To the Editor:
A previous version of this letter was also sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC).
I’m writing to express my deep concerns regarding Jordan’s Nursery. As an Oak Bluffs resident and water protection activist, I’ve watched with increasing concern the development of that property.
Vast numbers of trees were eliminated, the ground was turned into flat, hard dirt, then covered with some sort of “fiber” substance; one by one, plastic-covered greenhouses were erected; and a well was dug without a permit. The two people who did this are long-term business people on M.V., so they should know the rules. Did they choose to ignore them? I find it egregious when business people with deep pockets flaunt guidelines.
Donaroma has said his operation is not different from Mahoney’s. I’m not sure what weight that’s supposed to carry, but I certainly don’t see the point. Furthermore he states that his plants are in containers, and they are watered directly into the container. To that I say: Plant containers have holes for drainage, therefore PFAS chemicals from the containers drain each time they are watered or it rains. One can imagine a significant amount of PFAS is released into the soil each time it rains. And how do we know the “fabric” covering the dirt is chemical-free? Plus the plastic-covered greenhouses are leaching chemicals.
Please protect our water supply and the lagoon. Stop this project in its tracks. Make them remove all sources of dangerous chemicals.
That piece of land is well on its way to becoming a wasteland. I implore you, MVC Commissioners, not to allow Cumming and Donaroma to ruin more land, damage our water, and endanger the health of Islanders by their greed.
Susan Desmarais
Oak Bluffs
