<p>Martha’s Vineyard has experienced an unusual late-winter population swell since the beginning of March, an analysis of traffic statistics shows.
Martha’s Vineyard has experienced an unusual late-winter population swell since the beginning of March, an analysis of Steamship Authority traffic statistics shows. Publicly available SSA data show that approximately 4,600 people came to the Island from the mainland in the month of March — and stayed.
Between March 1 and March 31, the net difference between car and passenger traffic from the mainland to the Island ballooned over the first few weeks of the month compared with last year, just as the impacts of the coronavirus were beginning to spread. And even as traffic tanked later in the month and into April, the net increase to the Island remained steady.
Using off-season population estimates from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and the Gazette that put the total year-round population at 16,535, a 4,600-person gain would account for a nearly 30 per cent increase in the Island’s population over the course of March and early April. That number is more than double last year’s population increase in March.
The large discrepancy between travelers coming to the Vineyard versus those leaving happened even as overall traffic declined by about 35 per cent throughout the month.
Although SSA spokesman Sean Driscoll declined to comment on the population change, he confirmed that the interpretation of the numbers was accurate.
As of March 21, boat line data shows that 34,186 passengers made the trip from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard since the beginning of the month. A total of 29,533 passengers left the Island during the same time period, suggesting a net difference of 4,653 people on the Island during the first three weeks of March.
During the same time period in 2019, the net difference in travel to the Island was 2,480 people, approximately half the 2020 difference.
The passenger numbers include both people who walk on the ferry and those traveling as passengers in cars.
The numbers tell a similar story for automobile traffic. By March 21, 1,667 more cars had come to the Island than left. In 2019, the number for the same time period was 855, also about half the difference in 2020.
As of March 31, there was a total net difference of 4,568 passengers traveling from Woods Hole to the Vineyard, compared with the number of people traveling the other way. For automobiles, the net difference between those coming and going over the month was 1,686. Both are approximately twice the net increase in travel to the Island over 2019, suggesting that an influx of about twice as many people and cars had occurred in the first three weeks of March.
Although there are multiple ways for travelers to arrive and depart the Island, including private boats, other charter vessels, commercial airlines and private jet travel, the SSA historically is the main traffic artery to the Island. And while Mr. Driscoll said it is normal for there to be discrepancies between those coming to the Island and those leaving during the spring months, he agreed the overall total for March was unusual.
“At this time of year, it is more than what we would normally see,” he said.
As the coronavirus crisis has unfolded, there is some anecdotal evidence too that the population of the Vineyard is significantly higher than is usual for this time of year, especially considering stay-at-home orders and shuttering of most businesses. Edgartown residents have reported more lights on at night in the ordinarily seasonal downtown neighborhoods, and hiking trails, beach parking lots and other scenic spots are crowded for April.
Steve Bernier, who owns Cronig’s Markets and offers a discount to most year-round residents, said he had no data that showed an overall increase in customers. While he had noticed a few more out-of-state license plates in his parking lot, Mr. Bernier said his dramatic increase in business and sales volume over the past month was due to decreases or closures in the Island’s other two food channels — restaurants and schools. Data from Islander discount versus regular-price customers would not be available until the third week of April, he said.
There are many reports that traffic is steady and even heavy at times in certain hot spots on the Island, including at Menemsha at sunset. Because of that, Chilmark selectmen decided this week to limit parking at the Dutcher Dock to 15 minutes.
That’s enough time to watch the sunset and go home.
Comments
As for the photo of the QBA
Mr. B ChilmarkAs for the photo of the QBA parking lot at the lead of the article, please know that Tisbury Great Pond was opened to ocean early in the week, and this always draws not just spectators, but also the sewers, who come to observe and police the event.
At least a portion of the
island girl IslandAt least a portion of the folks who arrived on the ferry (and did not leave) could have been island kids who have been away at school or university/college. I personally know of a number who were released from school around the middle of March. Not just released but "deported" from their educational institution. This is their home, and home they came. It isn't close to 5000 people but the annual population -- does that include all the kids away at school or in the services? Someone -- a statistician -- needs to sort that out. Having suggested that, yes, there are a lot of folks who normally are domiciled elsewhere here.
Is that where the bandwidth
Teacherteacher MVIs that where the bandwidth went? Students rely on internet for their lessons now.
An uptick of untraced
Chip Coblyn OBAn uptick of untraced visitors is my greatest concern, and this story comes as an unwelcome surprise as I was thinking strictly about the summer. While contact tracing is useful, in the absence of widespread testing—including asymptomatic people—an accurate picture of the coronavirus is virtually impossible.
The very existence of our
Hugh Taylor AquinnahThe very existence of our island life is carried by the fact that this wonderful place has been a refuge for city dwellers for nearly a century....though it has mostly been a summer refuge, I, for one, am thrilled that the Vineyard can now be a refuge during this unusual storm, particularly since these urban dwellers/workers pay the taxes that fund a great deal of our island life.
Stay well in mind and body.
Thank you for being welcoming
Aeolian EdgartownThank you for being welcoming and open minded.
Gracefully done, Hugh.
Dana Nunes VHGracefully done, Hugh.
