<p>A volunteer effort to beautify the Vineyard Haven post office lot came to an abrupt end Monday.</p>
A volunteer effort to beautify the Vineyard Haven post office lot came to an abrupt end yesterday after two weeks of work had been completed.
Bryan T. Cimeno, 22, had been donating his time and labor to landscape the area around 9 Lagoon Pond Road, owned by the U.S. Postal Service and home to the post office and Cumberland Farms. Others had pitched in to donate plants and money for the project.
But Steve Doherty, corporate communications specialist for the U.S. Postal Service Northeast area, said the postal service is not allowed to accept donations of any kind.
“By law we are prohibited from taking donations of any goods or services and landscaping services would fall under that,” he said, speaking to the Gazette by phone Tuesday. “Much the same way with your carrier at Christmas it’s okay to give him a fruitcake to share with the office, but not okay to give him a $20 bill.”
Mr. Cimeno, who owns Bryan Taylor Cimeno Fence and Landscape, was doing the work in honor of his late uncle, Derek Cimeno, the well-known Tisbury shellfish constable who died in 2009.
He said the plan was to renovate the area along the strip. “We wanted to put in benches and a birdbath and sign that said welcome to Martha’s Vineyard,” he said. “It was such a dustbowl before.”
About three to four weeks ago, Mr. Cimeno asked postmaster Debra Chickering for permission to do some landscaping work to improve the area. Actual work began two weeks ago. The project received praise from community members, pleased by the improvements to the area. There was an outpouring of support for the project on social media.
Then on Monday Mr. Cimeno received an unexpected call.
“We approached the postmaster, she was all on board,” he said. “We got a call last night, the supervisor said they wanted us to cease our efforts until further notice.”
An online fundraising page that had been created on Go Fund Me and had raised nearly $2,000 was also taken down. Other community members had donated goods in-kind including plants from Heather Gardens, Vineyard Gardens and water from the Island Color Center.
Town leaders supported the efforts to beautify the area.
Selectman chairman Larry Gomez said it was a vast improvement to the lot.
“I thought he was doing a great job, if I had time I would be out there helping,” he said.
Selectman Tristan Israel agreed.
“I think it’s absolutely wonderful, I think that giving to the community that way is extraordinary,” he said. But he also recalled the difficulties of getting in contact with the decision makers at the post office. He recalled the town’s own difficulties with communication when they were interested in reconfiguring the parking lot.
“Somebody from up on high must have given the word,” Mr. Israel said. “I know that the local people are wonderful, I think any decisions, any measures taken, need to be done from corporate.”
Ms. Chickering said she could not comment on the matter.
Mr. Cimeno’s father, Bryan A. Cimeno, who has been helping his son, said they will continue to try and beautify the Island in memory of Derek Cimeno.
“My brother cared so much about this community, Derek was very involved in the community, he’d say Bryan you got to give back,” he said.
Comments
"Much the same way with your
Doug Ruskin West Tisbury"Much the same way with your carrier at Christmas it’s okay to give him a fruitcake to share with the office, but not okay to give him a $20 bill.” Really?? Not the same at all; no individual benefits here, only the community as a whole. And if it's OK to share a fruitcake, it's OK to share beautification. Time to comply with the spirit and not the letter. As with too many situations these days, people are afraid to think through an issue.
Agreed, Doug. It's apples and
Dan Waters Also from West TisburyAgreed, Doug. It's apples and oranges. Part of the problem may be that the landscaping services were being provided by a professional, and thus might be construed to have a market value. If it were just amateurs at work beautifying the "dustbowl," would there be the same objection? We may never know because, as you say, people are afraid to think the issue through.
Interesting idea and may be
pat w. west tisburyInteresting idea and may be true about "amateurs." I was about to write a comment that I remember the RHS Horticulture Dept. doing a beautification project at the PO quite a few years ago, and wondered why that was acceptable when this is not. Anyway....the whole thing is a shame and certainly an insult to a generous and well-intentioned gentleman who took on the job out of community caring!
