<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
It is my expert opinion that
Marriage Councilor Planet earthIt is my expert opinion that Historic WT does not object to the mission of the MVFF, and would even support an arts barn and garden, were the MVFF to pick a willing partner. Historic West Tisbury is naturally opposed to being party in a forced marriage to a spouse they find unsuitable. The last time MVFF tried to buy land in historic WT, they were blocked. To my trained eye that indicates the MVFF is aware of the residents' feelings about this courtship. I foresee a dysfunctional relationship should a marriage occur.
"You can put lipstick on a
Protect the Village WT"You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig"
They intend to build a 6,000 sq ft theater and show movies at least 3x nights a week from 6-11 pm in a residential neighborhood which, by the way, is not allowed under WT Zoning. That "peaceful, interdisciplinary arts barn and garden" will attempt to accommodate 200 attendees with parking for at least 75 cars. Peaceful really! We are not against the MVFF; we are against an ill-conceived plan in a district that is not zoned for such activity. There are numerous other suitable, commercially zoned locations available today all across the island either to own.
or rent.
Protect the Village WTor rent.
I am happy you enjoy the film
Jonathan Hartzband WTI am happy you enjoy the film festival and all it has to offer, but man, listen to what people are saying. No offense "Island Resident," but a MOVIE THEATER is what they are building. The educational component is a clever loophole found by an attorney, nothing more nothing less. 95% of what they do is ENTERTAIN wealthy summer residents. The residents of West Tisbury do not want it at this location. That should be all the MVFF and its board should care about. I am really hoping the board and the advisory board are paying attention. You have a way out, you can save face. This is not going to get any better, I have rarely in my 20+ years on MV heard so much disdain for a project.
The MVFF is an outfit run by
Islander born up, live downThe MVFF is an outfit run by people who have enough $$$ to set up a nonprofit and pay themselves (could they actually make it on a job where they weren't able to just write themselves checks and have fun "playing" at "working" at running a film festival?)and a few chosen associates a salary, charge very high prices for uneven-quality films and very small portions of food, and take advantage of volunteers and waffle about their ideals "art, food, community gathering and education." Hmmm. I volunteered at the MVFF some years ago, and in return I was offered a very small meal (don't touch any other food!!) and a free ticket. After washing pots and pans for quite a few hours I had to stand in line to get a "real" ticket for the one movie I wanted to see, and by the time I got there it was sold out. I bought a small snack and sat in a tent with a bunch of people who weren't very friendly! I decided I really never needed to drive up-Island to do this again. Please, stay in Chilmark!!! That is obviously where this rarified little event belongs.
Very well then...the MVFF
ajd New YorkVery well then...the MVFF board member's pockets are very, very deep. Raising funds for actualizing their collective vision couldn't be a problem.
It's a simple matter of purchasing a 12 acre property in Chilmark. Then the MVFF shall remain a destination that is "Up~Island " as you like to say.
First rule of do-good community org. strategy: Don't alienate the community.
Land grab followed by loop-hole zoning justification followed by forcing yourself on a neighborhood that vehemently rejects the idea is Donald Trump 101.
Hint: It does not end well.
can we all stop calling this
hoopla west tisburycan we all stop calling this a barn? barns are for animals and farming equipment. i'm so sick of rich people spending millions on unnecessary extra buildings and then calling them a "barn".
When the time comes I hope
RJ NYC and soon to be MV Home OwnerWhen the time comes I hope cooler heads prevail. To the MVFF board, etc. please use common sense and as in a marriage put the relationship (or in this case), the beautiful island first. We're all in this together. Nature should always win. Great idea to look into the old Hot Tin Roof.
There was me assuming that K.
Vineyard in my heart EdinburghThere was me assuming that K. Norquist was being heavil ironic! Sadly it would seem not. Goodness knows why I love buzzy O.B. when I have a Masters degree!! Seriously though I have to agree that it seems crazy not to use the movie theatres already available on the Island rather than plonk down new facilities in an area unsuited to them. I pity those poor abutters if it all goes ahead. Peaceful places deserve to be preserved.
