<p>Frustration marked the Edgartown selectmen’s meeting over the situation at the Triangle, where the main post office has been closed since Friday.</p>
While Edgartown post office customers were trekking to Vineyard Haven to gather their mail, tension and frustration marked the selectmen’s meeting Monday over the situation at the Triangle, where the main post office has been closed since Friday due to water damage.
A partially finished construction project to add five second floor apartments to the building complex is blamed.
In Edgartown, rain leaked into post office lobby.
In Edgartown, rain leaked into post office lobby.
“It’s a situation you usually try to avoid,” Edgartown building inspector Leonard Jason Jr. told the Gazette Monday. “Left wide open to the weather, things don’t go well.”
Mr. Jason said he and the town wiring inspector visited the post office Friday. “The ceiling was saturated and parts of it were coming down,” he said. “I advised the powers that be, the [post office] regional supervisor . . . I told him if it was me I would close the building.”
As heavy rain fell Friday and through the weekend, the postal service announced that operations would be temporarily transferred to the Vineyard Haven Post Office. Edgartown box holders will be able to retrieve their mail at a dedicated space in the Vineyard Haven post office lobby; box holders are advised to bring identification.
There are more than 3,000 postal box holders in Edgartown; most town residents and businesses do not have rural mail delivery and must use a post office box.
U.S. Postal Service spokesman Steven Doherty told the Gazette Monday he is not aware of any damaged mail because of the water leaks.
Mr. Jason said he and the town have no official role in deciding when the post office will reopen, but he anticipated it would take awhile.
Reached by telephone Monday, Charles Hajjar, the commercial real estate developer and part-time resident who owns the building, downplayed the extent of the problem.
Construction project on second story of complex that houses post office, bank is blamed for problems at the Triangle.
Construction project on second story of complex that houses post office, bank is blamed for problems at the Triangle.
“It’s just been poor timing with all the precipitation,” he said. “Who would ever think we’d get this much rain and wind in April.” Mr. Hajjar said contractors need about four or five more days of work to finish framing the roof and making the building water tight.
He said there is no significant damage to the building. “Nothing that can’t be fixed in a day or two. It’s not a disaster in there, some drips coming through,” Mr. Hajjar said. “I know the post office can’t have mail getting wet . . . and we’re going to be basically working around the clock when the snow stops. We’ll jump right in and get on the framing.”
He apologized to Edgartown postal customers.
“We apologize for the inconvenience to the folks that use the post office,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can and hopefully it’ll be weather tight shortly and the post office will reopen.”
At the selectmen’s meeting the problems were the main topic of discussion.
Town administrator Pamela Dolby said the temporary transfer of mail to Vineyard Haven already was not working well.
“It’s horrific,” Mrs. Dolby said. “There are parking issues, there are traffic lines, it’s not a good solution.” She reported that the post office was still transferring mail and packages scheduled for delivery last Friday and Saturday to the Vineyard Haven post office.
She said she is trying to convince postal officials to establish a temporary post office on town owned land behind the fire station using portable trailers
“There’s plenty of room there, there’s plenty of room for parking,” Mrs. Dolby said. “They could stay there as long as they need to.”
Mrs. Dolby said Mr. Jason and the town health agent believe the interior of the post office will have to be gutted and completely rebuilt.
“Ceilings and walls are going to have to come down, insulation is going to have to come out,” she told the selectmen. “It’s totally saturated. Fixtures are going to have to be rewired and replaced. There could be more wiring that has to be done.”
Town accountant Kimberly Kane noted the season at hand, with a good deal of official town business going out in the mail.
“There’s a lot going on right now, with absentee ballots out, tax bills, sewer bills,” she said.
Meanwhile, the scene at the Vineyard Haven Post Office Monday included lots of customers from Edgartown.
One was Edgartown box holder Dave Brewer, who sorted through a handful of mail, noting he is still waiting for some that may have been delivered at the end of last week.
