<p>Some 18 months after abandoning plans to expand its Vineyard Haven store, Stop & Shop unveiled preliminary plans this week for a huge expansion of its grocery store on Upper Main street in Edgartown, including a major redesign of the parking lots.</p>
Some 18 months after abandoning plans to expand its Vineyard Haven store, Stop & Shop unveiled preliminary plans this week for a huge expansion of its grocery store on Upper Main street in Edgartown that would include a major redesign of the parking lots and entrances from the main road corridor.
Appearing before the Edgartown planning board Tuesday night, spokesmen for the grocery chain presented a conceptual plan for an 11,320-square-foot addition. The current store is just over 25,000 square feet in size, with about 18,000 square feet of retail space. The last major expansion of the store was in 1989.
Concept plan for 11,320-foot addition.
Concept plan for 11,320-foot addition.
Stop & Shop project manager Lisa Davis said the store has outgrown its current space.
“There’s a lack of retail sales space,” she said. “That limits the variety and diversity of products Stop & Shop can offer. There is only one functional entrance. There is only one rest room. The parking lot does not function ideally and there are some issues with ingress and egress.”
Stop & Shop has retained the engineering and design firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) to oversee the Edgartown expansion, the same firm that worked on the failed Vineyard Haven expansion project. That project was abruptly withdrawn by Stop & Shop in May 2014 after a controversial 10-month review process before the town and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Company spokesman Greg O’Brien said this week that the grocery chain has not dropped plans to expand the Vineyard Haven store. “It’s in the conceptual stage,” he said. “Any proposal in Vineyard Haven would be for a much smaller store than originally proposed.”
On Tuesday in Edgartown, spokesmen for VHB emphasized that the plans are also conceptual, and that no engineering or architectural work has begun.
Significant changes are contemplated for the parking lots around the store and also the traffic flow.
Plans calls for neighboring Edgartown National Bank branch to be relocated further from the store.
Plans calls for neighboring Edgartown National Bank branch to be relocated further from the store.
Angled parking would change to 90-degree parking, with wider travel lanes between the parking spaces. A total of 46 parking spaces would be added to the current 142 spaces, including four standard spaces for people with disabilities and two spaces that can accommodate larger handicap vans.
Currently the most heavily-used parking spaces are directly in front of the store, where there are three rows of angled parking. Under the new plan, there would be two rows of parking, one abutting the front of the store, and another abutting open space next to Upper Main street. A 30-foot travel lane would divide the two rows of parking.
VHB transportation planner Randy Hart said the wider travel lane would make it safer for drivers backing out of parking spaces and easier for pedestrians with shopping carts to navigate to and from the store entrance.
“We think there’s a real opportunity here to make some adjustments that will have a positive influence,” he said. “Most of the parking that is being added is in the area where you really want it, close to the door. We’re trying to put it where it will be better utilized.”
The plan also envisions new traffic circulation patterns.
The company recently acquired land abutting the northeastern side of the store. Preliminary plans call for the neighboring Edgartown National Bank branch to be relocated further from the store to make way for a new entrance.
The current entrance on the western end would be moved about 100 feet to align with Pinehurst Road. The eastern entrance, closest to downtown Edgartown, would remain where it is.
The current store is 25,000 square feet in size.
The current store is 25,000 square feet in size.
David Taglianetti, director of land development for VHB, said he had surveyed the site with zoning issues in mind, including open space, parking, bike storage, setbacks, and landscaping.
“The plan we’re presenting tonight meets all of those zoning requirements,” he said.
He also said he sees no insurmountable issues with water, sewer, wetlands, archeological or health regulations.
“I’m confident we’ll be able to satisfy those concerns,” he said.
Stop & Shop hopes to begin construction next fall, and open in the spring of 2017. Ms. Davis said the store would remain open during construction.
Planning board members received the early plans with upbeat remarks.
“I don’t know what experience you’ve had with other planning boards,” said board member Robert Sparks. “I assure you we’re going to be open minded, and we’re going to look forward to working with you.”
Board member Michael McCourt concurred. “I think it’s a great project. I think it’s going to be a great asset to our community,” he said.“Of course when you have this large expansion, food prices will go down,” he said with a wry smile.
The plan will trigger an automatic review by the MVC as a development of regional impact, but in a somewhat unorthodox move, the planning board intends to hold hearings before referring the project to the commission.
Stop & Shop operates 375 stores throughout New England, New York, and New Jersey. In May, the grocery chain opened a new 36,000-square-foot facility on Nantucket.