Nice that all the neighbors
MarieNice that all the neighbors agree that the film center belongs somewhere else. I would expect nothing less.
I think that you don't want to share with people who are not like you. Keep it for youreslf, even though you don't own the property. As if counting your generations on the Vineyard gives you some priority over everyone else. You cannot control the world around you.
Marie, It is a violation of
NO!!! WTMarie, It is a violation of town zoning, a non-reversible change to a town village that has been simple and quite and peaceful for a very long time. People bought in this area because they wanted to live in a quieter more rural setting. The MVFF and its founder, it's president, most of it's clientele are Chilmark residents. Where is the outrage from Chilmark residents that their beloved festival is planning on leaving? There is none. That should tell you all you need to know about why we don't want it.
The film center belongs in a
mark reisman west tisburyThe film center belongs in a commercial area. The comments overwhelmingly support the notion that everyone on the island should be able to attend the entertaining events at the film festival as long as they are held in mixed use or commercial areas. Most residents of West Tisbury would no doubt support holding these events in West Tisbury at the Grange or Ag Hall, facilities that are designed and zoned to accommodate the festival's events. By the way, most people opposing the project have not lived here for generations, as you assert. Furthermore, this opposition would extend to neighborhoods that have the same characteristics as the historical district in West Tisbury regardless of which towns those neighborhoods are in. Finally, perhaps your comment should be directed to the festival's executive director, chairman of the board, other board members and advisory board members, as they live in Chilmark and have turned to other areas on the island to avoid opening Chilmark to outsiders. As the Grange and Ag Hall evidence, unlike Chilmark, West Tisbury is quite open to hosting a wide assortment of events for others on the island.
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.
YES!
MJC EDGartownYES!
I concur with many of the
Beatrice West TisburyI concur with many of the comments that this MVFF proposal does not belong in West Tisbury's historic district in a quiet residential and farming section of the village. Such a commercial venture would totally alter the character of this neighborhood and create horrendous traffic, noise, and environmental problems. As it is currently, there is significant traffic backup beyond the intersection of Old County and Edgartown Roads. Two previous attempts at relocating this MVFF facility in WT have been turned down. This proposal is even more egregious.Residents of WT and the Island should muster forces to prevent this facility from totally altering the character of the town and the neighborhood that is so precious.
This is a terrible idea. No
West Tisbury Elementary Cum Laude What?This is a terrible idea. No place for this in the heart of WT. Bena is getting 0 waves at his local surf breaks.
The island's #1 remora
Steve McQuiggan ChilmarkThe island's #1 remora strikes again! A textbook example of a hypocritical, NIMBY washashore.
The only up side to this idea is that the weekly mess around Beetlebung Corner during July and August may soon be gone.
As a long-time summer
Nancy H West TisburyAs a long-time summer resident of West Tisbury who lives about a half-mile from Cynthia Walsh's house (she was my closest Vineyard friend), I am appalled at the actions of the MVFF, its board of directors, and Mr. Bernier, the chairman of its board, in allowing this ill-conceived plan to move forward. Mr.Bena's funding appeal was thoroughly disingenuous: the appeal showed beautiful pictures of the Walsh house and spectacular pictures of the large field, covered with wildflowers-----a quintessential Vineyard meadow. This is the very field where Mr. Bena and the FF board plan to erect a movie theater and park 50-75 cars each summer evening. So much for appreciating/preserving the rural character of the Walsh property and the quiet of its residential neighborhood!
With his wealth, which comes from the community, Mr. Bernier has had the opportunity to do what Beineke did in Nantucket: work to preserve the character of the island and its communities. Instead, he seems to be oblivious to the unique environment of this beautiful place and the equally unique qualities of each of its towns. To plunk down a large commercial enterprise, however disguised as an "educational" institution, in a quietly beautiful residential community is blind to the qualities that make the Vineyard the desirable place it is. But I'm not surprised: his brutal, concrete, "industrial" solar arrays, first inflicted on the Vineyard Haven Cronig's Market, and now the equally ugly structure under construction at the Up Island Market, are clues to his insensitivity to the landscape of the island. Shame on him, and shame on the MVFF board which he leads, and, of course, Mr. Bena, all of whom are trying to force on the heart of West Tisbury this ugly and inappropriate project.
