The redevelopment of the historic EduComp building in downtown Vineyard Haven is back before Island regulators, two years after it was originally rejected.
Real estate developer Xerxes Agassi is proposing to convert 4 State Road, where the now-closed EduComp building stands, into 14 units of housing split between one- and three-bedroom units. Agassi is also proposing three office space units on the first floor.
The developer was before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission on Thursday, March 21, for a public hearing, where commissioners decided to continue the hearing for another two weeks.
EduComp, a classic Island art and office supply store, had been open for four decades before closing in 2020.
The plan is to gut and renovate the existing 7,920-square-foot building before adding a 13,062 square-foot addition, which adds up to a 20,982 square-foot structure. The roof area would serve as a garden terrace, with the possibility of a small pool and spa.
Agassi said the project was estimated to take roughly two years to complete. He expects to begin construction in the summer.
Two years ago, an earlier version of the project was rejected by the MVC in a split decision over the proposed building size and housing types.
This time around, Agassi has returned with an endorsement from the Tisbury select board. Compared with two years ago, the amended proposal included the addition of an affordable housing unit restricted to up to 150 percent of the area median income; there were some minor adjustments in the plan as well, like the size of the bedrooms.
The development has been delayed because Tisbury was considering using the building as its town hall, an idea that was scrapped as town officials looked toward using the 55 West William St. property instead.
Elaine Barse, Vineyard Haven Business Association president and owner of the Green Room, was the only member of the public who spoke during Thursday’s MVC hearing. She pushed for the commission to accept the proposal, pointing to the dire need for housing on the Vineyard.
Commissioners had concerns over issues like circumventing possible archaeological sites around the property, and dealing with wastewater.
MVC governor’s appointee Michael Kim pointed to a six- to seven-foot “drop” leading to the building’s lower level. While this section would have railings and stairs, Kim expressed a safety concern over children and older adults.
“This is one of the cases where I do not believe the code is adequate to protect public safety,” Kim said.
He also felt the design of the building could better match the character of the town.
After further discussion, Tisbury commissioner Ben Robinson pointed out that considering there was some contention when the project first arrived before the MVC, more time should be given to let the public have a say on the proposed development. Chilmark commissioner Joan Malkin also pointed out that written comments from the initial go-around will not automatically be added to the record, so people should resend their thoughts about the project if they want those comments to be taken under consideration.
Agassi resisted the idea of continuing the public hearing because of how much time had already passed, but he said he would follow whatever the commission decided.
While no vote was taken, the commissioners ultimately decided to continue the public hearing until Thursday, April 4. Further information regarding this project is also available on the MVC website.
Meanwhile, the commission approved Vineyard Wind’s application modification from construction of a public platform to donating $400,000 to Tisbury for a potential park. Trip Barnes, a Tisbury representative to the commission, abstained from voting. He felt the proposal should undergo a public hearing, which the commission voted against.
Also, commissioners will be hosting a public hearing regarding the New England Wind 2 connector cables for the Commonwealth Wind project on Thursday, April 11.