Residents urge town action on litter, tourism losses and suggest rezoning for battery storage

Several residents told the Wachapreague Town Council on Feb. 12, 2025 that litter and business changes are affecting the town’s tourism trade and waterfront appearance.

Resident Lynda Clary urged the council to address the closure of the Island House restaurant, calling it a destination that brought visitors, and asked the town to consider providing cleanup bags and sponsoring a cleanup competition to reduce trash along the waterfront. Resident Deborah McCormick also cited debris near Lilliston Seafood, deteriorating houses and trailers, and an increase in boats parked in streets.

Resident Steve Joseph proposed rezoning a portion of the spoils site to commercial use and said he had identified a potential model in which the town could lease land for a solar-powered battery station, suggesting a lease rate of $10,000 per month; Joseph described the system as buying power at night, storing it and selling during peak hours. The council took the suggestion under consideration and did not take formal action on rezoning that evening.

Other residents reported community events and arts projects: Judy Bilicki said the Holiday stroll drew about 150 people and strong retail activity; Liz Joseph described a nearly sold-out Galentines event at the General Store; Beth Mendez outlined murals planned for the new Carnival Building and a refurbished Ferris wheel seat for photos.

The council did not vote on policy changes in response to the public comments at this meeting; residents’ proposals were recorded for future consideration.