Time to move forward with Stop & Shop

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To the Editor:

While some have been quick to criticize the proposed Stop & Shop in Vineyard Haven and the process, I would like to offer praise to the town of Tisbury, the MVC, and Stop & Shop for working together to make sure the project is a good one, and that all issues are addressed.

Stop & Shop has proposed an architecturally pleasing building that is only 6,000 square feet larger than the existing store and fits into the character of the neighborhood much better than the existing store. They have also agreed to provide mitigation efforts that benefit the community beyond the scope of this project.

For example, Stop & Shop will pay a quarter of a million dollars to help fix the existing traffic problems at Five Corners. Everyone who drives through that area knows that improvements  have been needed for a long time. In addition, Stop & Shop will pay $165,000 for the renovation and upgrade of improvements  to the municipal lot that abuts the store and will assume responsibility for maintenance of the lot.

None of these improvements would be possible without the contributions of Stop & Shop. We can’t wait any longer. It is time to move forward with this project.

Thank you.

Charles Philbrick

Oak Bluffs