Comments
Parking, egress and ingress
Bill BlakeParking, egress and ingress should be really thought out. 1. Adding an additional 46 spaces at the existing size should be reduced by making the actual space size larger to accommodate the larger cars of today's society.
2. Traffic flow or lack thereof during times of incoming boat traffic reduces the ingress/egress to a virtual standstill. Alternative plans should be determined before u get my vote. Something to seriously think about.
Larger spaces for handicapped
Katherine Scott TisburyLarger spaces for handicapped vans are planned. That means smaller spaces for smaller vehicles can also be planned. Not everyone has a behemoth vehicle, or wants one. Smaller vehicles should be incentivized. Therefore I suggest that an area be created for smaller/shorter vehicles. More spaces could be accommodated than otherwise. This small-vehicle area could be close to an entrance. This would be a small nudge in the direction of driving smaller cars and acknowledge the value of doing so.
However, with larger families
Jane MVYHowever, with larger families comes larger cars and I think any mother or father with multiple small children would agree that being closer to the door is very helpful. I doubt the one person who drives a small car would disagree that a person caring for multiple children (and that many more groceries) should have priority. When I lived in the mid-west there were always priority spots for pregnant women, I would also be in favor of that.
More parking means shoppers
Neil Off IslandMore parking means shoppers shouldn't be queued to the entrance waiting for their turn to find a space.
As a former resident of
Dean Rosenthal Vineyard HavenAs a former resident of Edgartown who lived close by to the Stop & Shop, I see this as an intriguing proposition. I'm all for lower prices and I can see how having access to more selection could help the community – all without damaging the local economy of businesses like Granite. If things continue to be thought out well along the way and implemented smartly, the expansion could be a success. As for Vineyard Haven, there definitely needs to be a reimagining.
Why, oh why? Why can't Stop
Sue O'Brien EdgartownWhy, oh why? Why can't Stop and Shop be a bit more creative and relocate BOTH of their stores to a larger plot of land (preferably near the airport)? They did this successfully in Nantucket. Squishing large stores into tiny spaces with huge traffic issues makes no sense. Yes, both stores are old and desperately need updating, but squishing them into their current spaces doesn't solve the real problem. Another reason why these issues need to be looked at from a regional perspective! Wake up, Martha's Vineyard. It's 2015!
I totally agree with this...
Sue WeylI totally agree with this....Make a large beautiful new store centrally located in the airport area. It would alleviate the traffic congestion in both towns, and we could have a modern state of the art store......
No, no, no. Why can't people
Sara Piazza EdgartownNo, no, no. Why can't people grasp the idea that relocating everything to the airport makes it necessary for every single Vineyard resident to get in a car and drive to that location? There are plenty of people who walk or bike to the in-town Stop&Shop. And what does it say about a community where one cannot procure basic foodstuff, one's life's needs? A third store, at the airport to service the folks on the ouskirts, yes, but please stop dismantling our towns; removing people and life.
Because a store at the
Neil Off IslandBecause a store at the airport will result in more traffic on the roads, whether by private vehicles or additional bus transits.
Exactly what I'm saying.
Sara Piazza EdgartownExactly what I'm saying. Moving everything out of town will actually put more cars on the roads.
Wonderful news! The current
Ken Esq EdgartownWonderful news! The current store is too small and badly in need of a refresh.
think about adding one or two
Gail Edgartownthink about adding one or two bigger spots for parents getting children in and out of parking spaces. And adding adaptive carts for seniors and children.
Sue OBrien is right on. Or
Camille colantonio EdgartownSue OBrien is right on. Or over by edgartown hardware!
Over by Edgartown Hardware?
Edgartown ResidentOver by Edgartown Hardware? Where? Tear down the abutting homes? That's a residential neighborhood.
Putting a busy retail
Ken Esq EdgartownPutting a busy retail establishment across the street from the school? That doesn't seem like a very good idea. The current location is fine. It's convenient, near other essential businesses (drug store, post office) and within easy walking distance of the downtown.
Both the VH and EDG
Sharon S EdgartownBoth the VH and EDG facilities are grossly outdated and unsafe with narrow aisles, crammed with displays, etc. - imagine a fire and attempting to get to the exit doors and then to find an inability to get out due to all of the extra product and narrow lanes there? I concur with Sue O'Brien, it is time for the Stop and Shop to re-invent their facilities and build one, large, marvelous modern facility near the airport while downzing the existing facilities to smaller convenience capability to accommodate the intown business for walkers and bikers. Wouldn't this eliminate a tremendous amount of the traffic jams and make it much more "convenient" for all of us?
