To the Editor:
I’ve been trying to write this letter for the past week. In between getting my business ready for the spring, finishing work for my soon-to-be-arriving clients, and attending the meetings for various committees in Vineyard Haven, it’s a difficult time of year to find a few extra minutes.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked by a reporter at the Martha’s Vineyard Gazette what my thoughts were about the vote for liquor in Vineyard Haven. As a proponent of the vote, I took his question as an opportunity to express what many people in town are feeling: Downtown Vineyard Haven needs help.
In response to my comment, a letter was written and directed at me from Dave Ferraguzzi, basically saying that I was unaware of Tisbury’s efforts to “rebuild … the commercial part of Main Street.” Mr. Ferraguzzi’s letter of May 11 was titled, “Stop complaining, start doing.” Well, I just wanted to let him know that I do put words into action.
I have been part of the Main Street business community for almost 14 years, and in that time I have seen a lot of change. From a bustling nighttime full of visitors strolling through gift shops, and clothing stores, eating ice cream, to what it has become now: a quick stop before heading elsewhere. Don’t get me wrong, those of us in town love our little community, which is part of why we’re working so hard to make it the best it can be for the people who visit and those who live here. Almost two years ago, I and several other Main Street business owners and managers got together to start working on a plan to bring some life back to downtown V.H. We attend meetings, plan events, and work with other committees in town and on the Island to bring some life back. It’s not perfect yet, but we’ve made strides.
I’m not going to go line by line through Mr. Ferraguzzi’s list of what the town has done “to help our business community,” but I will say that I’m quite sure what he perceives to be help really had little effect on what downtown needs to thrive again. Martha’s Vineyard is called an idyllic vacation spot for a reason, and it certainly isn’t its sewer system.
Scott Mullin
Vineyard Haven