nassawadox and Exmore. Sentara provides a Nightingale Air Ambulance service when needed.

Fire Service is provided by volunteer staff with fire departments located in each incorporated town.

Public safety and law enforcement is provided by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department; officers in the towns of Cape Charles, Exmore and Eastville; State Police, Virginia Marine Police, National Wildlife Refuge Officers, and back up by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police Department.

A Regional Jail is located at the County complex near Eastville.

Primary health care and dentistry is provided in the County through a combination of primary care physicians and private dentists, Eastern Shore Rural Health, and the Eastern Shore Health District.

Long Term care and Rehabilitation services are provided at Heritage Hall in Nassawadox.

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Mental Health and developmentally disabled services are provided with a network including private practitioners, and the Community Services Board.

An active Parks and Recreation Department includes facilities at Indiantown Park with many planned programs.

Access to the natural beauty of the County and protection for flora and fauna is provided at the Eastern Shore Wildlife refuge and Kiptopeke State Park.

Parks, beaches, boat ramps, golfing, baseball facilities, and bicycle and walking trails are available for public use.

The school system includes public and private schools for K-12 and access to classes at Eastern Shore Community College.

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7 Transportation 7.1 Introduction

Northampton County contains some of the most scenic roadways in the state. Its meandering

secondary roads lined with green fields and pristine waterways have made the county a mecca for

motorists and cyclers of all ages. Route 600 has been designated a Virginia Byway and offers travelers

a unique scenic tour through woods, farm fields and coastal areas. Along the way are historic sites,

game refuges and other attractions. Aside from automobiles and bikes, other means of transportation

in the county include, pedestrian, marine, and air travel.

Transportation planning for Northampton County is a joint effort among the State, the County,

and the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, as well as transportation

agencies such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Commission and the Accomack-

Northampton Transportation District Commission. While Northampton County’s major

transportation system is the State Highway System maintained by the Virginia Department of

Transportation (VDOT); the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT), Bay Coast Railroad, and

Shore Transit and Rideshare (STAR) also provide essential transportation services. These

systems combine with bicycle, pedestrian, marine, and air transportation facilities to form a

multi-modal transportation system.

Since the Northampton County Comprehensive Plan was updated in 2009, two major

transportation studies and planning efforts have been completed: The 2035 Regional Long

Range Transportation Plan (2011) and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Bicycle Plan.

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7.2 Land Use Planning & Transportation

VDOT is responsible for most highway planning, construction, and maintenance in rural Virginia.

VDOT only addresses transportation issues within its right-of-way and does not manage or

regulate land use adjacent to state highways. However, VDOT and local governments

recognized the growing need to coordinate land use planning and transportation planning.

Effective July 1, 2008, VDOT developed the “Access Management Regulations; Principal

Arterials (24 VA C30 – 72)” that impacts land use planning and development by mandating

roadway improvements deemed necessary through traffic impact analysis, land use permitting,

and secondary street acceptance requirements, which became effective on October 14, 2009.

The following sections discuss the relationship between land use planning and transportation

and identify the need for close cooperation between Northampton County and VDOT.

In June 2002, the County Board of Supervisors approved various recommendations made by

VDOT’s consultant in the Route 13/Wallops Island Access Management Study, including

adoption of access management guidelines and the establishment of a highway corridor overlay

district. The County adopted a Highway Corridor Overlay District in 2004 as shown in Figure 7.1

below.

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Figure 7.1 Highway Corridor Overlay District

Source: Northampton County GIS

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7.2.1 Existing Land Use, Zoning, and Future Development Capacity

Existing land use and future development capacity are major considerations for maintaining

and planning the Northampton County road system. U.S. Census data, existing traffic data, and

land use data provide points of reference for future decisions about the County’s

transportation and land use planning and management.

The 2010 U.S. Census reported that Northampton County had a population of 12,389. This is a

5.4% decrease from the 2000 Census. There were a total of 7,301 housing units in 2010, an

11.52% percent increase over 6,547 in 2000. Only 5,323 of those units were occupied in 2010

versus 5,493 in 2000 representing a 3 percent drop in occupied units. Vacant housing units rose

from 1,054 in 2000 to an estimated 2,267 units in 2016, a 115 percent increase. 31% of existing

housing is currently vacant. Vacant units are either rentals, for sale, seasonal second homes or

possibly abandoned (See Table 4.3 Housing Data Part II). The average number of persons per

year-round household was 2.32 in 2013.

Based on gross zoning capacity, without considering other regulatory constraints such as septic

capacity, the current County zoning allows for an additional 9,757 dwelling units. If the County

were to build-out to the maximum allowed zoning capacity, at the same ratio of 3:1 year-round

to seasonal homes (see Table 4.3 Housing Data Part II) and 2.32 persons per year-round home,

there would be a year-round population of 53,229 (this includes Town build out). This is more

than four times Northampton County’s 2010 population. The possibility of steady population

growth over time would have a major impact on the County’s transportation system.

Although traffic planning is partially based on population growth, a unique situation exists on

the Eastern Shore of Virginia. U. S. Route 13 is a major route from the northeast to beaches in

Virginia and North Carolina.

7.3 Existing Traffic

Figure 8.2 shows the latest VDOT annual average daily traffic (AADT) data for Northampton

County’s state roads. Since VDOT does not do traffic counts on all roads every year, most of

these data are from 2010 or earlier. The major factors in traffic generation are population,

trips-per-day per housing unit, and through-traffic on U.S. Route 13.

According to the 2010 Census, 11% (9.1% national average) of Northampton County’s occupied

housing units have no vehicle available, 37.6% (33.8% national average) have one vehicle

available, 33.6% (37.6% national average) have two vehicles available, and 17.8% (19.9%

national average) have 3 or more vehicles available. This is a total of 8,043 vehicles for 5,088

housing units for an average of 1.6 vehicles per household.

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Figure 8.2 shows most roads in Northampton County have less than 1000 AADT. The

exceptions are U.S. Route 13, Business Route 13, and Routes 183, 184, 606, 639, and 642. The

higher AADT on these roads reflects the denser development and commercial activity near

Exmore, Nassawadox, Eastville, Cheriton, and Cape Charles. The analysis also showed that

housing units closer to towns and commercial centers had more trips-per-day than homes in

more remote locations. Residents living far from towns and commercial areas seem to prefer

making less frequent trips due to the longer distances. These numbers for trips-per-day per

household were used to estimate future traffic based on several population scenarios.

An analysis of the 2002 existing traffic data and occupied housing unit data showed that

Northampton County has an average of 5-7 trips per household per day. This is lower than the

10 trips-per-day generally used by VDOT to estimate traffic generated by residential

development. An analysis of the 2010 traffic data and occupied housing unit data showed that

Northampton County has an average of 5.66 trips per household per day. This number is lower

than the national average of 6.65 vehicle trips per household per day.