This proposal is far from a
John Alley West TisburyThis proposal is far from a well thought out plan and ought to be defeated. I agree with Charlie Kernick a can of worms has been opened!
If you feel passionately
Gabrielle Whitcombe West TisburyIf you feel passionately about this project, make your voice heard at the selectman's meeting today at 4:30 at the WT town hall.
The reason this film festival
Don't panic yet MVThe reason this film festival is leaving Chilmark? Booze. They are planning a restaurant with this enterprise and Chilmark recently opted to remain a dry town. Lots of money in booze and this outfit is mainly about money.
So I take it that's a big Yes
Rozzie Williams TisburySo I take it that's a big Yes for this project?
To those who are uninformed
Rez Williams West TisburyTo those who are uninformed about the Walsh family's position in this disaster, it may very well be that they were innocent of the true intent of the MVFF. Don't jump to any conclusions that would make a bad situation worse.
I agree and I also understand
Someone close WTI agree and I also understand that the property has a large reverse mortgage that forced the family to make some difficult decisions.
I hate to say this....BUT...
betsy w. TisburyI hate to say this....BUT....the plan for" a hostile takeover" of our beautiful land in West Tisbury...smacks of a Donald Trump move!!!
I am struck by the lack of
Edward Miller ChilmarkI am struck by the lack of civility in the myriad of letters to the Editor regarding the prospective purchase of property in West Tisbury by the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival (MVFF). It also appears that many of the attacks made on Thomas Bena and the MVFF have been authored by those who have never been to a MVFF event and thus have no concept that it's quite different than Kung-Fu Panda 3 at the Capawock.
Hopefully a thoughtful discussion of the merits/drawbacks of the proposal can take place soon. For instance, I would want to know how a highly professional documentary film venue that encourages community conversations about subjects that matter to many of us differs from a church, an Ag Hall, a Library, a Senior Center, etc.
You've missed the point. It's
Dean Rosenthal EdgartownYou've missed the point. It's not the idea to build a campus, it's the location. It's essentially right of Edgartown-West Tisbury Road and Old County Road and is on a property and in a neighborhood that is essentially zoned residential. It is a bucolic, natural rural neighborhood. I think it could be better placed in Chilmark, where the MVFF has been based for years and where their office are based. Like you, I support the MVFF and go to their events and think they do good for this island. But this idea of buying the land up, using a zoning loophole to set up shop, and to do so without the community conversation and discussion after the fact is deficient. There is nothing wrong with a campus for the MVFF. It is also worth noting that the director of the MVFF has had choice words for building in other towns, both on record and off. It is also worth noting that this vibrant community enterprise you are describing and that you and I both value failed to open up the conversation. Neighbors and West Tisbury residents found out through a newspaper article. That's not real community responsibility at work.
Why doesn't Bena buy land and
What's good for the goose... AquinnahWhy doesn't Bena buy land and build a 5,000 sf "barn" shaped theater in chilmark? Oh, that's right he can't. He spend the last two years lobbying to get Chilmark to limit the size of new development and everything over 3,500 sf would have to revive special permitting via the MVC. So here's a thought - My 501c3 is a Pitt bull rescue, or maybe it's a methadone clinic (I support both btw) but it's good to know that I can open either it in the heart of a beloved residential district in your neighborhood. The last time I went to cinema circus I spent a ridiculous admission price and 20 dollars on a hamburger. Who exactly is this non-profit serving?
our community thrives on
perspective.our community thrives on creativity and collaboration. rather than voicing our negative opinions in a public forum just for the sake of stirring the pot, the film festival has requested that our constructive opinions be voiced directly to them so they can accommodate any concerns that we may have as they develop their plan which appears to be in its earliest stages.
for any of us that have ever attended one of their events, we can certainly appreciate the rural spirit and vibe that the festival embodies...it certainly makes sense that they would want to build on the spirit which has given them success in an up-island rural setting. re-purposing a farm which has fallen in disrepair so that it has a soul of its own and once again continues to grow crops doesn't sound like such a bad idea? rather than it only being enjoyed by one family throughout the course of the year, it can bring smiles to thousands of locals and visitors to our community. i know that we can all agree that the potential happiness that this plan can bring certainly isn't a terrible idea.
giving life to the island theater in ob is a great idea. but it seems as though there is more to this plan and the concept of this space than just movies. we should all come together to find life for island theater too, but we shouldn't dismiss this plan before we've at least tried to work collaboratively to give it its best chance.
we all have so much offer and should be thankful that we live in a community where our opinion truly counts for something...lets use our opinions to spread some positivity.