He said he had to come to Vineyard Haven anyway so it wasn’t out of the way, but he missed the convenience of having the bank and the post office right next to each other in Edgartown.
“That project over there, as far as I’m concerned it wasn’t done right,” he said of the construction work on the post office building.
Comments
Rain and wind in April? Who'd
Jessica EdgartownRain and wind in April? Who'd a thunk it????
April showers bring May... be
Use to be a Boxhollder In EdgartownApril showers bring May... be the demolition of a condemned building due to flood damage.
Got a kick out of Mr. Hajjar
brown wren Edg.Got a kick out of Mr. Hajjar's comment about some "drips coming through." Actually it was a deluge coming through because his contractor of choice had made the incorrect choice, after the Planning Board and MV Commission rolled over and played dead at the thought of affordable housing. Who could say no?
Apparently there were "expectations " that the roof not be taken off all at once. The Building Inspector and the PB members didn't notice what was going on ; some didn't even notice the three "brief" closures of service at the PO. The working folk did notice and did not receive attention.
The town has a lot going on, regular people (you know, the ones without billiards rooms) need access to tax info -- think the town could expedite matters here for the common folk or do we have to roll over and play dead for a big spender from Boston?
Surely even he, tone deaf as he is, realizes what it is to be persona non grata.
And how's that VH traffic working out? Any idea to some sort of ending date?
Not exactly a way to win hearts in Edg.
P.S. Could we have the name and address of the contractor,. so as to avoid him.
Mr. Hajjar: time is money.
Economist EdgartownMr. Hajjar: time is money. You have cost thousands of citizens countless hours. All evidence shows they face many more tens of thousands of hours because of your failure to honor your building permit. Your work is shockingly incompetent, has cost our townsfolk their medicines, social security checks, cards from loved ones serving overseas, and though you care little for any of that, their MONEY. The only language you speak. I count on our Selectmen to extract fair payment for the damages. We were much better off without you. Pay up and get lost. The Hamptons are more your style.
Did I read that correctly?
Carla Cooper EdgartownDid I read that correctly? Hajaar actually said "who thought there would be this much rain and wind in April."? Perhaps he should have looked at the weather forecast before ripping off the roof of a US Post Office. This was a total middle finger to the Town of Edgartown and the residents. Shame on this guy.
Why would anyone with half a
Tom DelottoWhy would anyone with half a brain ever think there would be rain and wind in April in New England?
Lenny Jason the building
Dennis EdgartownLenny Jason the building inspector said “I advised the powers that be, the [post office] regional supervisor . . . I told him if it was me I would close the building.” - DUH, and people wonder why we have problems. He should have shut it down immediately.
I don't know for sure, but I
Hugh Weisman Chilmark and New York CityI don't know for sure, but I should think that the local Building Inspector does not have the authority to close federal buildings.
Not a Federal building. I
sande edgartownNot a Federal building. I believe the PO leases locations. So the building inspector could certainly close it Whay didn't he???
Mr Hajjar is digging himself
Bob EdgartownMr Hajjar is digging himself a bigger hole by taken this lightly. His comment “Who would ever think we’d get this much rain and wind in April.” are you kidding me this happens every April. I guess he never heard April showers bring may flowers. I was hopping he was going to be an asset to this town after the glowing report by his local lawyer Sean Murphy gave everyone at the various meetings to get the permits. If this was rain going in his house I am sure he would not be so cavalier with his comments. Mr. Hajjar you need to bring a crew of 50 guys here and fix this asap if you want to show you care about this town and not just the money you are going to make from the town.
Anyone that loses money from
Ken Edg.Anyone that loses money from this will have to be compensated plain and simple.
Perhaps Mr. Hajjar, he
Sara Crafts Oak Bluffs (thankfully)Perhaps Mr. Hajjar, he allegedly of the house with 12 bathrooms at Farm Neck, could rent a portion of his summer home to the Post Office. He clearly is not used to being here in April. “Who would ever think we’d get this much rain and wind in April.” Who, indeed?