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Figure 7.2 Existing Traffic

Source: VDOT AADT Data; Northampton County GIS

7.4 Estimated Future Traffic

In the long term, traffic growth in Northampton County will depend upon population growth,

the location of new development, and through-traffic growth on U.S. Route 13. VDOT

estimates regarding future traffic growth are not consistent with our population projections.

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7.5 Existing Highway System

Northampton County’s existing highway system consists of Primary and Secondary state roads.

Primary roads consist of two to six-lane roads that connect cities and town with each other and

with interstates. In 2010, there were 286.94 miles of state roads in the County, including 47.6

miles of Primary roads and 237.48 miles of Secondary roads. Primary roads are identified with

numbers less than “600” and Secondary roads have numbers “600” or higher. U.S. Route 13,

Business Route 13, Routes 178, 183, and 184 are the County’s Primary state roads. All other

state roads are Secondary. There are 93.27 miles of Secondary Roads in the 600 series (see

Table 8.1). All of the County’s Primary and Secondary roads are hard-surfaced.

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Figure 7.3 Primary and Secondary Roads

Source: VDOT; Northampton County GIS (Not to Scale)

7.5.1 Main Road Network

The Main Road Network, consisting of Primary and Secondary roads, is Northampton County’s

most essential transportation system, and its capacity must be maintained and improved as

needed. Land development proposals impacting the Main Road Network should be carefully

reviewed for traffic and safety impacts, as well as impacts on the County’s environment and

existing communities. Even with 100 percent population growth, most of Northampton

County’s roads would still be under capacity for two-lane roads.

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Table 7.1 Primary and Secondary Roads Annual Average Daily Traffic Volume

ROUTE

#

LOCATIONS LENGTH 2002

AADT

2010

AADT

2016

AADT

2002-

2010 %

Change

2010-

2016 %

Change

25%

GROWTH

50%

GROWTH

100%

GROWTH

North to South

PRIMARY

1 13 Maryland State to Accomack County

Line

0 19000 19000 19000 0% 0%

0

2 13 Accomack/Northampton County line 0 17000 18000 19000 6% 5% 23750 28500 38000

3 13 Accomack County Line to SCL Exmore 1.21 16500 17000 17800 3% 5% 22250 26700 35600

4 13 SCL Exmore to SCL Nassawadox 4.86 15750 15750 17250 0% 9% 21566 25875 34500

5 13 SCL Nasswadox to SCL Eastville 9.42 13600 13400 14800 -1% 10% 18500 22200 29600

6 13 SCL Eastville to SMCL Cheriton 4.63 12800 13400 15200 5% 13% 19000 22800 30400

7 13 SMCL Cheriton to CBBT 10.98 11675 11600 13500 -1% 15% 16875 20250 27000

8 13 CBBT to Virginia Beach * see notes 19.14 9300 8800 8800 -6% 0% 11000 13200 17600

9 Bus 13 Exmore 2.14 2300 2400 2500 4% -4% 3125 3750 5000

10 Bus 13 Eastville 2.71 2100 1550 1800 -30% 15% 2250 2700 3600

11 Bus 13 Cheriton 1.59 2600 2100 2300 -21% 9% 2875 3450 4600

Subtotal 58.68

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12 183 Bus Rt. 13 to 613 (Occohannock Neck Rd.) 7.45 3400 3200 3300 -6% 3% 4125 4950 6600

13 184 Route 13 to 1105 (Fig St.); 184=Stone Rd 1.99 4100 3000 3333 -31% 11% 6666 5000 6666

14 600 Accomack County Line(ACL) to Dead End of 600

(Seaside Rd.), Rt. 13, and CBBT

32.5 454 416 424

-9% 2% 530 636 848

15 601 Accomack County Line to 600; 601=County Line

Road

0.56 280 930 1000

107% 7% 1250 1500 2000

16 602 183 (Occohannock Neck Rd.) to end of 602

(Cemetery Rd.)

1.22 595 1200 650

67% 59% 650 975 1300

17 603 Bus Rt. 13 to Dead End of 603 (Willis Wharf Rd.) 2.41 906 940 902 4% -4% 1128 1353 1804

18 652 US Rt. 13 to Rt. 183; 652=Broadwater Rd/Cathey

Ave.

1.6 650 790 990

19% 20% 1237 1485 1980

19 604 618(Bayside Rd.) to 600; 604= Oakland Dr. 0.8 985 1533 1800 36% 15% 2250 2700 3600

20 613 Rt. 183 to Dead End 613 (Occohannock Neck Rd.) 2.5 227 279 230 20% 43% 288 345 460

21 618 Rt 13 through Johnsontown/Bayside/ Hadlock to 618

Dead End

11.07 556 432 447

-29% 51% 559 671 894

22 606 183 to 600; 606= Rogers Dr.; Wardtown Rd. 5.49 590 790 750 33% -5% 938 1125 1500

23 609 618 to 600; 609= Franktown Rd. 1.3 926 980 918 6% -7% 1148 1377 1836

24 610 606 to 618; 610= Short St. .94 190 340 370 57% 8% 463 555 740

25 617 Dead End 617(Bayford Rd.) to Dead End 617 (Red

Bank Rd.)

6.21 308 488 502

45% 3% 628 753 1004

26 619 609 to 1515(Peacock Ln.-Vaucluse); 619=Bayside

Rd., Cabarrus Dr., and Giddens Rd.

7.9 600 676 721 12% 6% 901 1082 1442

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27 627 618 to Dead End 627(Box Tree Dr.) 2.31 223 413 403 60% -2% 504 605 806

28 628 600(Seaside Rd.) to Dead End 628(Wilsonia Neck Dr.) 4.3 167 357 357 73% 0% 446 536 714

29 631 Dead End 631(Willow Oak) to Dead End

613(Indiantown Rd.)

2.3 850 633 660

-29% 4% 825 990 1320

30 634 Dead End 634 (Savage Neck Dr.) to Rt. 13 1.85 617 454 497 -30% 9% 621 746 994

31 680 WCL Cheriton Rt. 13 to Dead End of 680 (Townfield

Dr.) **see notes

1.83 750 583 677

-25% 15% 846 1016 1354

32 639 Bus Rt. 13 to Dead End 639 (Sunnyside Rd.) 2.84 1435 1215 1188 -17% -2% 1485 1782 2376

33 642 600 to ECL Cape Charles; 642=Seaview, Old Cape

Charles Rd, Bayville Dr., and Parsons Circle

34.04 880 848 922

-4% 8% 1155 1383 1844

34 684 Rt 13 to 641(Culls Dr.) 1.99 685 615 635 -11% 3% 794 953 1270

35 624 645(Arlington Rd.) to Dead End 624(Capeville Dr.) 2.1 227 283 278 22% -2% 348 417 556

36 645 600 to Dead End of 645 (Arlington Rd.) 3.72 333 333 310 0% -7% 388 465 620

Subtotal 133.77

TOTAL MILES 192.43

Source: VDOT; http://www.virginiadot.org/info/ct-TrafficCounts.asp

Note: *These columns represent VDOT’s population increase scenarios using Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) counts.

