Edgartown selectmen said this week that the transit authority would have to keep a large linden tree that provides cover over a portion of the property.
As plans come into focus for the VTA’s new electric charging platform and revamped bus terminal on Church street, Edgartown selectmen said this week that the transit authority would have to keep a large linden tree that provides cover over a portion of the property.
At a shade tree hearing held Monday, selectmen heard requests from the VTA to remove five trees — including the linden — around the site before they begin construction on a $1.4 million project that will outfit the bus stop with electric charging platforms. VTA administrator Angela Grant said the authority wants to get started on the project this winter, with a planned completion date of May 14.
The requests came as part of a broader presentation to the selectmen from Ms. Grant, in which she outlined VTA plans to refurbish the entire waiting area with a new layout that includes granite and brick paving, intertwined L-shaped benches, a wood shade pergola and fresh landscaping. Although part of the project includes replacing a shade tree near the front of the property, it also involved removing five other trees from the site.
Ms. Grant said the plan prevented them from replacing the trees on site, but said they would replace the trees elsewhere in the town.
The five shade trees include two Norway maples, other trees on town-owned property across the street and on the property line, as well as the large linden tree. Even though highway superintendent Allen DeBettencourt agreed that four of the trees were either dying, overly pruned, or probably couldn’t survive construction, he felt differently about the linden.
“As for the linden tree out front, I still think that is a really good viable tree in its location,” Mr. DeBettencourt said. “But if we can maintain the tree during the construction phase and with the layout of the benches, I do not know. I’m going to leave that to [the selectmen] to make a decision on.”
Selectman Michael Donaroma said it was unnecessary to remove the linden, and further said that removing so many trees would change the character of the bus stop, which is nicely shaded in the summer months.
“I know this is an important project, but I have a couple concerns,” Mr. Donaroma said. “I’m a little concerned with not replacing any of [the trees]. There’s always room somewhere. I’m hoping that there’s still maybe a planter . . . to put something back there, just to keep that character of quaint town rather than this strip.”
He added:
“Seeing this site with no trees on it is going to be a bit of a shocker.”
The town owns the visitor center at the site which is operated under a lease arrangement and includes a postal substation.
After discussion, selectmen voted to allow the VTA to remove four of the trees, but said the linden tree would have to stay. They accepted the VTA’s offer to plant trees elsewhere in the town, but only after a careful review of the possibility of replacing as many trees as possible on the site.
Ms. Grant said the VTA would probably be able to invert the current landscape plan in order to keep the linden tree.
She said the project is funded mainly through federal capital dollars. In 2018, The VTA received $1.75 million in federal low and no emissions funding to install inductive charging stations on the Island. There is also federal funding to offset the cost of the electric buses versus the diesel buses.
“It’ll be much more attractive and welcoming to visitors than what we currently have there,” Ms. Grant said.
Comments
Only the VTA can claim to be
BS Oak BluffsOnly the VTA can claim to be environmentally friendly by knocking down trees. Considering the VTA's history of incompetent management selectmen ought to take a second look at this boondoggle.
Despite his moniker, BS is so
Anne Ryall Sylvester Oak BluffsDespite his moniker, BS is so right: VTA has squandered its credibility and all actions must now undergo extreme vetting -- if only our Selects can bestir themselves from their langour on all things VTA.
No.
James Kozak Vineyard HavenNo.
Electric buses and a more
Julia Livingston 15 Oliver StreetElectric buses and a more attractive Church Street waiting area are certainly important projects, but it’s very hard to believe that a net loss of four trees is necessary. Trees are much better than pergolas. A structure that’s open on 3 or 4 sides does not provide much useful protection from weather. Surfaces on which a suitcase can roll, less mud, and better maintenance for plantings will be much appreciated.
Who is paying for the power
Carol EdgartownWho is paying for the power at the new recharging station? Will it be used only for buses?
OR can we all come and get a free fill up? Will there be other charging outlets as well?
Lots of blue lights, fewer trees. A win?
No outlets, the busses are
EdNo outlets, the busses are charged from under the street while parked, like a wireless charger for your phone.
Why is this needed? I
Jacob EdgartownWhy is this needed? I understand VTA loves spending FED dollars - but I want to know who really benefits? EDG residents? How? More pavement, less trees, more warming.
