<p>A 12.5-acre residential property off Old County Road is slated to become a permanent home for the film festival, the organization said, although no plan has been presented yet.</p>
A residential property in the heart of West Tisbury is slated to become a permanent home for the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, the organization’s founder and executive director said.
Thomas Bena, a Chilmark resident who founded the educational nonprofit film festival 16 years ago, said a purchase and sale agreement has been signed for 12.5 acres off Old County Road formerly belonging to the late Cynthia Walsh.
The film festival will pay $1.4 million for the property, which includes a Greek revival house fronting the road and a large expanse of open, arable farmland behind it. A closing is set for June 22, Mr. Bena said.
“This came on the market at a price we felt was very reasonable,” he said. “It’s a home for us, but I want it to be a new story for the Island too.”
MVFF announced the news in an email to members late last week.
No plan has been presented or approved for the property, which lies in the village historic district. But Mr. Bena said before signing the purchase agreement, he approached the West Tisbury planning board and learned that because the film festival is an educational nonprofit, it would be permitted in a residential area.
Any plan for the property would need an array of regulatory approvals, including from the Martha's Vineyard Commission. Mr. Bena said there are no contingencies attached to the sale agreement.
Minutes from a planning board meeting on March 28 show that Mr. Bena and a group from the film festival, including board president Stephen Bernier, came before the board to discuss the purchase at 694 Old County Road.
At the time Mr. Bena outlined plans to build a 6,000-square-foot barn for film events, as well as plans to grow food on the property and sell it. Rez Williams, who lives nearby, also attended the meeting and raised concerns about impacts from septic system on the Mill Pond watershed. Board members suggested that the MVFF draft a more concrete plan so they would have something detailed to look at.
Speaking to the Gazette this week, Mr. Bena emphasized that plans for the property are in the very earliest stages, and expressed a strong desire to work with neighbors and be sensitive to all concerns.
“We are expecting push back about noise and traffic,” he said. “This is going to be a long, slow process.”
He said current concepts include building a barn in the back to show films and hold events, using the house as office space and possibly for some other nonprofit, and allowing the land in the back to be farmed.
Founded in 2001 as a home-grown winter film festival for year-round Islanders, the organization has grown and expanded through the years to include more events and educational programs, including for families and children.
The March film festival continues. A summer film series that includes community dinners and panel discussions also is held at the Chilmark Community Center and in other places around the Island, including the Tabernacle and Performing Arts Center. Cinema Circus is a summer film program for children. This summer the festival will host its first summer filmmaking camp for young people.
“The idea is to not just show films but provoke discussion and debate so it becomes a richer learning experience for people,” Mr. Bena said.
The festival’s office is currently housed adjacent to the Chilmark Tavern at Beetlebung Corner.
Mr. Bena said he is excited at the opportunity to move permanently to West Tisbury, “in the heart of the Island.”
He said film festival leaders are actively fundraising and hope to raise $2 million by the time of the closing.
But for now, he said he is extending an open invitation to community members to walk the property with him and give him their ideas.
“I really want to go slowly. I can’t stress that enough.”
Comments
Terrible idea. Better to use
Ted Bayne WTTerrible idea. Better to use resources already available.
The MVFF is already
Ridiculous WTThe MVFF is already soliciting donations for this project that isn’t yet solidified. What could they possibly need funding for at this point in their ‘not in my backyard, but yours is ok’ project? Is it possible these donations are going to corporate lawyer fees to find loopholes capable of pushing this project through so the directing board members ( http://tmvff.org/staff/) of the MVFF don’t have to use any of their own funds to attempt this project because they anticipated the (rightfully so) public outcry of this sneaky endeavor.
If this is truly something the MVFF feels is a need to MV, why have none of the members, leaders, or staff offered their own land as the setting for the facility? There is a nice field, already cleared of forest, on North Road that would hold a large parking lot and tall building just fine.