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These projections can be used to measure how busy a section of road may be in the future.

Table 7.1 contains the new data for traffic on the County’s Main Road Network. The State

maintains 287 miles of roads in the County; about one-half of that road mileage is designated

as the County’s Main Road Network and includes both Primary and Secondary roads. Between

2002 and 2010 annual average daily traffic (AADT) increased on 48 miles of those roads,

between 2010 and 2016, this number increased to 121. Between 2002 and 2010 traffic

decreased on 142 miles, between 2010 and 2016 this number dropped to 17. Traffic stayed

constant for 9 miles from 2002-2010 and stayed constant for 23 miles from 2010-2016.

VDOT recommends roads with 2,000 AADT and over should have paved shoulders to improve

safety and accommodate bicycles. In addition to paved shoulders, roads with higher traffic may

need right and left turn lanes, center turn lanes, and even four lanes in some cases.

7.5.2 Context Sensitive Solutions

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) is a Federal Highway Administration initiative to improve

transportation facilities while protecting the surrounding communities and environment.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to transportation, CSS allows design flexibility and goes

beyond just trying to move cars and trucks faster. With Northampton County’s scenic rural

landscape and historic towns, CSS offers an opportunity to meet the transportation needs of

the population without destroying the assets that make the County unique.

VDOT adopted CSS into its planning process to be initiated no later than the Project Scoping

stage (IIM-LD-235 August 23, 2006) ensuring that road planning will include this initiative.

7.5.3 Accidents

An analysis of the latest Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) data, 2012 through

2016, shows that Northampton County had an average of 218 crashes per year. There was an

average of 3 fatalities per year, with 19 percent of the fatalities alcohol-related. Over the five-

year period (2012-2016) Northampton County’s death rate per 1000 drivers averaged 0.23,

down from 0.62 for the previous five years (2004-2008). The State death rate per 1000 drivers

for these time periods averaged 0.15 and 0.28, respectively. Table 8.2 below shows the details.

The DMV and VDOT have more detailed accident data. More detailed analysis of this data could

provide the County and VDOT with information to further identify accident trends and correct

any deficiencies at trouble spots.

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Table 7.2 Crash Data

Total Alcohol-Related

Licensed

Drivers

Year Crashes Fatalities Injuries Crashes Fatalities Injuries

2012 228 0 108 22 0 18 8,587

2013 226 1 133 27 0 25 8,570

2014 201 3 111 23 2 15

2015 214 3 107 17 1 11

2016 223 9 107 17 0 18

5 year

total 2012-16 1092 16 566 106 3 87

5 year

total 2009-13 1,191 10 667 110 1 76 43,139

5 year

total 2004-08 1,344 27 781 132 16 89 43,287

Source: Virginia DMV

7.5.4 U.S. Route 13

U.S. Route 13 is Northampton County’s major transportation facility, and the only four-lane

road in the County. On the Eastern Shore of Virginia, U.S. Route 13 extends for 69 miles from

the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel through Northampton County (32 miles) and Accomack

County (37 miles) to the Virginia-Maryland state line. U.S. Route 13 links the Eastern Shore of

Virginia with Maryland to the north and Hampton Roads to the south. Along with the

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, U.S. Route 13 also provides an alternative to Interstate 95 for

traffic traveling between the Northeast, Tidewater Virginia, coastal North Carolina, and points

south. In 2002 VDOT completed the Wallops Island/U.S. Route 13 Access Management Plan,

which made recommendations for physical improvements and implementation of local

government access management regulations.

More recently in 2016 VHB (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, an engineering firm in Williamsburg), prepared

The Eastern Shore Safety Study for VDOT

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(http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/hamptonroads/rte_13_study.asp). This study includes a

comparison with the 2002 study along with recommendations and action plan with site specific

improvements to be made.

According to VHB in the 2016 Eastern Shore Safety Study, “The 2002 study included access

management and safety improvement recommendations, some of which were implemented

since the 2002 study. As a result, VDOT requested that VHB assess the current safety conditions

of the corridors and determine if the implemented modifications improved safety.”

In May 2012, VDOT presented its analysis of Route 13 accidents in Northampton County

covering the years 2008 through 2010. The study area was 30.81 miles from Wise Point Lane

intersection at Mile Point 74.90 to the Accomack County line at Mile Point 105.70.

A total of 391 crashes occurred in this stretch of four-lane, divided roadway, resulting in 196

injuries and 11 fatalities including one pedestrian. A hot-spot analysis was performed using a

one-mile increment (see Figure 7.4). Only one location exceeded the critical crash density of 24

crashes per mile (the average plus two standard deviation), and one location met the critical

crash density. Both of these locations are intersections where rear end and angle crashes are

more prevalent. The first segment (MP 99.90 to 100.89) includes the intersection with Rogers

Drive (Route 606) in Nassawadox. The second segment (MP 102.90 to 103.89) includes

intersections with Broadwater Road (Route 652), Oakland Drive (Route 604), and Main Street

(Business 13) in Exmore.

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Figure 7.4 Hot Spots (numbers represent mile-post locations)

In general, the most common types of crashes, Fixed Object Off Road and Deer and Other

Animal crashes are fairly evenly spread along the alignment. Where crash spikes occur, there

are an abundance of rear end and angle crashes. This indicates they are relatively busy

intersections.

Table 7.3 Crash Rates per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled

Overall Injury Fatal

Route 13 Study Segment Rate (MP 74.90

to MP 105.70) 99 49.4 2.8

Statewide Average Primary Rate (Four-

lane, Divided, Partial Control of Access) 91 54 0.6

Source: VDOT

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It can be seen from this comparison that overall crash rates are only slightly higher than the

statewide average for roads of this type. The injury rate is slightly less, but the fatal crash rate

is significantly higher than for roads of this type in the Commonwealth.

The Counties, in conjunction with the A-NPDC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TTAC) (http://www.a-npdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Acc_Nor-Rural-Long-Range-Transportation-Plan.pdf) established the following goals:

1. Plan, build, and maintain a safe, efficient, and well-drained highway system that preserves the Eastern Shore’s natural resources and existing communities by working closely with VDOT to coordinate land use planning and transportation planning.

