<p>Traffic, parking and neighborhood concerns took the stage last week at a hearing on the proposed expansion of the Edgartown Stop & Shop.</p>
Traffic, parking and neighborhood concerns took the stage last week at a hearing of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, which is reviewing a proposed expansion of the Edgartown Stop & Shop.
Stop & Shop plans to expand its main Island location by 17,432 square feet (about 69 per cent), and replace the former Edgartown National Bank building (now a Rockland Trust branch), that stands just west of the store on Upper Main street.
The commission is reviewing the project as a development of regional impact (DRI).
Commissioners listen to the details.
Commissioners listen to the details.
“This is not your typical box store,” Vineyard Haven attorney Geoghan Coogan, representing the grocery chain, at the hearing Thursday, held in the Edgartown Library. “There are features to this store that we are incorporating so that it fits in with the town of Edgartown.”
Presentations by members of a project team covered issues related to traffic, parking, noise mitigation, sustainability, drainage and employee housing. About 30 people attended.
The project aims to modernize and enlarge the store, which was expanded in 1989 and 1996 and now occupies about 25,259 square feet. Project manager Lisa Davis of Lisa Davis Associates pointed to a number issues with the building, including aisle width, the absence of indoor cart storage and an aging heating and cooling system.
“This is going to be a complete remodel,” she said of the project, which will include two entrances, wider aisles, an expanded area for produce, natural foods and a delicatessan, space for 44 shopping carts inside the entrances and a new loading dock.
Much of the discussion focused on traffic to and from the site, which planners estimate will increase by 207 trips at peak summer weekday hours (about 48 per cent, or four trips per minute). The existing western entrance would be moved east to align with Pinehurst Road across Upper Main street, to help relieve congestion and improve circulation in the front parking lot.
Traffic engineer Randy Hart of the engineering firm VHB said the increased number of trips would not be a major change, although he acknowledged that traffic is already congested in the area.
Commissioner Ernie Thomas questioned the location of the new entrance, and how easily customers would be able to get to the store from Pinehurst Road. “You can barely get out,” he said. “I don’t see you coming across two lanes of traffic in August.”
MVC executve director Adam Turner (left), commission chairman James Vercruysse.
MVC executve director Adam Turner (left), commission chairman James Vercruysse.
Vineyard Transit Authority director Angela Grant said the potential increase in trips per day was alarming, but not necessarily Stop and Shop’s responsibility. She suggested several changes to the plan, including reversing the traffic directions at the west entrance to improve circulation, and erring on the side of caution in terms of the number of parking spots, given an expected increase of up to 35 employees. (In addition to new floor space, the Stop and Shop pharmacy at the Triangle would relocate to the expanded building.)
Plans call for 178 parking spots — 49 per cent more than the 127 required under town zoning laws. But the proposed 27 spots for bicycles would fall well short of the 60 required by the town, and Ms. Davis said a town waiver may be needed.
A new parking lot would replace a partly vegetated area west of the building and increase the site’s impermeability to rainwater. A new drainage plan would use three existing runoff systems at the site and add a larger system under the new parking lot. The plan aims to help reduce flooding that now occurs near the store entrance.
A total of 13 trees will be replaced, including a number of cherry trees along the front of the site. David Taglianetti, managing director of land development for VHB, said pin oaks would be more drought tolerant than the existing oaks on the property, and that crabapple trees would be easier to maintain than the cherry trees. Twenty additional trees will also be planted.
Some commissioners took issue with basic aspects of the building plan, including the absence of a basement and second floor.
Commissioner Clarence A. (Trip) Barnes 3rd sharply questioned the absence of a basement, arguing that it could add 13,000 square feet and help mitigate noise by having certain activities occur underground. “That’s the big question of the evening,” he said.
Commissioner Richard Toole inquired about a second floor as a way to reduce the overall building footprint. But Mr. Taglianetti said he was unaware of other Stop and Shops that have two floors, or how that would work from an operational standpoint.
