Land Bank buys 25 acres on Chappy

The public land agency’s newest purchase is part of a necklace of properties strung across the island.

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The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Wednesday has announced that it has signed a contract to purchase 25 acres off Dike Bridge Road in Edgartown on Chappaquiddick. The price is $5,175,000 and the sellers are Ann Floyd and family.

The land, a mosaic of fields and woodlands surrounding Pease Pond, enjoys high and long views of Cape Poge Pond, Land Bank executive director James Lengyel said in a press release. It comprises a significant portion of the wedge of land known as Tom’s Neck Farm.

“Indispensable to the project is the collaboration of the Chappaquiddick Open Space Committee, which will be assisting the Land Bank with financing and planning,” the Land Bank said in a press release.  “Private funds have already been pledged in the amount of $2,175,000 and the balance will be financed. The committee will also arrange for the donation of trail easements to the Land Bank which will link the property to public roads and the Land Bank’s Three Ponds Reservation.”

Preliminary management goals call for the siting of a trail system, to integrate into the wider Island-wide trail network, plus farmland leasing and hunting. A stretch of off-premises beach along Cape Poge Pond will also be available to visitors, in the off-season.

“The Land Bank is tickled to be able to conserve such beautiful property, but is especially tickled that it is involving such a big collaborative effort involving so many people including the Chappaquiddick Open Space Committee and The Trustees of Reservations,” Mr. Lengyel told The Times Wednesday morning.

Members of the public with any questions about this acquisition are encouraged to attend one of the Land Bank commission’s regular Monday evening meetings or one of the meetings of the Edgartown town advisory board.