2. Improve safety and maintain traffic capacity on US 13.

3. Improve the Eastern Shore’s main roadway network by enhancing safety and capacity.

4. Improve the Eastern Shore’s multimodal transportation system by coordinating planning

and supporting funding for highways, public transit, human services transportation,

bicycle and pedestrian facilities, ports, the railroad, and the airports.

5. Support economic development and tourism initiatives.

(http://www.a-npdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Acc_Nor-Rural-Long-Range-Transportation-

Plan.pdf)

Adjacent Highway Development. The U.S. Route 13 Access Management Plan includes an

inventory of existing roadway access points to assess their impact on safety and traffic capacity.

In addition, in July 2008, The Code of Virginia (§33.1-13, 33.1-197, §33.1-198, §33.1-198.1 and

§33.1-199) was amended to give VDOT authority to regulate entrances to highways under its

Access Management Regulations, 24 VAC 30-72. When the number of driveways on a 55 MPH

highway exceeds 10 per mile, or an average of approximately one driveway per 500 feet, a

safety problem exists. In 2000, there were a total of 431 in Northampton County. There were

155 driveways along the northbound side of U.S. Route 13 in Northampton County and 276 on

the southbound side. With a length of 32 miles, the northbound driveway average is 4.8 per

mile and the southbound average is 8.6 per mile. In several areas, such as Treherneville and

Birdsnest, the number exceeds 10 driveways per mile. In these areas, VDOT recommended

building local access roads to improve safety. In the long run, it is more cost efficient to require

driveway consolidation for new development than to retrofit costly access roads at public

expense. If additional or increased development areas are contemplated along Rt. 13, the

Future Land Use Map (FLUM) should indicate possible secondary road access to developed

areas, consolidation of entrance points and/or new frontage roads.

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Local vs. Through-Traffic. Roads serving local traffic need to provide safe travel at lower

speeds to facilitate access to adjacent residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Roads

serving through-traffic need to provide safe travel at the highest possible speed. U.S. Route 13

currently handles both local and through-traffic, creating an inevitable transportation conflict.

Farm vehicles and bicycles also use U.S. Route 13. In order for U.S. Route 13 to serve both local

and through-traffic functions, VDOT and the County need to work together to better manage

access to adjacent land uses.

Highway Aesthetics. Over the past few decades, Northampton County has enjoyed an

abundance of scenic open space along U.S. Route 13. The County’s well-kept farms and forests,

and community efforts to landscape the highway with crape myrtle trees, have added to

Northampton County’s appeal to residents, visitors, and travelers. However, in the future,

these scenic assets cannot be taken for granted. Adequate land use regulations requiring

attractive landscaping, signs, structures and lighting are needed if the County wants to protect, maintain and improve the highway’s scenic image, particularly in support of the tourism

industry.

7.5.5 Route 183

Route 183 is a major two-lane road that runs southwest from Exmore through Occohannock

Neck to Silver Beach. Even with increasing residential development on Occohannock Neck,

additional part-time or seasonal homes and the YMCA Camp Silver Beach, traffic, on Route 183

declined 12% between 2002 and 2010. The Eastern Shore of Virginia bicycle plan recommends

paved shoulders to safely accommodate bicycles along Route 183. Turn lanes may also be

needed as traffic grows.

7.5.6 Business Route 13

Northampton County’s three sections of Business Route 13 are located in Exmore, Eastville, and

Cheriton. These are the old sections of U.S. Route 13 that were bypassed and now provide local

access through these towns. The following is a summary of each of these segments.

Exmore. Business Route 13 is completely within the Town of Exmore’s jurisdiction. The

Eastern Shore of Virginia Bicycle Plan recommends paved shoulders and wide lanes to safely

accommodate bicycles along Business Route 13 in Exmore. The Town of Exmore is improving

pedestrian access along Business Route 13 in Downtown Exmore.

Eastville. Although the Town of Eastville has expanded their boundaries, traffic from

residential expansion is not expected to increase. Safe access to the Northampton County

Administration Complex, Northampton High School, and the new County Convenience Center

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are important issues for Business Route 13 in Eastville. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Bicycle

Plan recommends paved shoulders and wide lanes to safely accommodate bicycles along

Business Route 13 in and outside the Town of Eastville.

Cheriton. Approximately half of Business Route 13 is within the Town of Cheriton’s

jurisdiction and half is within Northampton County. Since Cheriton has experienced a decline in

population, traffic from residential expansion is not expected to increase. Even if annual traffic

increases on Rt. 13, it will likely continue to by-pass Business Route 13 in the town. The Eastern

Shore of Virginia Bicycle Plan recommends paved shoulders and wide lanes to safely

accommodate bicycles along Business Route 13 in Cheriton, and a shared use path south of

Town that follows Route 184 and connects to the Town of Cape Charles.

7.5.7 Route 184

Route 184 runs west from U.S. Route 13 to Cape Charles. Due to potential land development

and seasonal activity in and around Cape Charles, traffic on Route 184 could increase. Route

184 is one of only two roads in and out of Cape Charles. The other road is Route 642. The

development capacity estimate shows that the Town of Cape Charles has 609 existing

residential units and is zoned for 2,579 additional units; the town’s year-round population

decreased 11% between 2000 and 2010. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Bicycle Plan

recommends a shared use path along the Route 184 corridor from Cape Charles to Cheriton.

Route 184 should also have paved shoulders and turn lanes to accommodate future traffic.

A new harbor access road is in the construction phase to connect the Cape Charles Harbor to

Route 184 for easier access to Route 13. The projected completion date for this road is 2018

7.5.8 Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) is a 20 mile long bridge and tunnel complex that links the Eastern Shore of Virginia with the Hampton Roads region to the south. The CBBT is overseen by an 11-member commission appointed by the Governor of Virginia. The CBBT is a toll facility with a $13.00 one-way toll for cars and an $18.00, 24-hour round trip toll. An EZPass is required for the 24-hour discount rate. Since opening on April 15, 1964, the CBBT has attracted an increasing number of vehicles. Due to increasing traffic and accidents, the CBBT constructed parallel trestles which opened on April 19, 1999. The entire facility is now four lanes, except for the two mile-long, two-lane tunnels. In March 2004, a feasibility study was completed that called for constructing parallel tunnels by 2020. The feasibility study is based on a projected growth of 51,000 vehicles per year. The tunnels are needed for long-term maintenance, safety, and future traffic capacity. The CBBT Commission approved construction of the two new tunnels. Construction began in 2017 and completion is predicted in 2022.