Samira Ahmadi, an analyst for enviENERGY Studio, said the roof of the existing building would be unable to support solar panels, although a plan for rooftop solar panels on the expanded section is under consideration. The building will be designed according to the latest LEED guidelines for building design and construction.
Public hearing continues Oct. 19.
Public hearing continues Oct. 19.
Stop & Shop has agreed to make an annual contribution to the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority to comply with the commission’s affordable housing policy. The company said it already provides 75 beds for Edgartown Stop and Shop employees. The company has no plans to build new housing for employees.
A 12-foot fence would be built along the property line to help mitigate noise from a new loading area behind the building, and an eight-foot fence planned for the roof aims to help mitigate noise from rooftop equipment. Mr. Taglianetti said with a taller roof, the equipment would not be visible from the road.
One abutter pressed for an additional wall to keep litter from drifting into his property on the south side of the parking lot.
Other questions focused on the proposed bank building, with commissioners asking for more information since a detailed plan was not presented at the hearing. An MVC staff report says the new building will occupy 1,010 square feet, an increase of about 66 per cent. Commissioner Fred Hancock challenged the proposed placement of the building, arguing that its worst side would face the street.
Commissioner Ben Robinson asked how the expanded selection in the supermarket would support the local food movement on the Island. Mr. Coogan said a bigger store would mean more opportunities to carry local products. “That would definitely be more of an outreach, to go to more local farmers and businesses and bring that product into the store,” he said.
Mr. Robinson asked for a clearer plan related to local food.
The hearing was continued to Oct. 19.
Comments
How about Stop and Shop pick
Jim EdgartowmHow about Stop and Shop pick up the Island Card.... where Cronigs is opting out?
No way Stop and Shop would
Sam Vineyard HavenNo way Stop and Shop would ever go for that. A friend of mine was once at a party with an executive who is pretty high-up in the company. He asked him why prices in the island stores were so much higher than on the Cape, the answer was "If you people can afford to live on that island, you can afford to pay higher prices than the rest of the country".
Every week the cape and
Linda wilson Oak bluffsEvery week the cape and islands have the same S&S flyer offering the same special prices. And I have not experienced higher prices here than at the Falmouth store. But they seem to be trying to stuff too much store and too many cars on too small a space.
No we cannot afford higher
West West TisburyNo we cannot afford higher prices and won't pay them
Heresay! A friend of a friend
Yuma ChilmarkHeresay! A friend of a friend of a friend, please.
I hope this passes! We need
Bruce EdgartownI hope this passes! We need voices like Lenny Jason and Jim Joyce to get this done!!!
Let's hope Cronigs doesn't try and block it and purchase an abutting property like they did in Vineyard Haven
I am so glad that this is in
Kerry Ann KatamaI am so glad that this is in the hands of the MVC. I love the group and adore Mr. JOYCE. They will represent us well. Thank you MVC!
I find it difficult to
Molly O'Brien EdgartownI find it difficult to believe that there was no mention at this public hearing of the unsuitability of this site for a store that is this large. Why was there no discussion of moving this supermarket to a site at the airport where traffic, noise and parking would not be an issue? They admit that there will be additional shoppers and staff - why is no one asking what the effect will be on the already ridiculous traffic at the Triangle? This is an opportunity for our civic leaders to make a choice that will benefit the island. Expanding the Stop and Shop at this location will not do that.
The Stop & Shop owns the land
WashAbhored EdgartownThe Stop & Shop owns the land and the building that they are on. They do not own land at the airport and many, many people in Edgartown want a pharmacy and grocery store in their town...not several miles away. The traffic at the Triangle is far from ridiculous...it's sporadic and for a few weeks a year.
The Edgartown S&S is like a town meeting place. People walk there, and ride their bikes there.
What if people said the few that are bothered by the store should move their homes/seasonal homes to the airport?
In 2000, one of the main
JImmy Burgoff Pelham, MAIn 2000, one of the main reasons I moved off island was there was a push for me to move my dinky little one ton trucks to a rental space at the airport. Do you think people would be willing to pay two hours or more for the time and gas for me to move their couch from one room to another (a 10 minute job)? How many hours would I have to put in daily to achieve eight billable hours? The whole concept was a NIMBY untenable request.