Agree BS & Ann.
ECS Ft Lauderdale / EdgartownAgree BS & Ann.
Is there anything well run on the Vineyard which question reflects 1st on the Island select persons, generally incompetent and/or too frequently serving special interest groups, and secondly on the management they have put in place to run the various entities.
The new site will be entirely
Alex EdgartownThe new site will be entirely, impervious hardscape. With no shade trees, that space will be a heat sink in the summer. Just awful
Alex: well said.
Jane Chittick EdgartownAlex: well said.
Tree resources in urban
Tim Boland Polly Hill ArboretumTree resources in urban settings are invaluable. The average urban tree in the USA lives for less than 15 years. The advent of large equipment causes soil compaction and high soil salinity(winter deicing salts) cause the root systems to fail. If they hope to protect the Linden, they must avoid compacting the root system and damaging the feeder roots that support the tree. If permeable pavers can be used (to allow free-flowing water) and gas exchange (roots need oxygen), they have a chance. In my career working with trees, two of the premier urban tree study centers are my former employer, the Morton Arboretum, and Cornell University.
See https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/3572
While the focus of this article is on an upcoming construction project, Edgartowns national champion tree needs more advocacy. The Japanese Scholar tree on South Water street had a car parked right on top of its rootzone this past holiday season. Its a shame to see such a legacy tree mistreated.
I agree with Tim Boland that
Gregory Palermo EdgartownI agree with Tim Boland that urban tree resources are invaluable. Edgartown doesn’t adequately care for its trees, and they are in a sorry state. Our trees need protection, not removal. Even if the linden remains, it would be very optimistic to expect a long life from it if this project is carried out.
It is time to rethink Church
Sara Piazza EdgartownIt is time to rethink Church Street as a VTA bus terminal. The buses are too big for the village of Edgartown, and there are too many of them. A total of 30 buses per hour travel past my house on main Street every hour during July and August. They are too big, too fast, and too loud. Come sit on my porch for an hour on any summer day or night and then tell me that you think that every route that comes to Edgartown needs to terminate on Church Street. You will be appalled by the way these monster buses have destroyed the character of our town. It is time to rethink Church Street as the main terminus for the VTA in Edgartown. At the very least, consider a terminal for the VH and OB routes at the Triangle, and one for the up Island buses near the school/library. Travelers would then have the choice to either walk a few blocks the rest of the way or board a small van to get into town if necessary. Or, bringing only half of the buses into Church Street would be a big improvement. And while the electric buses are a noble idea, they are much wider than the regular buses. Ask the drivers how they enjoy navigating Edgartown streets in the new electric buses. The answer is, they do not. It is time to rethink the VTA and the way they have taken over the island with their monster buses that are out of place here. Fewer buses mean more cars is a canard because many of the buses are empty. I am not anti public transportation but I am totally against the style of public transportation that the VTA has created, and I definitely say no to any more development of the Church Street station.
I agree with Sara. Too big,
Gail EdgartownI agree with Sara. Too big, too many and don’t fit the town’s character. Charging stations should be in the Dark Woods lot, plenty of space there and smaller busses should head downtown. Keep our big trees in place.
Agree with Sara. We don’t
Mark EdgartownAgree with Sara. We don’t need these large buses in an already congested downtown. Let’s move everything to a location that can accommodate the size and frequency.
excellent points by sara.
Facts not fiction edgexcellent points by sara. make the bus terminus for all routes at the triangle and let the passengers get on a single shuttle bus to church street instead of bringing those big monster buses to church street.
Sara, good points. I was
Lorraine EdgartownSara, good points. I was appalled when I read what the plans are for charging stations. That is not only hideous to the neighborhood and village, but as I see it, impossible. We are destroying our village piece by piece. Please rethink this. I am so dismayed and let us make sure this does not happen. Please, everyone.
Agree with Sara. Buses too
JoanneAgree with Sara. Buses too big. Use shuttles in. Leave the trees alone.
Well said, Sara. We're
Vasha Brunelle Vineyard HavenWell said, Sara. We're having a similiar issue here in VH, where MassDOT/The MVC plan to cut down mature healthy shade trees along Beach Road to make way for a dangerous and unnecassry bike shared-user-path.
