County Supervisors Review Seabreeze Restaurant Lease and Flood Damage Issues

In the heart of Mathews County, Virginia, the Board of Supervisors convened on July 17, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding local businesses and community infrastructure. Among the key topics was the fate of the Seabreeze restaurant, a structure that has faced significant challenges due to flooding and deteriorating conditions.

The discussion revealed that the Seabreeze was built on a concrete pad at ground level, making it vulnerable to flooding. As a result, the lease for the property mandated that the building be demolished and replaced with a new structure elevated above the floodplain. This change not only aims to protect the new building from future flood damage but also to reduce flood insurance costs for the county.

Since 2001, the leases for the property have remained largely unchanged, with the primary variations being the tenant's name and the monthly rent, which adjusts every five years. A consistent element across these agreements has been the tenant's obligation to contribute to the operation of the septic system, capped at $3,000 per year. This has led to accusations that the county has been subsidizing a private business, a claim that the supervisors addressed by emphasizing the longstanding nature of this lease provision.

The financial implications of the leases were also scrutinized. Over a span of 15 years, the total rent collected from the previous tenants amounted to $80,025. In contrast, the new lease with the Hole in the Wall restaurant requires a monthly payment of $675, alongside a substantial investment of $138,000 towards the construction of the new building. This investment represents a significant increase compared to the total rent received in the previous decade and a half.

As the meeting progressed, the supervisors reviewed photographs documenting the Seabreeze's condition, showcasing the extensive damage caused by flooding, including mold and mildew. These visuals underscored the necessity for a new structure, as the previous building had become uninhabitable.

The Hole in the Wall restaurant, which has taken over the lease, has committed to rebuilding the establishment, salvaging materials from the old structure to create a new dining venue. This initiative not only revitalizes the area but also ensures that the county retains ownership of the new building, regardless of the lease's future.

As the meeting concluded, the supervisors reflected on the complexities of managing public resources and supporting local businesses. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between fostering economic growth and ensuring the community's long-term resilience against environmental challenges. The decisions made in this meeting will undoubtedly shape the future of Mathews County's waterfront and its vibrant local dining scene.