The outrage in West Tisbury
mark reisman west tisburyThe outrage in West Tisbury is palpable and could well result in litigation before or after the closing of the real estate deal. The development cuts right through the heart of a residential neighborhood and the town of West Tisbury, as well as one the most peaceful and naturally beautiful parts of the island. At the least, it is a very sleazy attempt by the film festival to circumvent local planning by relying on its "educational non-profit" status. It raises significant questions about the non-profit and tax exempt status of the film festival. It pits wealthy vacationers in Chilmark and other contributors and sponsors of the film festival against the rest of the island. Surely, they can find and fund the purchase of a site in Chilmark to sponsor their vanity project. It makes one wonder what (besides money) the Walsh family cares about? It suggests at least an extreme insensitivity by Mr. Bernier toward a good chunk of Cronig's customer base. Perhaps Mr. Bernier should consider moving Cronig's up island to Chilmark to better serve the customers he apparently values most.
i agree with all the afore
lea Delacour WT residenti agree with all the afore mentioned comments! the film festival at the chilmark community center feels appropriate to the vineyard style and scale. turning it into a bigger commercial venture on a main road in WT seems utterly against the precious simplicity that most of us love and come here for.
i can appreciate getting excited about "more" but "just say no" would be the right response to putting a commercial operation there. Thomas B commented he didn't want to put a film center in a strip mall. it seems to me that that is where they belong!
This is colossally dumb.
TOM HODGSON WTThis is colossally dumb. Enough grandiose megaprojects already.
I would be interested to know
Richard Andre West TisburyI would be interested to know if the Board of Directors of the MVFF (Steve Bernier, Anne Evasick, Joanna Cole, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Jeffrey Kusama-Hinte, Dawn Porter and Mitch Rubin) were involved in this decision. One would reasonably expect that a functioning board would have provided proper oversight, advised on the benefits and negatives of this proposal, considered other options, reached out to the community and FINALLY VOTED to APPROVE such an strategic decision. I would love to read the Minutes of the board meetings that led up to this offer.
I too am very curious about
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyI too am very curious about this. The board is, of course, responsible, but I also wonder if Mr. Bena consulted any of the festival staff, several of whom ggrew up here and/or have lived on the island long enough to know that this is a really stupid way to go about getting something done.
This is a great location for
FilmBuffThis is a great location for the MVFF. It is not a megaplex. You are panicking too soon.
I think that anything that is different is immediately rejected.
Telling people to go to Oak Bluffs is a bit insulting. Something that would be a disaster for your neighborhood would be perfect in Oak Bluffs? Oak Bluffs has commercial density so keep adding to it? Try sharing.
With regard to OB, the idea
Concerned WT Resident WTWith regard to OB, the idea of restoring an old eyesore of a theatre versus building a new one was not meant to insult the town of OB. I love OB! Primarily, I was suggesting that this project be placed somewhere with appropriate zoning - commercial or mixed use. Putting it in a residential area is just wrong. Also, by Vineyard standards, it is a "megaplex." To put it in perspective, the Grange Hall is 3,000 sq. ft. This would be twice that size.
It's not a great location.
Protect the Village WTIt's not a great location. It is zoned Residential i.e. not for a 6,000 sq ft movie theater with a 75 car parking lot. This project's only slim hope of proceeding will be by fighting it out with the town and MVC through a debatable loophole. Clever.
Who would be insulted by
mark reisman west tisburyWho would be insulted by mentioning Oak Bluffs? Oak Bluffs was mentioned because there are two old movie theatres on commercial streets that could be redeveloped and used for the primary commercial purpose of the development. "Educational classes" could be held in the movie theatres when films aren't being shown. It would perhaps improve the look of downtown Oak Bluffs. As these comments suggest, many people who live in West Tisbury are up in arms because we know the area to be completely residential and rural in nature and own property in WT precisely because of these qualities. You mention "try sharing." People from all over the island can come and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful open land in West Tisbury, as well as the farmers' market, artisan festivals and commercial businesses that are located in their established areas within WT. I find it curious that you (who are anonymous in your comment) have not asked the directors, advisory board members and the founder and executive director of the MV Film Festival, who mostly own property in Chilmark and who are collectively quite wealthy, to buy a site to develop in Chilmark, which they could then "share" with the rest of the island. Or perhaps the film festival should stay on its existing site in Chilmark and give Chilmark a continued opportunity to "share" with the whole island.
