An Apology

As a longtime seasonal resident of Oak Bluffs, I was deeply disappointed to learn of the damage done to the Edgartown Post Office during the inclement weather over the past week. When I saw it in person, I was embarrassed to see residents, some of them my neighbors, maneuvering around buckets in the post office. People have been understandably upset; this is an inconvenience for many. It’s not just a nuisance — it’s very difficult for residents to travel to the Vineyard Haven Post Office to take care of their business, pick up letters, and even in some cases access their medications.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer a sincere apology to all residents affected by the temporary closure of the post office. I have been and will continue to be in constant communication or physically on site with the contractor every day to ensure that they are using every possible resource to get the building water tight again, and the post office fixed with operations restored in the shortest amount of time possible.

My team is working in partnership with post office officials to find a better solution than the one currently in place. Ideally, the plan will allow for residents to continue collecting their mail in Edgartown while the contractor works around the clock to fix the damage to the building, and restore it to perfect working order.

I am very committed to Martha’s Vineyard and to Edgartown. It is a special place for me and for my family. My promise to make this right is firm.

Charles Hajjar

Milton and Oak Bluffs

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/08/2016 - 07:57

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Edgartown Resident Edgartown

Mr. Hajjar,
Talk is cheap. On Thursday, before the evening deluge, I drove by the triangle twice. Both times I checked for workers at the site. None to be seen. One would think getting the building water-tight would be step one. Then the contractor would be able to commence the gutting and rebuilding of the interior. It seems like the only way for your contractor to work around the clock without running afoul of Edgartown's allowed construction hours.
Seems like now would be a good time to announce a courier service for the elderly and disabled and parents of young kids who rely on the PO for their mail.
FYI, the majority of Americans are forced by their health insurance companies to use mail order pharmacies for prescriptions. The health insurance racket imposes higher co-pays on brick and mortar pharmacies. For the 99% the price difference is significant.
Seems like a bold move to inconvenience so many to build a couple of apartments to rent at market rate. Since you state in the Times that you were not going to make money on this project anyway, now might be a good time to designate these apartments affordable in perpetuity.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/08/2016 - 08:38

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Ella

Will you be dedicating the parking at your properties at the Victorian Inn and The Sydney Hotel ( formerly The Fallon) for use by Edgartown PO Patrons? Seems like a fair expectation in exchange for inconveniencing 3K box holders and thousands more who pick up and send packages and medication.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/08/2016 - 10:27

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deshandra brown mv

Its a reasonable expectation to work multiple shifts, 24 hours a day to get the PO back to its primary function, serving the 3000 boxholders and other people who need to send packages and buy stamps. I'm sure the selectmen would give you an 'exemption' from any rules prohibiting construction 24/7, since this qualifies as an emergency. Being from 'off island' I'm sure you are aware that when certain construction projects require immediate attention, various shifts do the job 24 hours per day. If you mean what you say, actions speak louder than words/letters to the editor. Everyone will be watching for that night crew.

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