The oldest fishing shack in Menemsha is now under the stewardship of the town of Aquinnah, at least for the short term. The Aquinnah selectmen voted 2-1 Tuesday night to take possession of what is known as the Alfred Vanderhoop shack.
The oldest fishing shack in Menemsha is now under the stewardship of the town of Aquinnah, at least for the short term.
The Aquinnah selectmen voted 2-1 Tuesday night to take possession of what is known as the Alfred Vanderhoop shack.
The 240-square-foot shack was built around 1865 and sits at the head of the harbor on Boathouse Road. It is believed to be the only remaining structure to have survived the historic Hurricane of 1938 in Menemsha. The shack and nearby dock are leased out to commercial fishermen under the Menemsha Creek leases granted by Chilmark and Aquinnah.
The 240-square-foot shack was built around 1865.
The 240-square-foot shack was built around 1865.
The taking marks the end of a year of intense and, at times, emotional discussion over property rights and lease arrangements for the old shack. The shack was formerly owned by the late Mr. Vanderhoop’s partner Camille Rose. Ms. Rose later sold the building to Wendy Swolinsky, who has been using the shack for her charter boat business for several years. Ms. Swolinsky holds a lease with the town on the abutting lot. A separate dispute is pending in Dukes County probate court between the Vanderhoop family and Ms. Rose over the sale of the shack.
Meanwhile, the land beneath the shack and dock area are owned by the town, and over the summer the selectmen assigned a four-year lease for the Vanderhoop shack lot to Vernon Welch. Mr. Welch was one of two applicants on a lengthy waiting list who were awarded leases. This was the first time in the 10-year history of the leasing that the lots became available.
It all added up to much confusion over who had the rights to what. Both Ms. Swolinsky and Mr. Welch claimed ownership to the shack and the dock space.
Finally this week the selectmen said they felt it was time to act.
“This has dragged on for months and months and it has gotten nowhere,” said selectman Jim Newman. “We have to stop it and move forward.”
Mr. Newman made a motion to reconfirm Mr. Welch’s right to his lease and that the building will become town-owned property.
Board chairman Beverly Wright concurred.
“The shack on the lot is the town’s and then we have to decide what we’re going to do with it,” she said. “The town is taking it, that’s it. If Camille and Wendy and the [Vanderhoop family] trust have an issue, then we will hear from them.”
Selectman Spencer Booker cast the dissenting vote, saying he felt Ms. Swolinsky should have time to respond.
The selectmen took no action on how to manage the property and said they would take the matter up at a later date.
Mr. Welch attended the meeting; Ms. Swolinsky arrived after the vote was taken.
“So you just take my property?” Ms. Swolinsky said. “You’ll be hearing from my attorney.”
Comments
Imagine that. The only
Chicken little AquinnahImagine that. The only person who desperately needs the property, who has been a good steward of it gets the shaft. Why don't the selectmen slide ms. Swolinskys dock onto the house lot and then it would all make sense and serve both parties?? Come on selectmen. Of course ms. Wright probably is conflicted and should recuse herself. Smells fishy to my chicken beak.
Hey chicken tiny give me your
Vernon welch AquinnahHey chicken tiny give me your real name so I can give you the facts. First of all the real fishyness started when the lots were developed, two of the selectmen were brothers and brother in law to three lot holders and the forth was a really, really,really good friend of all. So grow a set and give me a call and i'll educate you on the real story.
I think a big part of the
Berta welch AquinnahI think a big part of the problem has been left out of the equation. Alfred vanderhoop left a will and a trust. He expected his partner to respect his last wishes and we, the family, expected her to do that also. Let this be a lesson to all to be able to talk to your children, spouses, family about your wishes so everyone can plan for that time. We had those conversations with our uncle and did not see this coming
If Chicken Little had his/her
Beverly Wright AquinnahIf Chicken Little had his/her facts straight you will note in my file folder that a letter from Counsel states that I do not have a conflict. I represent all residents of Aquinnah equally and to imply otherwise is bogus.
well now were all convinced.
seriously? Realitywell now were all convinced. professionalism doesn't seem to be your strong point. what planet are you guys from?
So, to sell something you
Sanfilippo AquinnahSo, to sell something you only have use of is wrong. To buy something from someone who doesn't own it is foolish. For both partys to argue the facts of what is written and intended, for a narcissistic want is close to sin as I see it! The Slectmen of Aquinnah have done what should have happened first,had all of the facts been provided to them!
Aquinnah should use that
john neither here nor thereAquinnah should use that property for a town use perhaps as a visitor center advocating both for businesses and natural resources
Wow!! I am so glad I stumbled
Alexandra Rose ,New Jersey , formerly of Gay Head , Martha's Vineyard.Wow!! I am so glad I stumbled onto this article. I think it is time within reason for her to feel good.
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