I like this idea… and it
Mary Jane Carpenter EdgartownI like this idea… and it would solve a lot of issues.
Just great. Edgartown gets
Tisbury voter Vineyard haven massJust great. Edgartown gets new store and where does V.H. Store stand? Vineyard Stop and Shop can have a new one.We get screwed again because of a few vocal people who use the Internet for gaining opposition.
Hoping they redesign the
VRSurr Oak BluffsHoping they redesign the entry to allow people with disabilities to be able to get into the store with their walkers and scooters. The odd angles of the ground and the narrow twisting current entrance make it next to impossible now. Of course it would be helpful if they didn't put the employee's smoking area in front of the handicapped parking area, too.
The summer traffic jams
Peter Jones EdgartownThe summer traffic jams coming from edgartown-wet tisbury road often back up for an incredible distance. But interestingly, once you pass the Stop and Shop, the traffic flows again as you head into Edgartown. It looks as if cars heading to the market in its current location are the problem. Making the market bigger will make that traffic gridlock worse. Moving the market out of town to a more central location seems to make sense.
Great observation ! One
Island Mike MVGreat observation ! One central store by the airport is the only good idea !
We agree with any thought to
Jack and carol kane EdgartownWe agree with any thought to move out of edgartown to an area out at the airport.
Traffic problems in and around edgartown will not end, only get worse.
I also agree with Sue O'Brien
Richard Toole oak BluffsI also agree with Sue O'Brien. Every time the question of how to solve the bottleneck at the Triangle comes up I hint at maybe a small roundabout might help but then people say that won't solve it because of the backups caused by the Stop and Shop. Why not one large store near the Airport and maybe two small stores at present locations for the basics? Thanks to the S&S for trying to improve things. Good luck!
Unless there is a dedicated
Bike Commuter EdgUnless there is a dedicated security camera for the proposed smaller bike rack that's around the back corner of the building, that's a spot that's just asking to get your bike stolen. I'm guessing that most of the trees in Mark's picture(between the front 2 rows) would be cut down, too bad, they help give it the small town feel. Please don't listen to the wishes about relocating the store, that seems to just be NIMBY-ish. (How many people would be able to walk/bike/etc to a store near the airport? Where is there open space for it near the new Edg Hardware? The "real problem" is an increasing population and the increased vehicle traffic that goes with that, moving the stores to locations where it essentially requires you to arrive by vehicle doesn't solve that problem, only adds to it and moves it out of sight. It is 2015, and about to be 2016, forward thinking communities are moving away from designs based on car access and making it easier to walk/bike/take public transportation to necessities.) If possible, it would be nice to see an area for the trades vehicles that have trailers so they don't end up parking on the curve near Shiretown, essentially blocking that part while they buy & eat lunch.
The Island needs the best big
Douglas Korves AIA Edgewater NJThe Island needs the best big food market that this site can handle. The best food market large grocery store that I have seen is the new Whole Foods in Brooklyn, NY designed by BL Companies, Architecture and Engineering out of Meridian, Ct.
This store is a about integration into the site and community. Sustainability and green design; traffic control, High performance and renewable energy such as solar collector sheds over parking spaces and reuse of site water for rooftop greenhouses. There is so much more and it is not about the products sold.
I do not know this engineering firm but in our profession, architectural engineering firms are best when the architecture comes first. The Vineyard deserves nothing less.
Please Google the Whole Foods store in Brooklyn, NY if you have anything to do with or wish for in this new Stop n Shop and see what aspects of that store might work on-island.
P.S. I am not employed, work for or consult for, or connected in any way with WF or BL Companies. Oh, my daughter is the best barrista at this WF.
I agree. Update but don't
summer resident the main landI agree. Update but don't change the footprint of the current Stop and Shops in VH and Edg to serve some local buyers and build a huge Whole Foods or Trader Joe's by the airport to ease traffic problems.
Whole Foods? Because we need
Huh? EdgartownWhole Foods? Because we need another overpriced market on the Island? The store design might be nice, but we really need more businesses that sell products at prices that working people can afford.
A larger store should make
MarieA larger store should make access and the shopping experience better. There are only two large grocery stores in the area. Making one larger won't attract more customers, the customers are already here.
I remember a plan years ago
MarieI remember a plan years ago to have a Pathmark Superstore out at the airport. That plan was shot down.