I agree - the congestion
Michael Klein KatamaI agree - the congestion problem already exists and nothing being considered will work to ease it. A de novo airport location would be accessible by more, easier to get trucks to, and create an opportunity to repurpose the space in Edgartown. It should be discussed.
I agree completely. Miles of
Helene Lapman EdgartownI agree completely. Miles of traffic are already backed up at the Triangle on a daily basis during the summer. Entering and exiting the town by car is a nightmare. Just consider the environmental impact that hundreds of idling cars has! I've been hoping for years that someone would have the sense and wherewithal to propose a move for S & S. Making it larger without a plan to dramatically improve the traffic situation will choke all access in as well as out of downtown Edgartown. (Changing the access from Pinehurst will only make matters worse.) By all means, let's have a modern, clean grocery store....but NOT on Main Street! Please give this proposal much more thought. Is blocking access to our charming, historic town with a massive, chain grocery store really the best we can do?
I agree with Molly! Move it
Bob EdgartownI agree with Molly! Move it to the airport, utilize the existing site for moderate income housing.
Molly, I wholeheartedly agree
Deborah Mello Orazem EdgartownMolly, I wholeheartedly agree with you. Both the Beach Road and Vineyard Haven Road had bumper to bumper traffic this summer and it continues this month. It is a dangerous situation as people get"creative" trying to get to the Post Office, the Triangle, Mail Room, and even the Park and Ride. Dark Woods residents cannot navigate. It makes no sense to expand the problem by bringing more delivery supply trucks into the Stop and Shop and increase the number of shoppers to this already choked area. It's time to find a central location for this store that can be reached easily by all island towns. The airport industrial park is the ideal location. The current location is a hardship for residents, tourists, and Edgartown business owners. Downtown businesses are being hurt by shoppers who are unwilling to even come to Edgartown unless they absolutely have to get groceries. Allowing expansion in this area will only cause further issues and tension for drivers who do not live on the island or come to the island to sit in a traffic jam. Let's think and try to plan appropriately. This is an opportunity to plan for what we need in a thoughtful way. The airport is the logical location easily accessed by all.
I agree with Molly. Traffic
Sarah EdgartownI agree with Molly. Traffic at the Triangle is unbearable. Move the whole enterprise up to the airport!!
Why has the airport idea been
Susan EdgartownWhy has the airport idea been sooooo ignored? What a great place to put an attractive, modern, Stop and Shop? It's been discussed and suggested for years. The traffic is unbearable, Edgartown is disrupted in the summer, people spend hours in their cars just to get to the market and one has to plan they're life around their marketing trips! Insane! It's not like there are a lot of other choices!
A resounding NO to moving S&S
Sara Piazza EdgartownA resounding NO to moving S&S to the airport. You want to see a real mess? Move the traffic problem to the center of the island. Have you tried getting past Meshacket Rd. (with Morning Glory Farm on the corner) lately in the summer? Multiply that situation many, many times and that's what you'll get with S&S at the airport. Not only will the people who already have to drive everywhere clog up the roads, but the many of us who live in town and on Chappy who are able to walk or bike (you're welcome) to do our shopping will also be forced into our cars. Grocery shopping is the heart and soul of a community - not just for food but for social needs as well. Every single thing has been removed from Edgartown - don't you dare move the one last heartbeat out of this town and render Edgartown a bedroom community. Take your suburban, off-island mentality elsewhere, please. Enough is enough.
AGREED !!!!
ME TOOAGREED !!!!
Sara, I agree with everything
Christine PowersSara, I agree with everything you said. I could not have voiced it better!
How about doing something
ECS EdgartownHow about doing something that is best for the Island as a whole? MV has a wonderful bus system. I am guessing you live on Chappy. If a stop light is needed on Barnes Rd & Egrtwn WT Rd so be it; could use one now too often. The airport might be inconvenient for the Chappy and those who bike to the store like me but the airport would benefit the virtually the entire rest of the Island and go a long way to solving the traffic problem in Edgartown.