Trees are a very important
disugusted edgTrees are a very important component of our ecosystem. I get the 'feel-good' about electric vs diesel buses, but don't forget that electricity is produced elsewhere...in someone else's 'backyard' with the majority generated from nuclear, natural gas, oil and coil. So to accomodate a 'feel good' 'green electric bus' we are destroying natures trees. Why not have the electric station somewhere else on the routes and rotate buses among the routes to optimize their charging. Or how about a natural gas/propane powered bus?
The VTA continues into 2020
T Bone OBThe VTA continues into 2020 with its PR nightmare. Time for new leadership.
Remove trees to replace with
DJA Edgartown & CTRemove trees to replace with charging stations and hardscaping? Not an attractive plan.
Why cant we just hide the
Ken Edg.Why cant we just hide the charging station at the other parking lot.
Once againVTA management out
Gina Menemsha/nycOnce againVTA management out of touch
A re charge station on the already congested Church St depot??
Dark woods pL a no brainer
I’m sure the Fed grant can be transferred duh
This vote is ridiculous- is
Jane Chittick EDGARTOWNThis vote is ridiculous- is anything living of any value to the Selectmen? Why can’t the busses charge at “Park and Ride” ... a huge piece of ugly land? Where is the Beautification Committee; the Historic District Committee? I would have expected Donaroma to vote no!! Please reconsider this foolish decision!
Jane, you are on the mark.
Lorraine EdgartownJane, you are on the mark. Please, with your experience, let us stop this monstrosity that will help destroy our village.
Church street may not be the
Marie EdgartownChurch street may not be the answer, but we don’t need more congestion at the triangle. Enough is Enough.....We will have a new stop and shop and the traffic will be horrendous and can you imagine buses coming and going Big to Small. CRAZY.. How about the Park and all the land and money we are going to spend for a Boys and Girls Club that is needed but not on the scale the town is proposing now that we have our wonderful
One thing I meant to add to
Jane Chittick EdgartownOne thing I meant to add to my comment above is that the VTA proposal is across the street from Edgartown's iconic Old Whaling Church and the Court House. We all worked hard to get the Preservation Trust organized and the Whaling Church was our very first project --- Don't we have any idea of what's truly valuable to our town? We already have entire downtown blocks that don't have one living tree in the Historic District. Why put a new layout that includes granite and brick paving, intertwined L-shaped benches, a wood shade pergola (Hello! Wood comes from LIVING trees). VTA: FIND A BETTER PLACE OUTSIDE OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT. Selectmen et al: reverse this decision, please!
Jane, I agree with you. You
Lorraine EdgartownJane, I agree with you. You worked so hard for this village and now to see this abomination is so disturbing and heart breaking to me. I mean that sincerely, those are not just empty virtue signaling words, I am so distressed I have sent this article and pictures to family members who have spend decades here in my house in Edgartown. Some of them are landscape architects, builders, engineers, etc., and lovers of Edgartown village...Not one of them understands this project and they are experts with decades of experience. Please, mobilize and stop this!
This is very clearly a
Frank Brunelle Vineyard HavenThis is very clearly a development of regional impact and must, according to MVC directives, be vetted by a DRI or Development of Regional Impact review including environmental, aesthetic, economic concerns. The Board of Selectmen in Edgartown have the authority to recommend a DRI. They have not. For a DRI recommendation since it has regional impact any town can recommend a DRI even for a bus stop in another town. This is in accordance with the Martha's Vineyard Commission directives. The DRI director has departed. The circumstances surrounding his departure have not been investigated by either newspaper. There has been no replacement. The issue of shade trees is also one which impacts Beach Road in Vineyard Haven following on the heels of a plan paid for in part by Edgartown. This plan was called a "pre-feasibility plan" which was the plan for the DRI there and Director Adam Turner repeatedly refused to consider a DRI for that development of regional impact, for which they paid 50% of the plan and Edgartown the other half. Also in this case neither the Tisbury, nor any other Board of Selectmen would refer the plan for a DRI. We should consider the implications of what is going on here.
Frank - Thank you for this.
Jane Chittick EdgartownFrank - Thank you for this. What can we do? As founding executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Historical Preservation Trust (now Vineyard Trust) in 1980, I am beyond shocked, particularly because the Old Whaling Church was my first project, and this is across the street (hence "Church Street"). Cutting down mature trees, "hardscaping" the land and encouraging busses to recharge in the Historic District is unbelievable. And, I just heard the Town's Historic District Commission APPROVED this plan. Why on earth even have a Historic District?
