Stop & Shop returns to MVC with smaller building size

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Intended to reduce the visual impact of the Vineyard Haven based Stop & Shop, architect Chuck Sullivan has reduced the second floor sales area by 250 square feet, as well as moved the facade 15 feet back on the Water Street side. — Illustration courtesy of MVC

Stop & Shop representatives have made slight changes to the design of their proposed new, enlarged Vineyard Haven store in preparation for their fourth appearance before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) Thursday night, November 7.

Major sticking points at past hearings have included the size, architectural features, and visual impact of the building, all of which have been addressed by the market owner in the new proposal, resulting in a 250-square-foot reduction of the second floor sales area, as well as a 15-foot shift of the facade back from the edge of Water Street. Both changes are intended to reduce the visual impact of the building along Water Street.

Supermarket officials want to consolidate three abutting properties and remove the existing buildings to make room for a new two-story, 30,500-square-foot market, nearly doubling the size of the current store. The building would also include a 41-space parking lot in an enclosed 16,500-square-foot garage on the ground level and a loading area at the rear, fronting on the town parking lot.

Stop & Shop will also answer questions posed by commission members, following the hearing’s October 3 session, including the proposed use of the store, defined as a “grocery store comparable to the Edgartown shop and Cronig’s Market,” as well as questions about affordable housing for employees and the economic impact the store will have on the surrounding area.

According to latest figures, Stop & Shop employs a total of 57 “off-season” workers, including 10 full-time employees, 47 part-time employees, and 96 “in-season” employees, including 11 full-time and 85 part-time. Stop & Shop provides housing for both full-time and part-time employees that are coming from stores off-Island, as part of its relocation incentive plan.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 7 pm at the Tisbury Senior Center.