Gloucester supervisors tabled action on a proposed ordinance that would have limited the county’s Aberdeen Wharf to commercial use only, prohibiting recreational use of the pier, following a hearing Tuesday night in the colonial courthouse.
“There’s a feeling of maybe we don’t have enough area for recreational fishing,” said county administrator Carol Steele. “I would not disagree with that at all, but there’s also a feeling that we don’t have enough area for the waterman. What they used to have is not available as much either.
“It’s up to the board, but I would suggest that if you want to keep it open and come back with some additional ordinance suggestions that would be safety minded,” she continued.
“I am surprised at how many people drive up and either sit there and look at the water or spend some time. It’s very soothing and it’s interesting. They like to go out and look and maybe walk out on the pier. I would hate for us to restrict that,” said supervisor Dr. Robert “JJ” Orth. “I would hope that we could come up with a language that emphases our interest in supporting watermen, but also the recreational aspects.” There was no public comment made on the Aberdeen Creek proposal.
Fire station
In other news, chairman Chris Hutson provided a statement about a recent meeting held between supervisors, county staff and Gloucester Fire and Rescue.
“The board of supervisors and county staff met with the leadership of Gloucester Fire and Rescue to discuss funding for a new fire station,” he said. “The fire department understands that the board is supportive of the new facility and as a result of our meeting, the county will be conducting a request for proposals to look at county wide fire rescue needs to better understand not only current but future needs as the county is growing,” said Hutson. “This work will include reviews of location, potential for expansion, a current facility and other capital needs. Representatives of both Gloucester Fire and Rescue and Abingdon Fire and Rescue will serve on a selection committee and will be actively involved in the process.”
Other hearings
In addition to the Aberdeen Creek proposal, the board held several other public hearings. One was on an ordinance amending and updating chapter 20 of the Gloucester County Code, Wetlands Zoning Ordinance. Because there were recent changes to state law and minor errors that needed to be corrected, amendments were proposed. There was no public comment and the changes were adopted.
The board also had a public hearing for the use and development of coastal primary sand dunes. There were recent changes to state law and minor errors that needed to be corrected. No one spoke and the updates were approved unanimously.
The final public hearing of the night was to obtain citizen input on the proposed FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan. No one spoke during that citizen comment period. Administrator Steele had presented the recommended five-year Capital Improvement Plan for FY25-FY29 during the board’s Jan. 16 meeting.
The board of supervisors will hold a retreat on Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Building One Press Room.