As someone who was an abutter
Save the heartland West TisburyAs someone who was an abutter to the development of 100 acres of virgin woodland for the sake of a "non- profit" nursing home, I can attest to the problematic nature of 'spot zoning' for the apparent betterment of the community,.Its loophole that is utilized by high powered lawyers to push through projects that would otherwise be considered commercial usage. Not only would this project destroy pristine agricultural land, ruin the tranquility and soul of the town, it would generate greatly increased traffic at an already congested, a parking lot roughly the size of an acre, it would be essentially tax exempt. That means little or no tax revenue. Make no mistake, the MVFF may say they will contribute, but its a voluntary contribution. Every aspect of this plan is abomination to our sense of community. But just wait, if and when it gets rejected, I am sure certain backers will step forward and push through a development that will be approved on the basis of the lack of affordable housing and the 40B statute. My only hope is that the community unites and rallies against this project and sees beyond the pretty pictures they will present, because once its gone, its gone forever.
I love the MVFF. I even
Miguel Samuel de Braganca WTI love the MVFF. I even played music there about 10 years ago. Thomas never paid us though... Kind of the like way he is not paying any attention to the residents of the neighborhood his misguided plan threatens to impact. For a guy who preaches so much about community -- his actions and lack of transparency are ironic at best and damning at worst. He reached out to NO ABUTTERS to ask how neighbors feel about this project. In fact he has stated he is prepared and willing fight the town in an embarrassing attempt to force a round peg into a square hole. Thomas and Board: stop now before you buy the land -- lest your legacy become a black spot on the rich creative fabric of this island.
I continue to be shocked at
Marian irving West tisburyI continue to be shocked at this proposal. When WT voted to preserve an Historic District including the Mill Pond, the village center, vintage homes on Music Street and Old County Rd ...it was purposeful. We treasure our old shade trees, gardens,and green spaces of open land, which is why I chose to live here. Anyone affiliated with this ridiculous idea for the Walsh property obviously does not share this view.
Whoever dreamed up this
Slippery Slope West TisWhoever dreamed up this scheme should publicly shamed. Trying to pass off a movie theatre barn/non-profit farm as an educational facility in a residential neighborhood is a farce. An educational facility that teaches you how to take off your clothes and spin around poles would be just as arbitrary.
Someone should make a film about how the Chilmark elite are trying to dupe everyone in West Tisbury and air it at theatre in the strip mall in VH next summer with special guest speakers Thomas Bena and Steve Bernier.
The MVFF does great work, but
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyThe MVFF does great work, but my question is "Why does it need a home of its own?" Physical plant can be a huge time and money sink, not to mention a distraction from the group's main purpose. Besides, WT already has a "vibrant year-round gathering place for our community, a place where education, art, and inspiration intersect" (as the MVFF called its plans in a recent fundraising letter). It's called the library. Great things also happen at the Grange and the Ag Hall.
An admirable organization but
Kib Bramhall West TisburyAn admirable organization but a totally inappropriate location. Should not be in the Historic District.
Reading the article and the
Washashore EdgartownReading the article and the responses I really am disappointed in the what people have to say. Firstly, the article says the land is residential, it's not, it's agricultural. Secondly, what the festival has in mind is a barn at the back end of the property far from the road. I wasn't pleased with Thomas' comment about the Film Center but what the festival has planned is more of a Arts Center. A place more in keeping with the land. It's not going to be a megaplex or a even anything like a off-island movie theater. Reading all these comments I'm shaking my head but I'm not surprised. So many people thought the roundabout was a terrible idea, it'll destroy the island! It's actually improved the quality of everyday driving. Now I think about the twice weekly traffic jam caused by the West Tisbury farmer's market. We survive that don't we? There wouldn't be near as much traffic for this place. The comments here are over reactions. Remember when the Agricultural Society outgrew their old home and moved to their present location? Oh the outrage! It'll destroy West Tisbury! Why do they need soo much land?...Such a big barn?...all that parking? Everybody needs to take a chill-pill and realize that this can be a plus for the town and the island.
Oh, by the way...The Island Theater in Oak Bluffs is in such bad shape that the next nor'easter might knock it over.
Just to be specific the land
Richard Andre West TisburyJust to be specific the land is zoned Residential and barns are for animals and farm machinery NOT movie theaters and an arts center.
Your comments indicate that you are privy to specific details of the project and that you have seen a site development plan. Correct?