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In fiscal year 2015, there were 3,664,220 vehicles that crossed the bridge and in fiscal year 2016

there were 3,906,923 vehicles, which is an increase of 242,703 from FY15. For its fiscal year

ending June 30, 2016, CBBT reported 346,635 heavy trucks crossed the bridge tunnel, which

constituted 8.9% of its traffic. In addition, 14,970 buses crossed the CBBT which constituted

0.39% of its traffic. In fiscal year 2013, the average annual daily traffic volume was 9,556

compared to the average annual daily traffic volume in fiscal year 2014 of 9,728.

The CBBT Commission recently approved a new $5 commuter rate for users who make 30 one-

way trips across the bay within 30 days and that use the EZPass system. The Commission

anticipates an additional 900 trips per month or 10,800 per year and 30 additional customers.

7.5.9 Highway System Maintenance and Improvements

The most notable recent improvements in the Northampton County highway system have been associated with the major thoroughfares, such as installation of mileposts and raised reflective pavement markers on U.S. Route 13. In addition, two median crossovers have been closed and others recommended for closure, rumble strips and lane reflectors have been installed on parts of Rt. 13 as per recommendations from the Wallops Island/Route 13 Access Management Study (http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/resources/hampton_roads/Eastern_Shore_Route_13_Route_175_Safety_Corridor_Study_Comment_Form.pdf).

Highway improvement priorities are continually reviewed, as the Northampton County Secondary System Six-Year Plan is updated on an annual basis. This plan should be referred to as the official local highway improvement and maintenance plan. The plan is on file in the Northampton County Administration Office in Eastville or can be found here: http://syip.virginiadot.org/Pages/allProjects.aspx. VDOT has greatly reduced funding state-wide for localities’ Six Year Plans. A list of Northampton County’s six-year improvements can be found in Table 7.4.

Table 7.4

7.5.10 Rural Addition Program & Revenue Sharing

The Code of Virginia authorizes counties to recommend roads to VDOT to be taken into the Secondary Highway System as rural additions. Streets added to the State system must be constructed to VDOT’s standards for the traffic served. Part of a local government’s Secondary road allocation goes to this purpose. In addition, the State and County are allowed to provide 50 percent matching funds for upgrade or construction of roads or streets that qualify. This

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program is referred to by many as revenue sharing. Northampton County has not participated in this program in the past.

Northampton County also has an opportunity to add new roads to the VDOT system by

mapping new roads on an Official County Map and requiring construction of the new roads to

VDOT standards as development occurs. Standards for road construction are located in VDOT’s

Subdivision Street Requirements. If additional or increased development areas are

contemplated along Rt. 13, then the Future Land Use Map should indicate secondary road

access to developed areas, consolidation of entrance points, and/or new frontage roads.

7.5.11 Access Roads

VDOT Access Roads programs provide for the construction, improvement, or maintenance of roads serving new or expanding airports, economic development sites, and recreational sites (See http://www.virginiadot.org/business/local-assistance-access-programs.asp). In the past, Northampton County has utilized VDOT funding for construction of access roads to industrial facilities. This is a valuable tool that provides incentives for economic and industrial development. VDOT also has funds available for road access to recreational facilities.

7.5.12 Drainage

Due to the relatively flat topography and the high seasonal water table in Northampton County,

drainage is an important issue. The State Highway System provides the most comprehensive

and well-maintained drainage system in the County. However, VDOT is limited to constructing

and maintaining drainage ditches that are within the state right-of-way and ditches that are

within easements owned by the state.

The County relies on VDOT for the maintenance of ditches along state maintained roadways,

but is responsible for maintenance of all ditches along county roads and between properties

that drain state ditches. Often the process of securing property owner signatures to service

ditches that run through multiple properties proves challenging and delays maintenance (A-

NPDC Hazard Mitigation Plan 2016 Chapter 10 Page 8). The entire Hazard Mitigation Plan can

be found at: http://a-npdc.org/wordpress/hazardplan.pdf.

Local officials (A-NPDC Hazard Mitigation Plan 2016 Chapter 10 Page 17); (http://www.a-

npdc.org/accomack-northampton-planning-district-commission/coastal-resources/hazard-

mitigation-planning/) identified various areas in the unincorporated portions of the County that

have stormwater flooding problems. These areas include, but are not limited to:

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• Village of Hare Valley • Village of Weirwood • Village of Cheapside - Between Arlington and

Rt. 13, septic systems and private wells • Village of Townsend • Village of Johnsontown (ANPCD

Hazard Mitigation Plan 2016, Capter 10, Page 17)

7.5.13 Flooding of Roadways

A Report submitted to the Virginia General Assembly January 2013 titled “RECURRENT

FLOODING STUDY FOR TIDEWATER VIRGINIA” noted that 44 miles of roadways in Northampton

County are flood prone because of tidal surges, lack of storm water management or insufficient

drainage. The Report further notes that the County is ahead of many other flood prone areas

of Tidewater in identifying the problem areas and beginning to plan for ways to address the

problems. The Report states: “In more rural areas, the initial step might be to regulate new

development to keep it away from floodplains.”

The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission completed the Transportation

Infrastructure Inundation Vulnerability Assessment (TIIVA)

(http://coastalresilience.org/resources/) in January, 2015. The project identified areas most

vulnerable to inundation as result of coastal flooding and elevated sea-levels on the Eastern

Shore. Using Virginia’s accepted sea-level rise projections and NOAA’s sea level rise model, the

assessment provided critical long-term planning information including not only which roads are

vulnerable to inundation but which communities may have access limited or become

disconnected altogether by inundation of primary access routes.

The project was completed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation to

support and enhance the agency’s long-term transportation planning of transportation

infrastructure in the region. The project was completed with funding from NOAA and the

Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program. The map below is from the report and shows

lower Northampton County and the roads that will be impacted at various sea-level rise

scenarios.

Of the County’s 502 miles of roads, two miles (0.4%) is projected to be inundated with one foot

of sea-level rise (SLR) (estimated year 2025-2050), 16 miles (3.2%) with two feet (within 2045-

2090), and 26 (5.2%) with three feet (sometime after 2060) (Eastern Shore of Virginia

Transportation Infrastructure Inundation Vulnerability Assessment (TIIVA), 2014). Even small

amounts of SLR make rare floods more common by adding to tides and storm surge. With three

feet of SLR, there are many communities and economically critical facilities (including various

working waterfront areas) that would be disconnected, inaccessible, or have the majority of the

roads inundated. Without significant engineering solutions in the coming years, it should be

expected that the livelihood and safety of communities and the integrity of these roadways in

the County will largely decline.

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Founded in 2010, the Eastern Shore Climate Adaptation Working Group, coordinated by the

Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, is addressing this challenge through

education, outreach, and providing information to local communities to plan for sea-level rise,

recurrent flooding, and storm surge. These efforts achieved a major new milestone: The U.S.