"But Mr. Taglianetti said he
BG Edg"But Mr. Taglianetti said he was unaware of other Stop and Shops that have two floors, or how that would work from an operational standpoint." Check your store in 07450. It has the liquor department upstairs and I believe the pharmacy as well.
Liquor and pharmacy are
PeteLiquor and pharmacy are upstairs in the Ridgewood (07450) store.
Not a comment on the merits
Alysa Emden ChilmarkNot a comment on the merits of the proposal, but Giant on Arlington Road in Bethesda, MD, which is owned by same parent company, has two floors. They do their prepared food processing upstairs. Similar situation - very tight site. They also have underground parking. Might be worth taking a look to see if anything done there could apply here.
I guess Mr. Taglianetti doesn
Sam Vineyard HavenI guess Mr. Taglianetti doesn't know as much about trees as he thinks he does. Crabapples are vigorous trees that require yearly pruning in contrast to the established Kwanzan Cherries that already receive almost no care. Who will taking care of these new trees? How much if any will be budgeted for them.
Yes, and crabapples create a
Down IslanderYes, and crabapples create a mess on the ground, and then hundreds of volunteers spring up from the seeds from the crabapple mess on the ground. Why not plant some really appropriate street trees?
Which crabapples are not.
This is an insane project.
Sam Low Oak BluffsThis is an insane project. The taffic is already way too much - 43% more? And who needs this store? Has Edgartown gone bonkers....
2 years in the making and
Washashore Edgartown2 years in the making and they are talking about Crabapples, Pinoaks, traffic, and employee housing. I am not sure why S&S even bothers with this island.
Here's a thought : peak
Nyx EdinburghHere's a thought : peak season/time traffic lights to regulate flow in/out of the new store??? Then again Five Corners is the obvious candidate for lights. I'm curious why this solution is so apparently unpopular - they're much more common here in the U.K. ❤️MV!
I am shocked that the local
Jim EdgartownI am shocked that the local store owners in Edgartown are not weighing in here. I live on the board between Edgartown and OB and will do almost anything NOT to drive into Edgartown between July and September. I am sure I am not alone in that thought. The traffic created by the current store is a huge determinant to local businesses...
Changing the Pinehurst Road
AMChanging the Pinehurst Road access into and out of Stop and Shop is a very bad idea!
Pinehurst is a narrow little street, serving the only year round residential neighborhood left in Edgartown.
Placing the burden of all of that extra traffic, which indeed will be the result, is UNFAIR and will end up being a very DANGEROUS situation!!
Harris Teeter has many
Harriet Vineyard HavenHarris Teeter has many successful 2 story groceries. Jurisdictions with many barriers to entry have accommodated shoppers successfully by building two story groceries. Both floors are utilized by shoppers - not just for production, storage or preparation. Definitely reduces the footprint and allows more land for parking.
Ocean Heights is also a year
nancy murray EdgartownOcean Heights is also a year round neighborhood, not only Pinehurst. Ocean Heights is up about a mile from Triangle off EDG/VH Road. Our property values are held down becasue of the traffic mess. This year coming from State Beach side was almost as bad - daily. We can balme S&S for the traffic to a point. The boats carrying cars are getting bigger and coming more often. This is also a key factor.
People who live in Edgartown need a place to buy groceries. It should not come at the expense of the businesses further downtown or at the expense of the homeowners who shop at the market. Town and Island officials need to address summer traffic. It was stressful and unpleasant being on our lovely Island this summer. The tourists felt it too.
Stop and shop contributes to
deshandra brown EdgStop and shop contributes to the traffic, but lets not forget the major contributor. The Edg post office. Every person from Katama and downtown who has a box at the triangle PO traverses that area to get their mail. Perhaps a mail substation if the folks at Katama general store would rent the space. But more importantly, during the summer the traffic going to south beach or downtown Edg must also go through here. As I have suggested before, there needs to be a 'connector' road from the Edg VH road to the Edg WT road. We cannot use pennywise path as it would ruin an established neighborhood. There is however a solution. Push the road through Hallsgate, which was never developed. Additionally, pave Meeting house way so Katama residents and South Beach users could have alternate routes. And a Center 3rd lane 'turning lane would move the traffic flow.