Washashore,
Jonathan Hartzband West TisburyWashashore,
The zoning is actually RU (rural use). If you read the zoning bylaws of West Tisbury you will see that under the RU zoning this type of development would not fit the purpose of RU. Just to put this into context, the West Tisbury property card lists the Ag hall at 5973 sq feet; according to the planning board minutes, the movie theater will be 6000 sq ft. The West Tisbury library has 50 parking spaces; according to the minutes, it says the MVFF will have 50-75 cars "on a busy night." The minutes also referenced the construction another office building and a commercial kitchen. The MVFF can call it a barn, but it's going to be a movie theater. They can say the are "educational," but we know thats a tactical maneuver to avoid local zoning.
I don't agree with the comparison between the roundabout and Ag hall because both of those endeavors were responding to a need. In my opinion, the movie theater project neither serves a need nor enhances this part of the Island. It takes what is now a pastoral field, dense woodland, a historic home and turns it literally into a circus. Any neighborhood on the vineyard should be scared of a project like this, it will completely undermine a town's ability to follow the zoning bylaws it puts in place to protect itself.
My sense is that people aren
Miguel Samuel de Braganca West TisburyMy sense is that people aren't against the concept... It's just the wrong place. And West Tisbury already has a bunch of great community centers. If the MVFF gang needs a home so badly, they should find it in an area that's zoned appropriately.
Also, the blinking lights intersection was a true problem impacting drivers and public transit riders. I have never in my life heard anyone say "we need a movie theater up island with a farm."
1. The land is residential (a
mark reisman west tisbury1. The land is residential (a person lived in a house on the property) as well as agricultural. A film center is neither.
2. A film center, children's camp, circus and some incidental "educational" activities like cooking classes or movie discussion do not make an "arts center," whatever that term really means. Featherstone is an art center, and it already exists at another location.
3. The building and parking lot are sizeable by neighborhood standards. Compare it to the grange and parking around it. Unlike in the case of the grange, there are no town or commercial buildings close to the Walsh property.
4. The film festival is not a roundabout. That would come later at the end of Old County Road due to the traffic that would be caused by the film center.
5. There are plenty of other commercial places on the island for the film center. Alternatively, there are plenty of remote locations in Chilmark for it, including locations that are within the financial and geographical reach of the directors, sponsors and donors.
6. The island theatre could be renovated, and an eyesore could be eliminated that would improve the main street in Oak Bluffs.
7. Taking a chill pill might be easier if you live in Edgartown.
As I noted in a previous
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyAs I noted in a previous comment, West Tisbury already has a wonderful, vibrant, educational arts center: the library. Amazing things also happen at the Grange and the Ag Hall. Featherstone Center for the Arts is, what, eight miles away? It should be obvious from the huge effort that went into the library expansion and renovation that West Tisbury *does* support the arts, education, and creativity in general. The library people did everything right: they solicited input from the community at every turn and kept the community informed. MVFF, for reasons known only to itself, has done none of that. The results are becoming more apparent every day.
Washashore:
islander born up, live down.Washashore:
The Roundabout seems to be veryone's all-purpose Gotcha for trying to ridicule those who push back against stupid development. An Astroturf advocate also brought up the Roundabout at the Performing Arts Center public meeting! Fact is, the Roundabout was a waste if money and has had a fair number of those pesky unintended consequences.
Washashore sounds like a troll to me.
Glad to see that other commenters besides me have independently come to the same views as I have. Namely, this is a vanity project whose "peaceable" "alternative" proponents have set a confrontational course. Obviously they have so much money they think they can sustain a long fight. For shame.
We all love the MVFF, but not
FB Vineyard havenWe all love the MVFF, but not at the expense of the historical town of West Tisbury, you need to find a venue that does not alienate your fellow islanders
MVFF adds a lot to the
Jeremy Berlin WTMVFF adds a lot to the cultural life of the Island - a midwinter film festival where those of us hanging on till Spring does wonders and gives us something to look forward to. I've been a paid contributor, playing music before several screenings over the last few years, and I hope to have the opportunity again. Not, however, on the Walsh property in WT. All of the statements above regarding the mis-use of agricultural property in a historic district, the noise, the cars, the scale, the invasion of abutters' whole reason for choosing to live in the rural tranquility that the area affords, do not need re-iteration. I agree with them all, and wonder, along with many, why the MVFF cannot integrate its program with some of the other institutions and structures on the Island. The Martha's Vineyard Film Society and its state-of-the-art theatre - a real pleasure to frequent - seems like a great place to share space and time and resources. The big lawn behind Beach Road Restaurant, the parking, the facility: it's all there. Is there no possibility that these two ventures could merge instead of compete? The pleasures of cultural life near the water with the Boch property soon to be a park...sounds pretty good to me.