Building a so called central
William Knight Vineyard HavenBuilding a so called central location like the airport will just encourage people to drive longer distances. One should not only buy local, one should shop local. I can walk to the VH S&S. It costs $5 in gas to drive to Edgartown, negating any savings in food prices. VH shoppers should support the expansion of the VH store. Driving 25 miles round trip for groceries is bad for the environment.
Well, it depends where you
Mr. B ChilmarkWell, it depends where you live, right? A super-duper market at the airport would make my round trip only 20 miles...down from the present 25 to VH or Edgartown. The airport liquor store has cut that particular trip (alcohol) substantially. Being able to combine the two would be even more efficient.
$5.00 - I drive a Tahoe and
Island Mike MV$5.00 - I drive a Tahoe and it doesn't cast me that from VH to Edg and back. Perhaps you should carpool?
what are you driving? A dump
As the crow flieswhat are you driving? A dump truck?
I hope the Planning Board
Stephen EdgartownI hope the Planning Board realizes the unique opportunity in front of them. First, I think the S&S does need to be larger.
The opportunity is in traffic relief. Personally, I would have just one grand entrance, the entrance nearer to town and I would close the entrance next to the bank. In order to expand, the S&S should agree to give up some land so a five car left hand turning lane from Upper Main to the S&S can be added thus relieving inbound traffic. Back to the one grand entrance I would have one lane for turning in and two lanes for turning out (one for left and one for right).
For those who object to just one entrance, one compromise might be for the entrance/exit by the bank be designed for right turns only. It is the left turns by that entrance and left turns from Pinehurst that create the bottleneck.
This won't solve all of the traffic problems in that area, but it would be a good first step that has been long over due.
I think the idea of a
Ed Upstate New York/ seasonal EdgartownI think the idea of a dedicated turning lane from, say, Donaroma's to Shiretown Meats would solve a lot of the seasonal traffic problems on that part of Main Street. As others have pointed out, traffic tie ups tend to lessen once you get past the Stop and Shop.
Some of the comments are
BillyB OBSome of the comments are funny. Telling Stop & Shop what to do with their $$$ and store. Stop & Shop is a good neighbor on this island. They were screwed in VH with their attempt to bring a better store there, but then we all know how screwed up VH politics is anyway. As for Peter Jones' comment -- there isn't going to be increased traffic. What, are people who go to VH S&S and Cronig's going to suddenly drive 10-15 miles to Edgartown? Looks to me that S&S is trying to give a better store for it's current customers -- more aisle room, more selection, more space to breath. And seriously -- build out by the airport? Really? And have everyone drive an extra 10-15 miles roundtrip x thousands of customers? Really? That makes ecological sense?? I head out to the airport area maybe once or twice a month. It's NOT as convenient to get to as the current location of S&S for the vast majority of the people in Edgartown and OB. Good luck to S&S, and I was thrilled to see the initial positive reaction by elected officials.
Tisbury Voter is correct,
Love the MV Gazette VHTisbury Voter is correct, because of a few loud and obnoxious voices, one who already posted here and the other who's not on the Tilbury Planning Board, Tilbury gets screwed. I hope Kathryn doesn't ruin this cause.
I am sure after the VH attempt if S&S could move out of the towns to an airport area, they'd have examined it. They own the current property, heavily invested to expand both locations in land acquisitions and with hundreds of thousands of dollars spent in building designs and drawings. Telling them what to do with their money, well, that horse has left the barn.
I hope people can look at the project, offer constructive criticism and take their money and say thank you. Something tough for certain people to do on this island.
BTW, did they ever build that round about?
I love this idea.....the
TDB EDGI love this idea.....the store is so crowded during Summer months. I'm glad this is finally happening. Don't give up. We have a lot of naysayers here.....it's EVERYONE'S Vineyard... Don't let a few loud complainers spoil it for the rest of us. Do It !!!!!
Here's a novel idea.....How
BFHere's a novel idea.....How about LESS people !
To build "big enough" is an impossible task. Big enough for today? For tomorrow? For next year?
Build it, they'll come. We all know that.
When is "big enough"...enough?
In our finite situation, we can no longer operate on the fools presumption that more and bigger will fix any problem.
When there is nothing left,, it will be over. No more problems then for anyone.
Store is pretty empty right
Ken EdgartownStore is pretty empty right now. This expansion is for 3 months of the year. It does need remodeling, there is wasted space on the left with a store that is seasonal.I wouldnt base any expense on increased sales unless they sell alcohol. Good luck.
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