Mathews County’s historic courthouse was packed on Tuesday night with Gwynn’s Island residents protesting a rezoning request by Kevin and Susan Wade, the owners of J&W Seafood in Deltaville, and Island Seafood at Gwynn.

The Mathews County Planning Commission ultimately tabled action on the request and has up to 70 days to make a recommendation to the board of supervisors on the proposal.

The Wades are seeking to rezone an inland parcel they own from off-water residential to waterfront business. Although not on the water, the parcel is adjacent to the property where the Wades operate their waterfront seafood business at the end of Risby Town Road.

Kevin Wade explained during a joint public hearing before the commission and the Mathews County Board of Supervisors that rezoning the parcel would allow him to store large equipment such as a forklift, lawnmowers and aquaculture gear, as well as to work on his gear. He said this would keep the equipment out of sight of the ...