No one has mentioned the use
Gail EdgartownNo one has mentioned the use of a small roundabout to alleviate the traffic in the area. It could be designed to be skewed toward the S&S so that the circle can accommodate both Pinehust and the local businesses on that side. The goal is a roundabout with creative design and special exit/entrance consideration to accommodate the market traffic. Improving the traffic flow at the S&S will also alleviate the traffic congestion at the triangle.
Hey everyone, an opportunity
G. J. Semler Oak BluffsHey everyone, an opportunity exists here to fix a persistent traffic issue while at the same time create an opportunity possibly for more affordable housing or some other alternative building use. Please vet all the options, present the pros and cons transparently and worked together for the betterment of everyone. These opportunities don't come by often, and when they do, collectively we all should pull in the same direction. This will take leadership and constant and consistent communication. Let's all do this correctly. I leave you all with this, "If you don't ride the wave of change, you'll crash beneath it."
Getting out of Pinehurst Road
Margie SweeneyGetting out of Pinehurst Road on to Main Street is a challenge during the summer and I can't imagine how much more difficult it will be be. What also is not being taken into consideration is the tremendous amount of bike traffic at the entry of Pinehurst and quite frankly, many do not seem to see the stop sign. On top of that there are many people crossing the street at that area to go to the store as the bus stops right there as well. The bike/foot/car traffic already creates a big safety issue and does not need to be compounded. I think the location of the entry needs to change. Pinehurst itself is already a danger for pedestrians (the street is very narrow and barely accommodates two cars as well as it lacks a sidewalk and there is no room for one given the road abuts closely to some homes) and if the entry is moved to the stated sight, traffic will back up and pedestrian safety will be compromised!
You are spot on!!
AMYou are spot on!!
Increasing traffic on Pinehurst would be a travesty!
It is a narrow little residential street where many walk or ride bikes daily!
It is home to elderly, kids, animals and young singles.
It would be terribly unfair, and very wrong to place that kind of a burden on what is the last year round residential neighborhood left in Edgartown.
It would create a very dangerous situation !
Why hasn't a turn lane been
Sande Weinstein EdgartownWhy hasn't a turn lane been proposed? If the shrubbery was reduced at the curb and the sidewalk eliminated - there is another side walk across the street - a third lane (the turn lane) might fit. That would go a long way to reducing traffic!
Have they mentioned a Stop n
Jack EdgartownHave they mentioned a Stop n Shop gas station like the one in Falmouth? I smell a pot of "greed" on simmer with what Stop N Shop is cooking up.Buyer beware!
Besides the traffic issue
Bob EdgartownBesides the traffic issue they cant employ enough people to manage what they have. (CASHIERS)
I think the airport would be
John Oak BluffsI think the airport would be a great spot for an expanded S&S. More accessible from up-island, and less traffic congestion. Time for a common-sense approach.
Why not put the store in the
Common sense MassachusettsWhy not put the store in the middle of the triangle land, that way traffic can come and go, exit and enter, from both sides (inland road, bend in the road).
Stop and Shop will never
Down islanderStop and Shop will never build a store at the airport on property it doesn't own. Everyone needs to stop with that nonsense. It's not the number of cars that's the problem. Because once you pass the stop and shop area, the traffic disappears. They need a couple of turning lanes, so that traffic isn't continually stopping to let people in and out of the parking lot. And it's not just Stop & Shop causing the backup. Cars trying to pull out of Pinehurst, the Dairy Queen and Al's Package store parking lot all contribute to the constant stop and go bottleneck there. And let's be honest, cars are not backed up "for miles and miles".
Why no mention of placing the
Paul Hannigan EdgartownWhy no mention of placing the bank inside the store, as is done in many other locations? Place it at an appropriate corner of the building that would still allow for a drive up window.
At least take a look at it.