Funny because my NY post guy
LindsayFunny because my NY post guy gladly accepts a $500 gift from my condo complex. Such BS.
Probably not any more!
NenaProbably not any more!
I am surprised the post
diane edgartownI am surprised the post office owns the land.....interesting....if not, we can continue with the consent of the property owner.....I think??? Sad, again, if a postal worker can receive a gift, wouldn't this classify as a gift?????Then again, I still wonder why we don't have one central po at the airport along with a major Stop and Shop???
What a shame beyond words.
Sue EdgartownWhat a shame beyond words. So much of the island needs beautification! From the Halls movie theater, to the Black Dog building by the boat that is rusted and crumbling, to private homes where yards look like private dumps for cars, building materials, old garbage! And, the PO won't ALLOW beautification to take place?? In memory of a beloved man? Where do we live? This island IS beautiful. It's people that treat it like a dump and won't spend the money for beautification who are the ones to be challenged or given restrictions or summons or help! Not a wonderful young man who has a positive and charitable way to improve a vital gateway, who was told by a beaurocracy what to do and NOT allow beautification! Shame on the laws and thevPO
Actually it looks like the
DJActually it looks like the Post Office leases the facility from someone who lives in Walpole. Therefore it isn't up to the Postal Service to refuse this great effort. Additionally, I see the town doesn't collect taxes on this building. It is owned by a private owner, why is it tax exempt?
Good work DJ
Mit Gold EdgartownGood work DJ
Collect the back taxes and help the beautification project!
Property owned by the USPS is
LeenzapProperty owned by the USPS is classified as federal property for tax purposes. Thus, no taxes are levied nor paid. However, some posters above believe the USPS leases the land from a private owner. That being the case, perhaps there are no taxes paid when owned or leased by a federal agency/entity.
Either way, that decision, made from the top, is just another example of what we Postal workers must deal with on a daily basis.
It is federally owned and not
Diane Oak BluffsIt is federally owned and not leased land
The saddest part about this
Not Surprised VHThe saddest part about this is there must actually be a person out there who saw this and thought "oh no, that is against the rules, I have to tell someone." This is the world we live in. Unbelievable.
So is the USPS going to step
Bruce Stone EdgartownSo is the USPS going to step up and accept its responsibility to maintain this property? Maybe contract with Mr. Cimeno to provide the services? As a member of the community their neglect is obscene.
This is public information
Bruce Stone EdgartownThis is public information and maybe worth a contact tomorrow:
Steve Doherty
[email protected]
(O) 617-654-5982
(C) 617-529-8751
It's a shame- that this
Mit Gold EdgartownIt's a shame- that this sincere young man with good intentions was stopped from contributing to the community.
The postal service should come to their senses and reverse this stupid edict.
Very ignorant move from
David BoudriaVery ignorant move from thePist Office! It's Martha's Vinyard for heaven sake! It's free! Donated, given to beautify their town! And as far a Fruitcakes, this 40 year veteran never liked them or got one but was always treated Nice at Christmas
“We got a call last night,
skip OB“We got a call last night, the supervisor said they wanted us to cease our efforts until further notice.” Let's have the supervisor's name so she/he can be excoriated on FB and in the paper. Since that's the least they need. Scrooge is for Christmas not summer
No need to be a bully. The
TomNo need to be a bully. The supervisor is simply relaying what they've been told.
Can the donation be given to
Rick TisburyCan the donation be given to the Town of Tisbury who may have some possible allowance or rights along the roadway?
When the property was developed the Town of Tisbury had to allow the building - was there a landscape plan required that has been not maintained?
Or can the property's tenate Cumberland Farms accept the donation?
Now all post office stations
Kenneth CaliforniaNow all post office stations are looks terrible and falling a part and never up keeping anymore. Several years ago it was a neat post office stations.
