I attended the Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) meeting on July 23 hoping to witness a vote on the Katama Meadows project proposal, essentially a reworked version of a previously denied plan, following some end-run maneuvers by the applicants. First, I would like to acknowledge the thoroughness and professionalism of the commissioners in considering the applicants’ proposal. I completely understand the importance of giving full and fair consideration to all aspects of the proposal, and the subsequent delay in the vote. God bless all of you for doing this work.

I listened to the presentation of the applicants’ proposed offerings. Although there were nods to nitrogen mitigation and housing affordability, nowhere did I hear any indication that the applicants truly understand, much less care about, the uniqueness of this Island and the impact their proposal would have on the livability of this place. They do not live here and, while they will realize enormous profit, they will not have to experience the outcomes of what they propose. There is no need to recount all the reasons why the detriments far outweigh the merits of this proposed development. The Vineyard Conservation Society has documented them well. The overwhelming majority of public responses are strongly opposed to approval of a project of this scope and impact in the watershed of the Edgartown Great Pond. Needless to say, I trust the MVC will reject this plan. Again.

Assuming for the moment that the applicants will not prevail in the argument that the MVC is not a legal entity, the response by the commission in this case will be very important. If the threats of ongoing litigation persuade some commissioners to cave to the applicants’ demands and to allow the development to go forward, this Island is in deep peril. It will be a signal to aggressive, off-Island developers everywhere that there is plenty of profit to be realized if they simply hang in there with the review process and keep their lawyers active. We cannot let that happen. I believe most Islanders would support the use of their tax dollars to defend their home.

In the recent VCS annual meeting, Ewell Hopkins addressed the issue of capacity. The numbers reveal why this decision is so important. While 43 percent of the Island is in some form of conservation, there is sufficient land remaining to allow for an additional 11,000 dwellings, a 65 percent increase in the current housing stock. As I try to get around in the summer, I am having difficulty imagining where all those people and cars will fit, to say nothing of what will happen to the Island environment. Each development, like Katama Meadows, is ultimately self-defeating if the ponds die and the infrastructure is overwhelmed. It is long past time to address capacity, and this decision will be a critical message. 

That the Katama Meadows applicants contest the legality of the MVC and make litigation threats is further evidence that they are uninterested in the serious issues of capacity that ongoing development poses for this Island. It is further evidence that they are driven solely by self-interest. I understand the difficulty of this decision, but the mission of the MVC as constituted is to balance the need for continued change with protection of what exists. It is one of only a few tools available to address capacity. Katama Meadows is far out of balance, and an approval sends the wrong message. Decades ago, Henry Beetle Hough saw this coming and warned us about damaging this “fragile outpost.” I am hopeful that the Commission will find the fortitude to make the right decision and reject this plan.

Thank you for your dedication to this vital effort, and for employing your constituted authority to protect the greater good.

Andrew Berry is an Edgartown resident.