Frank..how brilliant and
Resident EdgartownFrank..how brilliant and comforting to know your expertise brings up so many issues considering the town of Edgartown and the decisions...or lack of decisions of the selectmen. They have had run away power, good and bad, for far too long. They own businesses in town, and their lack of concern here with the buses is deplorable. What is the DRI for, if not for issues just like this? And, why not bring them in to discuss? The buses are too big, too noisy, and impact the beauty, the character and tone of the village. There are many other open spaces where these buses could go. I hope you keep after this, as something is not right!
My memory was that Ben Hall
Up Island Resident ChilmarkMy memory was that Ben Hall was involved with a tree in front of his building on Main Street, and the Town spent over $3 million to save that tree by buying that property? Now multiple trees mean very little on Main Street? I'm confused.
That tree is on the corner of
Jane EdgartownThat tree is on the corner of Main and South Summer, next to the Town Hall. Close, but not the same. These trees are next to the back of the Court House, across from the Old Whaling Church
So far, not one comment in
Edward EdgartownSo far, not one comment in favor of a hard scape. That says a lot. Officials, listen to the people !!
Insanity. People just like to
Willam Cole EdgartownInsanity. People just like to cut stuff down. Let’s stop this.
As many have commented,
B.B. EdgartownAs many have commented, Church St. is in no way appropriate for charging large electric buses. How long will they be there while they charge? From a transit point of view, how is this efficient or desirable? It’s just too much — environmentally, aesthetically and practically speaking. What’s wrong with a charging station at the Triangle lot? Sara’s idea of smaller shuttle buses serving the downtown area makes complete sense. Selectpeople, please reconsider this decision.
The historic district can
Gregory Palermo EdgartownThe historic district can accommodate a bus stop, not a bus terminal. Buses standing around being charged will not enhance the appearance and feel of the historic district. Let the buses charge at the Dark Woods lot. This project needs rethinking.
The charging station project
Carla Cooper EdgartownThe charging station project has been in the works for a long time, where have all of you been? I think that the VTA operation has outgrown this downtown location. Some of these busses can barely make the turn onto church street. The noise and congestion are not going to get better. This is a small downtown with narrow streets and the size of not only the VTA busses, but the large tour busses are way too big to navigate safely. When traffic is backed up Main street, these busses sit there idling and fuming. Edgartown needed to be planning for this eventuality rather than reacting to it after the fact.
Please Please no more traffic
Diane EdgartownPlease Please no more traffic at the triangle. What are you thinking?
It is bizarre to think of a
Nancy Oak BluffsIt is bizarre to think of a charging station aka filling station on Church Street. It is not a great place for a bus stop - one can barley hear concerts in the summer with windows open at the Whaling Church as is. But a charging station ??? The charging station could be anywhere on the Island. And the thought that we would take down urban trees and do this in an Historic District is even more bizarre. Thank you Tim Boland for sharing your knowledge and to all the others who wrote. Islanders and off Islanders support Polly Hill, the Preservation Trust and other leaders on our Island. Let's listen to them.
VTA, are you listening?
Sara Piazza EdgartownVTA, are you listening? Edgartown Selectmen, are you listening?
Couldn’t agree more!
BFCouldn’t agree more!
All comments are correct!
This is insanity!!
No more cut trees!!
No more charging stations!
No bigger buses!!
Stop abusing our beautiful little town!!
We don’t have to keep giving up what we value and love for things that precious few Islanders benefit from!!
And don’t forget this at the polls !!
We are overdue for term limits!
Term limits would solve most
BFTerm limits would solve most of these problems!!!
I too agree with Sara
This is the most awful idea I
Chappy Rob ChappyThis is the most awful idea I have heard. No need for a charging station on Church Street, and it's crazy to cut down mature trees in favor of a pergola that doesn't block the wind, doesn't shield from rain, snow or sun. This plan needs a thorough review. I assume this needs to go before the Historic Commission and the Planning Board?? Dates for those hearings?
There will be a public
Sara Piazza EdgartownThere will be a public hearing regarding this plan on February 4 at 4pm at the Edgartown Library. Please come and let your voices be heard.
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