Who will feed and water those
Christine Powers Waltham, MAWho will feed and water those pretty plants that are already there, courtesy of Mr. Cimeno?
No. one. The plants have been
tom hodgson wtNo. one. The plants have been removed, according to "IT".
Our company donates pens to
Katherine May-Waite Vineyard HavenOur company donates pens to the Post Office to hand out - mostly to the Vineyard Haven branch as I go there everyday - does that mean I should stop?
Came across this article and
Bill Out of TownerCame across this article and was flabbergasted that someone in the Postal Service could be so dumb as to define this "labor of love" as a monetary gift to try and influence anything Postal. SHAMEFUL!
This persons decision WILL BE usurped by someone higher who has a working brain. Keep up the publicity and enjoy your towns beauty!
How can Steve Doherty say
Diane Oak BluffsHow can Steve Doherty say that they can't accept goods or services and then contradict himself and say it's alright to accept a fruit cake???
If you can't accept anything....isn't a fruitcake something??? It's all or absolutely nothing!
Well put, Mr. Ruskin!
S. M. A. Skalski Lamberts CoveWell put, Mr. Ruskin!
Vineyard Haven definitely needs some TLC and this was such a beautiful way to accomplish it. I'm sorry to hear the generosity was stamped out...but I do hope the momentum continues.
I looked at the town property
Dave West TisburyI looked at the town property list and am now even more confused. There are two condos - one building owned by USPS C/O EP SCIGLIANO MGR REAL EST and a second owned by Cape Cod Farms. Neither property card refers to the land, just the buildings. So, who owns the land exactly? And who is Scigliano?
As soon as someone contacts a
Fred Out of townAs soon as someone contacts a television news station and the post office gets some bad publicity, they will change their tune...
Score another big win for the
Carla EdgartownScore another big win for the USPS..... *over the top eye roll*
Perhaps the "higher up"
Debra Gaines EdgartownPerhaps the "higher up" officials in the Post Office could use this opportunity to do the right thing and put a positive spin on this by:
1. Thanking those involved for caring and for their efforts.
2. Apologize for their rules being what they are and "having to do what they have to do."
3. Become accountable, set a budget for, put it out for bids if they have to, write up a contract and PAY a licensed & insured company to actually take care of the land. (Perhaps Mr. Cimeno's company)
4. Be accountable, transparent, a vested memeber of their community, come forth and communicate and not hide.
There is still an opportunity to neutralize and make good of this situation, and I truly hope they do so going forward.
Arrest those "do-gooders, and
Bob the Builder FalmouthArrest those "do-gooders", and force them to eat the Fruitcake!
Two points. First, one of
Mr. B ChilmarkTwo points. First, one of the reasons the place looks the way it does, and why so many other post office structures and their grounds (if any) appear unkempt is that we, the taxpayers, through our representatives have consistently tightened funding for the USPS. They don't have cash sitting around for this kind of stuff.
Second: Why does such a rule exist? There must be a reason, and it probably was a reactive one: Somebody, sometime, was doing something that resulted in bad stuff, and the reaction was to enact this rule to prevent future instances of bad stuff. Perhaps something to prevent people bribing postal workers to get preferred service--or encourage supervisors to make a preferred hiring decision.
Of course, these folks hardly seem to be bribing anyone, and I doubt any members of the family or business embarked on this to get their bills or remittances moving faster. Ideally, no family member presently has an application in with the PO as that might be a bit embarrassing. But perhaps there is a mechanism for exceptions for cases like this--perhaps it is being reviewed now as a "community betterment action." After all, they were asked only to cease "until further notice." Maybe a reporter might ask the supervisor about this and what "until further notice" means. Perhaps it is now "under review."
I think you're way
BB Oak BluffsI think you're way overthinking this and giving the Post Office too much credit. This is not the Postal Service we grew up with. Overburdened with bureaucrats and non-responsive to the changing world of emails, UPS and FedEx the Postal Service will continue to fester and shrink with it's crappy customer service. Like Sears, all they have left is the property they own.