What are we doing to our town
diane edgartownWhat are we doing to our town? That is an insane request for two months of off island people wanting to shop.....STOP the madness. If we MUST have a bigger store move to the airport. The Stop and Shop can't take care of it's ground now. Where are they going to get the people handle a store this large and the TRAFFIC...What a nightmare. Shut it down now....Please and Thank you.....
Stop & Shop bought the
Cathy EdgartownStop & Shop bought the property surrounding the present Edgartown location assuming we'd all be happy with a new store. Why not update the Edgartown and Vineyard Haven stores to be accessible for walkers and bikers and purchasers of a few items, AND build a big, new mega store at the airport park. Stop & Shop can definitely afford to pay for it!
"“This is going to be a
Down Islander"“This is going to be a complete remodel,” she said of the project, which will include two entrances, wider aisles,"
Why does the store need wider aisles?
Why can't they have a second floor? They have hired an architect. What are they paying hin for?
Hmmm, is this another cookie-cutter Super S&S that has to conform to the other Super S&S' because of how computers are programmed to manage stocking, etc. I.e., all the stores have the same layout and so centrally programmed computers can easily monitor and manage restocking, foot traffic, etc. in all stores? Any concessions to local preferences or limitations would screw up the program? How many square feet for seafood in this store? Overkill like in the VH proposal? Is this a store planned to service a large population that is here only two months in the summer? A population that expects things on MV to mimic what they have at home? How much more can the Triangle take????
Build it at the airport,that
charlie callahan edgartown/so bostonBuild it at the airport,that way they can make it as big as they want and it won't cause traffic jams or conflict with the neighbors. The vineyard is still nice, but it,s not a quaint little town anymore. The businesses in the triangle don't care how much traffic is there they just want the business. Only a dope would be against putting this thing in the airport
Why don't they ( at least in
Plymouth Rock OBWhy don't they ( at least in summer months) organize some sort of delivet service. I am sure few delivery tracks would save bunch of SUV's trips to pick up bread and fruits. Stop & Shop should invest more in building website and online delivery service ( as say Fresh Direct) rather then expanding 67% from already large location in ET.
The inability of elected
ECS EdgartownThe inability of elected leaders to lead and solve the Stop and Shop [SS] issue on a regional basis which in the long run would improve the quality of life for the entire island, shows just how incompetent and self-serving town selectmen are. It is a shame, and inexcusable that over the years the ‘leadership’ of at least Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown haven’t been able to come together to work with S&S to solve a myriad of problems. A band aid approach to the SS issue is not a solution.
In addition, it is way past time for the MVC to put its foot down on the S&S issues.
The obvious best solution to the Stop and Shop issue is to build a single store in the airport park or even using State Forest land [in its current state probably the most useless piece of land in the State of Massachusetts] more typical of an off-island grocery than the Island’s current pathetic excuses for grocery stores. From S&S’s point view this would be vastly more cost effective; from a customers’ point of view, there would be more selection, perhaps better quality, and perhaps more effort to use local producers which might result in price moderation. Most importantly this would have substantial positive impact on the traffic problems in Vineyard Haven/SS area and the Edgartown Triangle/SS area and improve the overall character of both areas.
The first step to accomplishing something like a macro solution to the SS problem is for the community at large and the community leaders specifically to get out of their respective comfort zones [join the ‘disrupters’] and realize that the Vineyard will never be again what it was even 20 years ago – if you doubt that take a look at the pathetic scene on Norton Beach/South Beach [under the astute management of the Trustees] with the OTS vehicles parked door to door or the traffic jams at the Farmers Market on Saturdays.
The second step would be to stop saying it can’t be done! Anything of this nature can be done if the community and community leaders come together and work toward a common purpose with the appropriate regulators and political entities.
Third, with regard to the utility issues at the office part, everything is negotiable and there are utility alternatives starting with less waste to more solar.
Island ‘leaders’ need dig down deep and see if they can’t muster up some degree of leadership skills required of elected officials and grasp the reality not only of where the Vineyard is but where it is going.
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