The back of this property is
MmcfThe back of this property is all priority habitat and regulated by the Massachusetts endangered species act. Lots of regulatory review.
Thomas Bena thinks he can do
Surprised and Annoyed in Chilmark ChimarkThomas Bena thinks he can do whatever he wishes with no regard for the environment or the community. This is blatant attempt to circumvent zoning bylaws under the educational non profit "clause". As far as I can tell MVFF is full of profit for their administrative staff and known to ask everyone else to "volunteer" or donate their time and efforts. It is people like Bena that change our rural characteristic community into a gentrified mess all under the idea of education and farming!
I'll be boycotting this barn/movie center and visiting the film center at the "strip mall"!
Annoyed and dismayed
The film festival prices are
Peter Oliver Chillmark / SamfordThe film festival prices are high and they charge thousands to rent out the couches. You are correct the company is for profit.
This doesnt seem like a good
Elise Hillman Green Middle Road, ChilmarkThis doesnt seem like a good fit. More appropriate would be the old Hot Tin Roof at the airport. That is perfect location and venue.
At least allow these folks to
Paul Adler West tisburyAt least allow these folks to present a Plan before bashing. I will say, unless I had deep pockets, I would never outguess the MVC and buy anything without their approval unless you like surprises
Attention please!
A neighbor West TisburyAttention please!
Land Bank, IGI, Morning Glory Farm, Sheriff's Meadow, VCS, Whipporwill Farm -- get together to buy out Bena's contract. That land should be saved and farmed like The Tea Lane Farm and farmhouse in Chilmark. Krishana Collins has brought that farm back to a quiet and productive life beautifully.
Thomas, Steve, Skip and the rest of the MVFF Board, do the right thing. The opposition you have encountered in this short amount of time is a spark that could burn down a lot of trees and little bird nests.
As a homeowner and resident
Concerned Historic District Resident WTAs a homeowner and resident in the historic district of WT, I am opposed to this project for more reasons that I can list here: traffic on a narrow road too close to an impossible intersection, noise, use of open space for parking, water and septic, impact on abutters, change to the historic district and while the historic district can dictate to homeowners in the historic district, they are about to allow this? Really?
This may be very naive of me,
Michelle WTThis may be very naive of me, but there is this huge Ag Hall right around the corner from the proposed MVFF site with plenty of parking, a hall that could be used for movies, and plenty of outside room for "circuses" or whatever. Why can't the MVFF work out an arrangement with the Ag Society to use this venue?
I work in nonprofit film and
NYC visitor BrooklynI work in nonprofit film and the dream to have one's own theater and facility is shared by every film nonprofit ever. It's not a new idea and it's seldom successful. So are film festivals; even the biggest ones in the U.S. often run in the red. Figuring out how to bring otherwise unavailable and unknown foreign and indie films to the island year round is great but use the existing theaters on the island. How about a program that acquires hard to find and new foreign and indie DVD's for the library. (Not everything is on Netflix.)
a neighbor of Cynthia Walsh
margo McClellan west tisburya neighbor of Cynthia Walsh
My long time friend, Cynthia would be horrified to know the outcome of her beautiful land. The promise that her peaceful acres were to be turned into a commercial exercise producing heavy traffic, noise and pollution would cause her excruciating distress .We must stop this prospect now!
films and farms find fury
Calister Roose Vtfilms and farms find fury fast
-a poem I just wrote
I have recently learned of
Old County Road Neighbor West TisburyI have recently learned of the MVFF's plans by word of mouth from neighbors. This is surprising because the property that my family and I own borders on Cynthia Walsh's. It does not bode well for the MVFF's interest in local input -- much less taking it seriously -- that it did not see fit to contact my family or me about their plans. I would have expected more from an organization that professes to be concerned about the Vineyard.