Department of Interior awarded $1.96 million from the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Fund

to The Nature Conservancy and Climate Adaptation Working Group partners to equip coastal

communities with the tools and information urgently needed to reduce the risks posed by

climate-related hazards and enhance the area’s natural resilience. This will be accomplished

through two major initiatives:

1. The Coastal Resilience tool incorporates the best available science, data, and state-of-the-art

analytical tools for assessing risks of coastal hazards on people, the economy, and the

ecosystems of the Eastern Shore using local information. This tool enables identification of

nature-based solutions like oyster and wetland restoration to mitigate risk and enhances

resilience.

2. Demonstrate Nature-Based Solutions. The Nature Conservancy and partners are restoring a

total of five oyster reefs demonstrating and quantifying how natural infrastructure can dampen

wave energy and mitigate coastal erosion. Three of these reefs will be restored along eroded

roads at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and two will be built fronting marsh near the

Village of Oyster” (www.coastalresilience.org (ANPDC Brochure)).

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Source: A-NPDC Transportation Infrastructure Inundation Vulnerability Assessment

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7.6 Air Transportation

There is no scheduled or chartered air service available in Northampton County. The nearest

domestic and international air service is Norfolk International Airport located in Norfolk,

Virginia. There is domestic service available at Ocean City/Salisbury Airport in Wicomico

County, Maryland as well. Charter services are available at Accomack County Airport in Melfa.

Northampton County has nine airstrips and two private heliports offering safe landing and take-

off facilities for business, recreational, visitors, and emergencies. They are registered with the

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and are shown on the State and Federal flight charts

covering the area. Table 7.5 lists the airports and their location.

Table 7.5 Northampton County Airstrips/Heliports

NAME LOCATION

Campbell Field Rt 617, Weirwood

Eagle’s Nest Chesapeake

Page Scott Farm US Route 13, Dalby's

John Bull Farm Route 600, Townsend

Cherrystone Airstrip Cherrystone

Mears Field Eastville

Starbase Dalby’s

Machipongo Machipongo

Point Farm Heliport Cape Charles

Airduce Heliport Cheriton

7.7 Rail Transportation

Rail service in Northampton County began in 1884 with completion of the New York,

Philadelphia, and Norfolk Railroad (NYP&N) main line from Wilmington, DE to Cape Charles.

Major terminals were built at Cape Charles to transport passengers and freight to and from

Norfolk via steamboat. The rail line, under the management of Canonie Atlantic Company and

since January 2006, has been continuously upgrading its track and marine facilities (see Section

Campbell Field Airport, Weirwood

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7.10.1) to provide its shippers with efficient and economical service. Due to these efforts, more

customers are now using the rail service. The railroad has seen an increase of 20% carloads in

Fiscal Year 2013.

Currently, the Cape Charles Division (Cape Charles to Pocomoke City, Md.) has 13 on-line

customers and ships freight products such as grain, LP gas, chemicals, cement, stone and

fertilizers. Little Creek Division (Va. Beach and Norfolk) have 5 on-line customers and ships

paper, plastic pellets, grit, scrap steel and stone. The railroad reports that it handles between

1,500 - 2,000 carloads per year which is equivalent to 6-8,000 trucks per year that are kept off

the highway system.

7.8 Motor Freight Service & Parcel Service

Motor freight service is provided by numerous interstate carriers. Several local growers and seafood producers ship their own products and carry products for other farmers on a limited basis. Parcel delivery service is provided by United States Postal Service, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service.

7.9 Public Transit

Public transit in Northampton County is provided by STAR Transit, Greyhound, and private taxi

companies. Greyhound offers interstate bus service which stops in Exmore. Several human

services agencies also provide transportation services for their clients. The primary agencies

offering transportation services are the Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging/Community Action

Agency, which transport clients to the senior centers, and the Eastern Shore Community

Services Board, which transport clients to therapy sessions and medication management

appointments.

STAR Transit

STAR Transit is operated under the authority of the Accomack-Northampton Transportation

District Commission. STAR Transit is supported by Federal grants through the Virginia

Department of Rail and Public Transportation, as well as passenger fares, local government

contributions, and private donations. STAR Transit operates four routes on the Eastern Shore of

Virginia. In 2003 STAR Transit carried 43,269 riders. This number increased by 49% in 2011 to

64,810 riders and in 2012 it increased an additional 15% to 74,452 riders. Ridership increased

even more with 85,099 riders in 2015 and 89,168 riders in 2016.

Drivers operate color-coded routes in Northampton County with morning, mid-day, and late

afternoon departure times:

Red Northbound: Cape Charles to Onley (Wal-Mart)

Gold Loop Southbound: Chincoteague to Onley (Wal-Mart)

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Purple Southbound: Onancock to Cape Charles

Blue Loop Northbound: Wal-Mart (Onley) to Bloxom Corner Mart to Parksley

Yellow Route Lower Northampton County

While STAR Transit provides basic public transit, it does not offer a demand-response service in

Northampton County, as it does in Accomack County. STAR Transit is considering a demand-

response service from Nassawadox to Painter when feasible.

7.10 Marine Transportation & Harbors

Northampton County’s primary marine transportation uses are barge transport, seafood harvesting, and recreational boating. These transportation activities are centered at the harbors of Cape Charles, Oyster, Willis Wharf, and at several marinas and boat ramps. Figure 7.2 shows public boat ramps and water access trails in Northampton County. The bi-county Regional Navigable Waterways Committee works with the USCG, USACE, VMRC, & A-NPDC towards ensuring the safety and navigability of our waterways. In 2016, the Regional Dredging Needs Assessment was completed by A-NPDC. The report can be found here: http://www.a-npdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/RDNA_2016.pdf

BAYSIDE

7.10.1 John Smith Water Trail

In December of 2006, Congress designated the

historic routes of John Smith’s explorations as the

first historic national water trail. The trail includes parts of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia,

Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia and is approximately 3,000 miles long. A

portion of the trail runs along the part of the Seaside in Magothy Bay and then along the entire

Bayside of Northampton County. The paddling routes, the John Smith Water Trail and the

Seaside Water trail are shown on Figure 7.5.

