Harrison v Boone

to the second-story bar, that organization stated, “We maintain our previous comments that the siting of non-water dependent structures over subaqueous bottom is undesirable from a marine environmental perspective.” (Record 5-N-2).

At the outset of the January 24, 2006 hearing, Harrison requested a continuance so that she might hire counsel to represent her and other objectors to Boone’s after-the-fact permit application. VMRC considered and denied that request, noting that Harrison already had enjoyed adequate time to hire counsel. (Record 4-5 through 4-7). Ms. West then presented an overview of the entire Ocean View Fishing Pier project and discussed the Habitat Management Division’s investigation and its above-noted recommendations.

(Record 4-7 through 4-11). In response to an associate commissioner’s question, Ms. West noted that the former Harrison’s Fishing Pier constituted a one-story structure.

(Record 4-11).

VMRC then heard from Boone’s counsel and received witness testimony on his behalf. (Record 4-11 through 4-21). Counsel made the following proffer ostensibly on behalf of Paul D. Fraim, Norfolk’s mayor: Mayor Paul Fraim was here earlier and unfortunately when we took a break he had another commitment he had to be there for. I have his permission to make a representation of what his remarks would be if that is okay with the commission to do that.

Mayor Fraim indicated that he wished to tell this commission that the City Council held extensive public hearings before enacting the ordinances that authorized the conditional use permits that would allow them to have these facilities, on the pier-the restaurant, etc.; that they also consider this an important part of the revitalization of the Willoughby section of Ocean View and the City of Norfolk; that at no time during their consideration did they believe that this structure that is in question that’s on top was anything other than an entertainment structure that’s what they’ve always known it would be and always believed it would be a catering and entertainment facility. They, the City Council, unanimously approved the project by passing the ordinances allowing the conditional use permits and the Mayor believes that this facility would greatly enhance the ability of the citizens of Norfolk and the rest of the state to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay by being able to have a place where they can sit on this pier, where they can - it’s open to the public – anybody that wants to come in – it’s a restaurant, it’s licensed by the ABC Board, it’s also available for renting out for private functions to anybody that wants to do that, for weddings, etc.

(Record 4-12).

Boone then called three witnesses and, following their testimony, himself testified.

First, Anthony J. DeFillipo, president of the Norfolk Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, in general, spoke quite favorably about the Ocean View Fishing Pier project. When asked specifically about the second-story bar structure, DeFillipo gave a largely unresponsive answer. (Record 4-14 and 4-15). However, his comments clearly favored utilizing the