Hugh, If you could just
Naomi Vineyard Haven / RIHugh, If you could just indulge me...I left the island in early March when all this was picking up speed. It’s really hard being away from my island buddies, a 5 yr old grandniece & 2 yr old grandnephew. This is when I normally love to stay on the island, before things get crazy with crowds & traffic in the summer. For me to be a good neighbor, ironically, I had to leave the island. Just your kind, understanding statement recognizing that the island is a refuge for all is appreciated. I won’t return until it’s safe for the island, as people I love are there & I wouldn’t want to add harm or any unneeded additional strain to the community. Trying to stay well in mind and body is tough when I can’t laugh with a couple of funny faces while playing with Play-doh or running around playing hide & seek. Like everyone, I’m looking forward to simpler times & getting back to MV, a place I consider to be magical. I appreciate you taking the time to post an understanding statement. Wishing safety for everyone. Thanks
Bravo Hugh. A voice of reason
Chris KatamaBravo Hugh. A voice of reason among the torches and pitchfork crowd.
Bravo! Well said Hugh
Kimberly Lanoue EdgartownBravo! Well said Hugh!
Well said Hugh. I am summer
Susan Casey AquinnahWell said Hugh. I am summer resident who lives in SF most of the year and it has made me so sad to see all the negative press about how we are not welcome on the island. So nice to hear this comment from one of my neighbors...thank you and look forward to seeing you soon.
In this analysis at least,
Here and There CTIn this analysis at least, SSA counts should not be regarded as accurate. When we left in March, the SSA ticket-takers waved us on board, clearly not wanting to handle our multi-ride passenger cards. How many others left to protect their island brethren (gratefully getting a free pass from the SSA), but are being counted as still on-island?
I too know that there were
ZephyrI too know that there were significant numbers of returning college students once the colleges shut down in March, and I think there were also people who live in multiple places who returned when their jobs on the mainland shut down. I personally know of several contractors who live on the mainland all week where their work is and then return to their homes on the island for weekends. So far it seems the island is doing well compared to many parts of the country. Let's all keep the distancing up and take precautions and we will get through it together!
Um, is it possible that some
Islander TooUm, is it possible that some of those trips actually were by the same people?
For example, if I came to the Island to pick up some things and then left, and then came back, that would be three trips. But I am just one person . . .
Or if someone left the Island before March 1 and returned after March 1, that would be a net gain of 1, right?
Just wondering . . .
Why are all these people
Lorraine EdgartownWhy are all these people moving around? Stay home, please. Appoint one person per household to run errands, needed errands, and the rest just stay in place. As someone who has a compromised system, I highly resent people running around when they are possibly scattering virus everywhere. I am beginning to be irritated at people and I do not want to be. Stay home, for goodness sake.
Unfair to judge others when
Jennifer EDGUnfair to judge others when you don't know the reason that they are out and about. Buying groceries for an elderly neighbor? Picking up a prescription for a sick child? You don't know. If you have a compromised system and are staying home per your own advice, the actions of "those people" should not impact you.
Was waiting for someone to
MarieWas waiting for someone to cast judgement on visitors. All this down time has made judging others a competitive game
The swell and numbers seems
Dean Rosenthal EdgartownThe swell and numbers seems to be being reported as some kind of curious mystery. The whole island knows that the increase is due to a bunch of people who own second or third homes who have come out here to “ride out” the coronavirus pandemic. Judge it for whatever you think it may be, but let’s report it in full. There are several other facets to the same story, the most important being the minimal health services we have here, if reporting is to be done, cover the full picture, please.
The early reports that we
Elizabeth OConnor edgartownThe early reports that we doubled our population appear to be unfounded. We brought home three college kids. And this IS their home. I respect everyone's right to come to their homes, whether they are here year-round or not. What we need to do is continue to respect each other by social distancing, regardless of license plates. It looks like it is working. But I am deeply saddened by the hateful comments being made about people who have every bit of right to be here as we do. I hope we can all heal when this is over.
They just opened the pond and
JacobThey just opened the pond and the fish arrive around this time in april... this not only draws fisherman but people walking the beach to see.
I’m a local and the owner of
John rogers QuansooI’m a local and the owner of the black Chevy avalanche in this photo and who cares if I go let off steam and go throw a line in the water at quansoo I’m not going near anyone or touching anything I put my waiders on and wade in the water 100ft from other people
I'm sure your taking
Jim FlI'm sure your taking precautions, but your trucks are not practicing the 6ft rule. spread them apart if you can... so we don't get a another Trucking virus.
little pun there.
Lots of traffic on the dirt
S. QuansooLots of traffic on the dirt road. Can y’all keep it to the 15 m.p.h. speed limit, please.
The comments Hugh Taylor made
Carol Jupiter, FLThe comments Hugh Taylor made were like the sound of the wind in the willows. Thank you.
I totally agree Carol
Kimberly Lanoue EdgartownI totally agree Carol
The incoming numbers is a red
Al Reis EdgartownThe incoming numbers is a red herring- the real issue is the general ding-dongery of people who nudge up against other people in supermarkets, don’t distinguish between 6 feet and 6 inches, and seem oblivious to every caution and warning. I’ll take 500 sensible off islanders staying at their 2nd homes over 1 of these hazardous fools.
In the name of ding-dongery,
Bulkington EdgartownIn the name of ding-dongery, I must agree!
Bulkington, I agree. I
Lorraine EdgartownBulkington, I agree. I commented that people should just stay home if not necessary and was taken to task. I am compromised and I have to go out and do my own errands. All I ask is a little courtesy and the adherence to best practices as outline by our experts. Anyone with eyes can see others not adhering to best practices.
And don't forget the rest of
Diane Mchugh NJ, but 2-3x/ year visitorAnd don't forget the rest of us who miss the Vineyard and can't wait to come in the summer !
The island's beauty and peace is true balm for the soul and heart.
See you in August and October !
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