So the Post Office is not
Ken FayettevilleSo the Post Office is not allowed donations of any kind. If it is acceptable by those doing the work why not have the Post Office pay them $1.
Just tell the P.O. that all
Albie Scott Santpoort ZuidJust tell the P.O. that all those plants are really fruitcakes.
Over the past couple of weeks
K. Scott TisburyOver the past couple of weeks I have watched the march of lovely new plantings at the PO with delight and amazement: Where are the shrubs and perennials coming from? The tooth fairy? What a nice selection of plant materials! Normally I am not that crazy about the pink butterfly bushes, but there they look great! I know that in the past, various volunteers have put a lot of effort into spiffing up the PO grounds (and I don't think they were dissed for doing so), but this campaign is a total makeover (aside from some strange hacking away at rose of Sharon for no good reason that I could see. . .). This is why the Vineyard is special, continued my train of thought. No withered, brown, windblown and depressing USPO-scape for us. By next year those dark pink butterfly bushes will have taken hold and we will have a truly glorious display, plus of course providing a major attraction and source of nectar for butterflies, including the endangered monarch. Such were my musings. ### To hear that this flower power project---a gift from the community to the community---is considered unethical and must be eradicated, literally ripped out by the roots, is bureaucratic "ethics" gone mad: Warning! The Tisbury Post Office lobby is clearly trying to buy influence by planting flowers!!! (Hmm, maybe some of those lobbyists down in DC should take a leaf from the Tisbury book and try landscaping for influence. Some decent perennial borders can surely make shady outfits look more respectable.)### What to do? There is an overload of political and fundraising firepower on the Island in August. Will any of these bigshots step up to the plate and put in a word in DC and recommend sanity at the USPO. Perhaps some of their courtiers even pick up the mail for them in Tisbury. They can't ALL be holed up in Chilmark and Edgartown. Kerry, you must have an 02568 zip code at Seven Gates. How about it? ### And, not to forget, President Trump is no a stranger to these parts. I saw him many years ago having dinner in what is now the State Road Restaurant, in North Tisbury (I think--hard to keep up with restaurant names). I was enjoying their gorgeous key lime pie. He wore a lemon yellow sweater. Mr. Trump, you could ingratiate yourself with Islanders big-time if you would write one of those executive orders declaring that ceasing and desisting of flower planting at the VH PO should cease and desist forthwith, and flower planting and watering should immediately continue with all deliberate speed & cetera & cetera. Mar-a-Lego, or is that Lago, do you copy?
" “Much the same way with
K. Scott" “Much the same way with your carrier at Christmas it’s okay to give him a fruitcake to share with the office, but not okay to give him a $20 bill.”
Mr Doherty is not making sense with his $20 vs fruitcake analogy, since the flowers clearly are more like a fruitcake than like a #20 bill.
If PO BOX owners keep a
Peter Vineyard HavenIf PO BOX owners keep a gallon water jug in their vehicle and water a couple of plants when they check their box, these innocent plants might survive until this insanity blows over.
Let's look at this
Art Vineyard HavenLet's look at this differently. This is not a gift to the Postal Service; it's clear they couldn't care less what the property looks like. This is a gift to the community and I don't think that violates the USPS rule that the supervisor cited.
One has to wonder about the
Brian Out of townOne has to wonder about the nature of the influence the USPS is concerned could be "bought" by a project of this sort. Faster delivery of someone's mail? Nicer treatment of packages? Free two-day delivery (oh, sorry, that's Amazon). I think it makes sense to require that any gifts be approved by someone above the local level, in order to avoid any possibility of favoritism. But it should not be impossible to have common sense prevail, and a gift of this sort approved and its implementers thanked rather than rejected. Keep in mind, however, that USPS is an independent federal agency, reporting to its own board of governors. It is no longer (since 1971) under the operational direction of Congress and it is not FUNDED by Congress.
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