Edgartown wants public access on Harborside property

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Edgartown selectmen authorized a letter to be sent to Harborside Inn concerning a public access issue. — Brian Dowd

Edgartown selectmen authorized a letter Monday from the marine advisory committee to be sent to Harborside Inn owner Arthur “Bill” Young concerning public access to a waterfront walkway.

The issue stems from an over-two-decades-long litigation between the Harborside Inn and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The Harborside Inn does not believe it needs to allow for public access on a path abutting its property. In the letter, marine advisory committee chairman Scott Morgan says the commonwealth and the Harborside Inn are now looking for a settlement. The committee was asked for its input.

“The marine advisory committee (historically supported by the Edgartown conservation commission, Edgartown planning board, Martha’s Vineyard Commission) cannot more strongly insist that they support continuous waterfront access … (from the Derby weigh-in station, the old Vietor property),” the letter signed by Morgan states. “The town has not changed its opinion since at least 1985, having consistently requested this of the Harborside Inn.”

Portions of the Harborside Inn are built on filled tidelands, according to Jane Varkonda, the Edgartown conservation agent, which under Chapter 91 access terms and conditions laws allow for public access.

“DEP is saying that the Harborside needs a new license because there was a change of use, and that change of use triggers them having to give the town public access in accordance with the harbor plan,” Varkonda said.

Selectmen voted 2-0 to send the letter. Selectman Mike Donaroma was absent.

1 COMMENT

  1. “Selectman Mike Donaroma was absent.” I seem to read that with frequency. Does attendance count for anything?

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