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Figure 7.5 Water Access

Source: Northampton County GIS

7.10.2 Cape Charles Harbor

Cape Charles Harbor is the primary marine transportation facility in Northampton County. The harbor is accessed by the Cape Charles Harbor Federal Project Channel. As the Southern

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terminus of the Bay Coast Railroad, the railroad cars were historically transported via car float to Little Creek for delivery to the Norfolk Southern Railway. The Town of Cape Charles operates a Color-coded routes modern marina with 96 full time and transient slips in Cape Charles Harbor, and installed new bulk-heading, restrooms, and a bath house. The inner harbor can accommodate a vessel up to 180 feet in length with a draft larger than 7 feet or a vessel up to 400 feet if the draft is less than 7 feet. The channel depth is expected to be maintained at 18 feet. In addition, there is approximately 1,000 feet of seawall tie-up. Services include gasoline and diesel fuel, water, ice, and electricity. A seasonal waterfront restaurant opened in 2012. Two double boat ramps owned by the Town have been renovated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The harbor is also a commercial fishing port and home to a U.S. Coast Guard Station. A portion of the harbor is maintained as an emergency ferry landing, which can be used to transport vehicles if the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is damaged and has to be closed for repairs. The channel into the harbor and the docking area on the South side were dredged to 18 feet in 2016. The area at the floating docks was dredged to 14 feet at the same time. Three new break waters have been installed at the entrance of the harbor with help from funding coming from the Virginia Port Authority. There are plans for a fourth breakwater and increasing the height of the jetty on the northern border of the harbor. There are also plans to install a wave attenuator west of the dock area. A full service yacht center has a 75 metric ton boat lift capable of lifting boats with beams up to 25.5 feet. It is a full service marina offering storage, fuel and repairs.

Cape Charles Town Harbor

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7.10.3 King’s Creek A separate marina is accessible from the Chesapeake Bay via Cherrystone Inlet. The marina has

recently been rebuilt and expanded into a luxury marina with 224 slips, commercial space,

rental properties, event space, and a restaurant.

7.10.4 Kiptopeke State Park Boat Ramp

Kiptopeke State Park on the Chesapeake Bay has a fishing pier and a boat ramp with 4-5 foot

depth at mean low water and parking for 70 boat trailers. There are restrooms and showers

available as well.

7.10.5 Nassawadox Creek

Nassawadox Creek serves commercial fishing and recreational vessels with a boat ramp at

Bayford. The creek is no longer maintained by navigation by the Army Corps of Engineers

because of silting. The Coast Guard no longer maintains buoys or channel markers for this

creek.

7.10.6 Occohannock Creek

Occohannock Creek is accessed via the Occohannock Creek Federal Project Channel. The

channel and creek serve commercial fishing and recreational vessels. Northampton County

owns and maintains the Morley’s Wharf Boat Ramp and Fishing Pier on Occohannock Creek.

SEASIDE

7.10.7 Oyster Harbor

Oyster Harbor is located east of Cheriton in the unincorporated village of Oyster. The harbor is

approximately eight acres in size, is 1,100 feet long, and has a 5-foot deep turning basin. Oyster

Harbor is part of the Oyster Federal Project Channel. Access from the Atlantic Ocean is via the

7-mile Sand Shoal Channel, which has a minimum depth of 24 feet and a width varying from

200 to 1,500 feet. Dredging frequency is approximately five years. Small commercial fishing,

research and recreational vessels use this harbor extensively. Northampton County owns and

maintains the boat ramp at Oyster.

7.10.8 Red Bank Boat Ramp

Owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Red Bank

offers two boat ramps located between “L” shaped end docks with a straight dock center and

parking lot. Updates to the landing were made in 2017.

7.10.9 Willis Wharf Harbor

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Willis Wharf Harbor is located east of Exmore in the unincorporated village of Willis Wharf.

Access to Willis Wharf Harbor is from the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Machipongo Federal

Project Channel. Willis Wharf Harbor is six feet deep at mean low water and has 51 boat slips,

fishing charters, a kayak launch, parking lot, a public boat ramp, and a restaurant within walking

distance. Northampton County built the harbor in 1985 and continues to own and maintain it.

Willis Wharf is the home of several clam aquaculture and shellfish harvesting businesses.

7.10.10 Waterway Coast of Virginia

The Waterway Coast of Virginia (WCV) runs 95 miles from Chincoteague Island south through

the Eastern Shore seaside to the Chesapeake Bay. Also referred to as the Virginia Inside

Passage, the WCV is a marked channel that winds its way through the bays and marshes of the

seaside. In Northampton County, the WCV begins near Hog Island and ends at Fisherman

Island. The Coast Guard no longer maintains most of the WCV.

7.10.11 Wise Point Boat Ramp, Waterway Coast of Virginia

Located on the Virginia Inside Passage, the Wise

Point boat Ramp provides access to the Atlantic

Ocean and Chesapeake Bay for fishing, hunting,

wildlife observation and photography. Ramp

amenities include 21 parking spaces, twin 16-foot

wide boat ramps, floating courtesy pier, and

restrooms. A separate kayak launch has additional

parking (boaters consult nautical charts for

navigation).

7.10.12 Seaside Water Trail

The Virginia Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program, established in 1986 through Executive

Order, is a network of Virginia state agencies and local governments, that administers

enforceable laws, regulations and policies that protect our coastal resources and fosters

sustainable development.

In 2006 the Coastal Zone Management’s Seaside Heritage Program created the Seaside Water

Trail, an internet guide to 38 paddling routes on the seaside from the Eastern Shore National

Wildlife Refuge to Chincoteague. See Figure 7.5 above.

(http://deq.state.va.us/Programs/CoastalZoneManagement/CZMIssuesInitiatives/SeasideWate

rTrail.aspx)

Wise Point Boat Ramp

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7.11 Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities

7.11.1 Bicycle-Golf Cart Facilities

There is a shared-use path from the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge(ESVNWR) north to Cedar Grove Road along the railroad right-of-way contiguous to U.S. Route 13. ESVNWR plans to continue this path north from Cedar Grove Road to Capeville Road on the railroad right-of-way along U.S. Route 13.

There are a number of bicycle events, including the annual Between the Waters Bike Tour every October, which take advantage of the Shore’s flat topography and rural scenery. In the Town of Cape Charles bicycles and golf carts are a popular means of transport—rentals are available. The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (A-NPDC), in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), has created a Bicycle Plan to identify current facilities and specify where additional bicycle facilities are needed. The Eastern Shore is eager to provide more viable bicycling options for its citizens and the tourists that it seeks to attract to the area. The updated 2014 Bike Plan is intended to provide a framework for A-NPDC and VDOT to set goals and targets, inventory existing facilities, determine priorities, and improve conditions that support multi-modal transportation options and address the needs of Eastern Shore bicyclists (http://www.a-npdc.org/accomack-northampton-planning-district-

commission/transportation-planning/plans-projects/)

Needs/Next Steps

To implement the updated Bicycle Plan, the following steps are recommended:

Adoption of the 2014 Bicycle Plan by both counties and incorporated towns;

Formation of a new Bicycle Committee consisting of stakeholders (ESVBA Bicycle Committee, Tourism Commission, Health Department, County Sheriffs, Town Police, Healthy Communities, Bay Coast Railroad, The Nature Conservancy, Road Scholars, bike event planners, A-NPDC, others) who collaborate to implement specific recommendations;

Include bicycle facilities in Highway Corridor Overlay District Designations;

Research possible funding opportunities to develop bicycle facilities;

Explore “trail with rail” feasibility with Bay Coast Railroad;

Coordinate with VDOT to narrow roads, re-stripe or add new striping for bike lanes;

Research how to estimate projects costs; Develop a website for bicycling on the ESVA.

