Public Testimony

One of the longstanding activities of the organization is to provide input to public reviews of proposed developments and to other government processes on relevant environmental issues.

VCS regularly submits testimony to Town boards, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, and other state and federal agencies on issues ranging from housing and land use to habitat protection and community planning. The following summaries highlight key areas of our ongoing advocacy.

Below is a selection of recent testimony submitted by VCS to Town boards, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, and other state and federal agencies. These examples represent some of the most notable and ongoing issues we continue to address.

Black-and-white photo of two people standing beside a large sign reading “Recycling Center” in an outdoor, wooded area.

Active Testimony: Katama Meadows

This proposal is for a new subdivision for 54 acres of undeveloped land in the Meshacket Watershed near Edgartown Great Pond. This new proposal is asking to create 52 lots. It proposes to create 26 market-rate lots for the developer to sell. At an average size of 0.73 acres, the lots will be permitted for up to 5 bedrooms and 3,800 sq. ft., not including the basement, garage, and a finished 400 sq.ft. living space over the garage. These will most likely become luxury second homes, and there is nothing to prevent buyers from turning them into short-term rentals for financial gain. These 26 lots would have a massive impact on the town’s resources and the surrounding environment, including; 

An incredible increase to the nitrogen load on Edgartown Great Pond, exacerbating the problems already facing it, including toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Please read the letter from the Great Pond Foundation.

Habitat loss and fragmentation in one the last significant undeveloped tracts in the area, native forests that support rare species and provide many ecological services to us humans in the form of nitrogen uptake and carbon sequestration. For more on habitat and wildlife, refer to the full letter from BiodiversityWorks.

Increased traffic and night lighting, increased burden on community services, and loss of local character. Full VCS letter can be read here.

Are 12, incredibly small, densely planned building lots for the high end of the missing middle and a 2.8-acre, completely unbuilt land gift enough of a benefit to outweigh the very serious detriments to our environment brought about by 26 luxury homes?

Email your Opposition Today Attend MVC Meeting on May 7th

Housing & Development

Land Use & Habitat Protection

  • Special Ways DCPC, Martha’s Vineyard Commission
  • Habitat Take Mitigation, Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP)

Infrastructure & Energy

Artificial Turf Sports Fields

VCS has been involved for more than six years in advocacy around a proposal to install one or more artificial turf playing fields at the Regional High School. Joining with colleague groups and concerned citizens, VCS has submitted numerous letters and oral testimony to various boards and committees, including:

Additional Areas