2007 Cape Charles Comprehensive Plan Draft Existing Conditions Last Revised: May 25, 2007 Table of Contents Table of Contents................................................................................................................ 1 Tables.................................................................................................................................. 5 Figures................................................................................................................................. 7 Maps.................................................................................................................................... 8 Community Profile.............................................................................................................. 9 History............................................................................................................................. 9 Current Conditions........................................................................................................ 12 Population Characteristics ................................................................................................ 15 Population ..................................................................................................................... 15 Age Distribution............................................................................................................ 18 Families......................................................................................................................... 19 Racial Composition....................................................................................................... 20 Educational Attainment ................................................................................................ 20 Conclusions................................................................................................................... 22 Housing............................................................................................................................. 23 Housing Distribution..................................................................................................... 23 Occupancy Characteristics............................................................................................ 25 Housing Construction Trends ....................................................................................... 28 Housing Conditions ...................................................................................................... 31 Housing Affordability................................................................................................... 33 Conclusions................................................................................................................... 35 Economy ........................................................................................................................... 37 Labor Force................................................................................................................... 37 Income........................................................................................................................... 38 Poverty Status ............................................................................................................... 40 Commuting Patterns...................................................................................................... 41 Occupational Characteristics ........................................................................................ 42 Major Employers .......................................................................................................... 44 1 Commercial and Industrial Activity.............................................................................. 46 Future Economic Development .................................................................................... 49 Conclusions................................................................................................................... 50 Natural Conditions............................................................................................................ 53 Climate.......................................................................................................................... 53 Topography................................................................................................................... 53 Soils............................................................................................................................... 55 Surface Water................................................................................................................ 57 Ground Water................................................................................................................ 61 Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater..................................................................................... 64 Wetlands ....................................................................................................................... 64 Habitat........................................................................................................................... 65 Waterfront Access......................................................................................................... 67 Shoreline Erosion.......................................................................................................... 68 Conclusions................................................................................................................... 71 Community Facilities and Services .................................................................................. 72 Town Government ........................................................................................................ 72 Public Safety ................................................................................................................. 72 Harbor ........................................................................................................................... 74 Public Beach ................................................................................................................. 76 Town Pier...................................................................................................................... 77 Library........................................................................................................................... 78 Parks and Recreational Resources ................................................................................ 79 Arts and Cultural Facilities ........................................................................................... 81 Healthcare Services....................................................................................................... 81 Schools.......................................................................................................................... 82 Public Works................................................................................................................. 82 Solid Waste................................................................................................................... 82 Public Land and Buildings............................................................................................ 83 Bay Creek Facilities and Services................................................................................. 85 Conclusions................................................................................................................... 85 2 Public Utilities .................................................................................................................. 86 Water Supply ................................................................................................................ 86 Wastewater Treatment .................................................................................................. 92 Stormwater Sewer System ............................................................................................ 93 Conclusions................................................................................................................... 94 Transportation................................................................................................................... 95 Street System ................................................................................................................ 95 Daily Traffic Volume.................................................................................................... 98 VDOT Street Plans ..................................................................................................... 102 Alleys .......................................................................................................................... 104 Parking ........................................................................................................................ 104 Sidewalks and Multiple Use Paths.............................................................................. 105 Resident Transportation Patterns ................................................................................ 106 Water Transportation .................................................................................................. 108 Rail Transportation ..................................................................................................... 110 Keller Co Transportation Study.................................................................................