I think what people are
MSDEB WtI think what people are saying is that a multi-use theater is a fine idea... But that the need isn't so dire that it's worth changing the vibe of a neighborhood that's zoned for other purposes. And putting a 2nd ag hall sized structure in the neighborhood would do that. Also, that land could be enjoyed by several families. Def not chill to take residential land out of play. Everything about TVMFF approach here has been off.
Nice one!
Bucolic is GoodNice one!
Actually, it is far better for the public to weigh in PUBLICLY, in a public forum, rather than acting, at the MVFF's behest, as unpaid consultants for the backers of a plan that very few seem to want. This "Keep it private and just tell us" idea seems just a bit disingenuous.
A public forum is exactly what has been missing up until this moment.
YIKES! I am grateful I lived
Ginny Pope Welton Old Saltonstall House Old County RoadYIKES! I am grateful I lived next door to Cynthia's house back in the 70's and not now. Makes me sad to read the island of my fondest memories has come to this! Renounce and enjoy y'all.
There's something here about
Sara Oak BluffsThere's something here about those who forget history being doomed to repeat it. Number one caveat when attempting something admittedly new and different is to let the neighbors in on the ground floor, from the beginning. The faltering "Arts District" of Oak Bluffs is an example of a place where that didn't happen. Had the neighbors of that proposed project been involved and consulted from the beginning, perhaps something would have had evolved in which everyone felt ownership and pride. Ideas, concessions and ultimate collaboration -- Mr. Bena missed step one here and I wouldn't be surprised if his entire project was thus doomed from the onset.
This sounds like a good old
WT Local - A Real One Far from MVThis sounds like a good old fashioned witch hunt. Unlike most of the people commenting I actually grew up in West Tisbury and met Thomas Bena shortly after he arrived on Island. Always been a good solid person. Now he wants to make a low key film fest venue in the "heart" of WT. Great! There is nothing for island youth to do in that town, but head down Island. Give something back and have some decorum people. An intelectual safe environment where kids (and you) can get some much needed perspective on the world is a good thing.Screw your zoning, hate, entitlement and white clapboard properties.
The arrogance is pretty hard
Have my cake and eat it too West TisburyThe arrogance is pretty hard to handle on this one. "Why doesn't the community bring me their ideas, walk the property with me, Partner up and talk about the business I want to build in the beucolic historic residential neighborhood?" Seriously? It's the historic district of west tisbury. How can Bena, Ditchfeild and the Board not see why people don't want to pal-up and hand hold. No high fives here. Get over yourselves guys. This is a very bad and terribly selfish idea that the island is clearly not in favor of. If you want a hime for the film festival (somehow turned farm to table venue with camps) play fair and buy one in a properly zoned area. it may not be the beucolic country setting that you dreamed of, but it won't be raping the historic district of her charm and won't be at other peoples expense either. It would however, be something you could be proud of.
This project has disregard
We must demand more diversity West TisburyThis project has disregard for the island, its residents and its future. We have places on the island for commercial projects, do we want our neighborhoods to become commercial centers too? Why not spread the wealth, continue to use venues all over the island and help drive commerce in commercial hubs. Do we need another film festival? Are their ways to diversify our cultural offerings and "educational" institutes on the island to offer more to our citizens than movies? When declaring this is an educational institution, how are they complimenting our current offerings? Is this going to help us round out our youths' education, might we want to offer other cultural opportunities? We live on an island. What we can house here is limited. As citizens, we should be discerning in what we allow and where. Our future and our Children's future depends on thinking clearly about what we allow to be develop and where!
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