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Source: http://www.a-npdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Bike-Plan-FINAL-DRAFT_4-September-

2014_MinimumSize.pdf

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Source: http://www.a-npdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Bike-Plan-FINAL-DRAFT_4-September-

2014_MinimumSize.pdf

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7.11.2 Walking Trails

Trails along the bayside are located at Kiptopeke State Park, Indiantown Park, and Savage Neck Dunes—on the seaside at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, and Brownsville.

7.11.3 Pedestrian Facilities

Sidewalks and multiple use paths help tie communities together and provide safe pedestrian

travel. Northampton County does not have land use authority over incorporated towns. The

County has few, if any pedestrian walkways, sidewalks or footpaths outside of the incorporated

towns.

7.12 Scenic Byways

Virginia’s Scenic Byways program provides local governments with the opportunity to nominate

roads for Scenic Byway designation. As specified in the Code of Virginia, Section 33.1-62

through 33.1-66, “Virginia Byway” means those highways designated by the Commonwealth

Transportation Board. A Virginia Byway designation recognizes a road corridor with aesthetic

or cultural value near areas of historic, natural, or recreational significance. All Virginia Byways

are included on the Virginia Scenic Roads Map which encourages travel to interesting

destinations away from high-traffic corridors and stimulates local economies by attracting

visitors to lesser-known destinations (http://www.virginiadot.org/programs/prog-byways-map-

printable.asp). A Virginia Byway designation does not limit road improvements or adjacent land

use, but a byway designation may be used by local governments to limit outdoor advertising

signs.

Northampton County currently has a Scenic Byway designation on Route 600 from the Accomack County line to U.S. Route 13 near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Other roads in Northampton County may qualify for Scenic Road designation.

7.13 Rest Areas

There are no VDOT maintained rest areas in Northampton County, but the Chesapeake Bay

Bridge Tunnel maintains a rest area on the northbound side of U.S. Route 13 across from the

Eastern Shore toll plaza. Northampton County and the CBBT Commission worked with the

Eastern Shore Tourism Commission to build a Visitor/Welcome Center within the rest area in

2009. It is staffed by volunteers daily during the tourist season. In 2012, 110,107 visitors came

into the Welcome Center and in 2013 there were 106,237 visitors. The Exmore Rotary Club

maintains a roadside picnic area on the west side of Route 13, just south of Exmore.

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7.14 Adopt-A-Highway

Out of the 287 miles of state maintained roads in Northampton County 111 miles (37%), are in

the VDOT Adopt-A-Highway program. Volunteers apply to VDOT for Adopt-A-Highway

designations, which are authorized by VDOT permit. Northampton County also works with

local volunteers to conduct regular litter clean-ups throughout the County.

7.15 Historical Markers

In 1926 the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that resulted in the identification and

marking of historic sites throughout the Commonwealth. VDOT is now responsible for installing

and maintaining the historical markers. New historical markers are approved by the Virginia

Historic Landmarks Commission. Funding from local

governments and private organizations is used to pay for new

historical markers as well as replacement markers. There are

15 Virginia State Historical Markers for Northampton County.

Table 7.6 identifies each marker, its identification code, and its

location.

Table 7.6 Virginia Historical Markers

Marker

No.

Marker Name Marker Location

WY-10 Old Courthouse Route 13, at Eastville

WY-11 Three Northampton Landmarks Route 13, 2.8 miles south of Nassawadox

WY-11-a Peter Jacob Carter Bethel Baptist Church, 7638 Bayside Road, Route 618

WY-2 Site of Tidewater Institute Route 636, 0.75 miles east of Route 13

WY-3 Salem Methodist Church Route 13, at Route 636, just south of Eastville

WY-4 Cape Charles Cape Charles Historical Museum

WY-5 Custis Tomb at Arlington Route 13, south of Cape Charles

Historic Marker

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WY-6 Stratton Manor Route 13, 3 miles north of Cape Charles

WY-7 Towne Fields Route 13, at Business Route 13 junction, at Cheriton

WY-17 Accomack Indian Settlement On Business Route 13 in Eastville, junction of Courthouse and

Willow Oak

WY-72 Northampton High School North side of Young Drive proximate to former high school

building located at 7247 Young Street, Machipongo, VA

WY-73 Cape Charles Colored School

“Rosenwald School”

Intersection of Bayshore Road and Old Cape Charles Road

(County Road 641), Cape Charles

WY-8 Home of the First Settler Route 13, south of Eastville

WY-9 Gingaskin Indian Reservation Route 13, 1 mile south of Eastville

Z1 Northampton County County line

Source: DCR - Department of Historic Resources

For more information see www.markerhistory.com

Summary:

The issue of access onto roads becomes more critical with increased traffic, as does the need for traffic control devices such as traffic signals. The addition of paved shoulders and center turn lanes could help maintain traffic capacity under high traffic conditions. Access management requirements on main roads would also help maintain safety and road capacity. If Northampton County’s population migrates, it will need to monitor the impact of future development and population growth on the road system and plan for needed improvements.

The reported seasonal fluctuations of average daily traffic counts on the CBBT affect the volume of Route 13 traffic.

VDOT will require that Comprehensive Plans conform to VTrans-the 2035 Virginia

Surface Transportation Plan, and that the Comprehensive Plans be internally consistent

with regard to transportation and land use planning.

Traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries in the County were down markedly for measured

periods between 2002 and 2011. On Route 13 the crash rates are only slightly higher

than for similar type roads in the Commonwealth, but fatalities from those crashes were

higher than the state rate.

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VDOT considers more than 10 access driveways per mile on 55 mph highways like Route

13 to be a safety problem. Sections of Route 13 have more than 10 driveways per mile.

VDOT recommends building or requiring local access to consolidate driveways.

Average daily traffic volume on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel increased

approximately 12.5% over a seven year period from 2010-2017.

Both the County’s 2016 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update and a 2013 study presented to

the General Assembly, “Recurrent Flooding Study for Tidewater Virginia” warned of the

possibility of increased roadway flooding and insufficient drainage, and recommended a

drainage survey and the regulation of development in flood prone areas.

The John Smith Water Trail on the bayside, the Seaside Water Trail, and the added

capacity of the two marinas in Cape Charles are valuable additions to marine-oriented

recreational tourism.

Bicycling, both town and County, add to recreation and tourism.

Care must be taken to assure continued waterfront access for commercial watermen.