No, no, no! What arrogance!
WT ResidentsNo, no, no! What arrogance!
A shocking and downright
John Alley West TisburyA shocking and downright disgusting plan right in our Historic District. The Walsh sisters, Lawler and Kim, ought to be ashamed of themselves for making such a mess in town all for the sake of $. People will not take this lying down.
Agreed, though I most
Gabrielle Whitcombe West TisburyAgreed, though I most certainly will lie down in front of a bulldozer if it comes to that.Appalling, arrogant and stupifying.
This is about as ill
George Stonbely NYC - - -and summertime visitor to MV since 1971This is about as ill-conceived an idea as I have ever heard - - -and that it comes from a self-proclaimed preservationist is the more disappointing. Mr. Bena et al - - - "rethink your idea".The poisonous vibes that you are creating will certainly undue any good work that you have represented over the past many years, and cast a pall over your film festival.
What about the light
West Tisbury Resident West TisburyWhat about the light pollution, will this appear like a Walmart parking lot with 60 car parking at night???
I will never support this
MVFF Member No More MVI will never support this organization again and am sorry I have in the past. I encourage other members to do the same. This is clearly not a community supported project and I doubt the leaders actually have an honest desire to serve the community, just an agenda of a personal movie playground.
It's a silly location. Mr.
Nimby Martha's VineyardIt's a silly location. Mr. Bernier lives in chilmark so it's ok to have this in W. Tis. Mr Bernier lives in Chilmark so it's ok to have affordable housing that he donates at 5 corners creating a mess for all to live with.
He was against the movement for beer and wine in Chilmark because it's in his back yard. This my friends is a perfect example of the island 1 percenters being the nimby we all talk about.
Mr. Bena's claim that he is
Don't Panic Yet MVMr. Bena's claim that he is an "educational" institution and exempt from local zoning will be litigated, for sure. He runs a commercial business that uses it's non-profit status as a tax strategy, that's all. It's still a commercial business trying to build a huge development in a historic rural district.
The exemption he claims only applies to those uses of property that have a "bona fide goal that is educationally significant." And the educationally significant goal must be the "primary or dominant purpose" for the proposed use of the land. Who is going to support the idea that showing movies is educationally significant? Because Netflix would be tax exempt if that is so.
West Tisbury Selectmen, Planning Board, Zoning Board and the MVC must take a stand now. This is wrong on every level. Let's see how long Mr. Bena's deep pocketed friends will support a lengthy law suit.
oh my God - could these
Joanne Lambert Oak Bluffsoh my God - could these people be more disdainful & condescending? I guess us commoners living in the filth of down-island or in the boonies of WT just don't know what's good for us! Must be our public college educations....
What a bloodbath! The
Dean Rosenthal EdgartownWhat a bloodbath! The circumvention of community input is outrageous - stretching out a hand after the fact is not an honest way to do promote a festival nor is it a successful community effort. I do hope that those who are affiliated with the MVFF who are reading this are taking notes, the extraordinary outcry is remarkable. Clearly, this is more than ruffling feathers. At minimum, the approach seems bush league, at worst it is insensitive and dumb. In the calculating formulation of the festival's founder who has now ruptured a tie to the community, "if you want an MVFF campus, we say build it elsewhere" - perhaps somewhere less central and more hospitable.
What people don't understand
Island resident up islandWhat people don't understand about the MVFF is that it does not stand or strive for entertainment--but rather art, food, community gathering and education. To spark debate and discussion island style.
They will not be erecting a "movie theater", but a peaceful, interdisciplinary arts barn and garden. If anyone has ever been to one of their events they would understand what the festival stands for, and it is certainly not to disrupt community, but to build and connect it and that's what the arts barn MVFF is building shall serve as: a place to bring the community together through art and film.
I have been to MVFF events
Lauren Jennings West TisburyI have been to MVFF events and they are lovely! A glass of wine, some local food and a good movie. They can also be substantial in size with cars overflowing from the Chilmark Community Center parking lot and all up and down the road. I believe the community is justified in its outrage regarding the placement of this theatre that is masquerading as a barn. Using a loophole to put this in a residential neighborhood is not right.
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