"some drips coming through" ?
Boxholder Edgartown"some drips coming through" ??? I guess the Titantic just had a small hole...
If the landlord also owns a
deshandra brown mvIf the landlord also owns a hotel in town (as reported here) then THAT is where a temporary post office needs to be set up, IMMEDIATEY, at HIS expense. What a display of arrogance towards his new neighbors. Lets not forget this the next time he needs special permits and variances for his other 'ventures'.
There is no doubt that Mr.
Phil EdgartownThere is no doubt that Mr. Haijar and his hired staff have been grossly negligent in this matter. His own words amplify his negligence. The only question is the amount of legal damages caused by that negligence. Surely, one of the 3000 Edgartown boxholders is a lawyer who could assemble the evidence.
What an effing nightmare!
Martha MageeWhat an effing nightmare!
Mr. Hajjar is about as
just a native EdgartownMr. Hajjar is about as popular here in Edgartown as a skunk at a lawn party!! He owes the town BIG time -I think it is up to him to straighten out this mess and fire those incompetent contractors and find someone who knows how to do what should have been done from the beginning. If this problem isn`t solved before Memorial day ,(and if the building inspector and health agent are correct in their assessment of the work that needs to be done it will NEVER be completed before then)--- We are all in BIG trouble!!
Has Mr. Hajjar seen the site
Gail EdgartownHas Mr. Hajjar seen the site or is he viewing all this from his ivory tower? Get real, sir. This has major impact on the town of Edgartown and its citizens. And, in a few short weeks, the summer people, like you, will arrive in droves and make things ten times worse. "Some drips coming through" you state. If these " little drips" were coming through the roof of your 14,000 sq ft home in OB, I bet you would be singing a different tune. We need a solution now, not in a few weeks and we want our mail!!
Gee...another dispute in
Suzanne EdgartownGee...another dispute in Edgartown?? Who would have thunk? From the selectmen running away from anything that might cause their reelection
chances, to the "beloved" building inspector who plays favorite every chance he gets, to the town administrator who runs a questionable Dept,to the builder of these apartments!! Come on folks, this is 2016! It's not just national politics run amok...it's also Edgartown and the post office that has treated its residents with disdain since its inception! And, it's always the residents who pay the price.
Suzanne is right! The owner
molly EdgartownSuzanne is right! The owner of the building is at fault....but the selectmen have refused to deal with their responsibility as well. No one calls out the Building Inspector, no selectmen will question any of the Building Inspector's poor decisions, no one advocates for the citizens of Edgartown who have had trouble with the post office for years. We attended the public hearings on this project and the feedback was overwhelmingly in opposition. Did someone get paid off? How was this allowed to happen? Then to add insult to injury, the Selectmen attended lunch at the Anchors today. Their attendance was noted in the paper and there was a large turnout. When the Selectmen were asked to give an update on the post office situation to the assembled seniors, they declined. Meanwhile, seniors have to trek to VH to get their medicine which is often delivered in the mail....only to be told try again tomorrow....or maybe your package is still back at the Edg P.O. Just WHO do the Edgartown Selectmen really represent?
Before this project was
Fred Roven EdgartownBefore this project was approved, my big concerns were traffic and parking. Looks like the concern should have begun much earlier in the schedule. Gee, you take the roof off a building and rain comes in. This project never should have been approved. Unfortunately the problems associated with it are just beginning.
I couldn't agree with you
Disgruntled EdgartownI couldn't agree with you more, there has to be a big drip, before the little drips shall we say.
In total agreement with Mr.
From MVCMA ResidentIn total agreement with Mr. Roven.
Actually there is a solution
Ken Edg.Actually there is a solution in front of their noses. Just use the old library for a couple of months. Im sure the trust would understand since they bought it for a buck. Then shuttle people from the parking lot. Alot easier than going to VH. Im not going there, let it back up. Sounded like the ceilings are damaged in the PO and thats going to take time.
1. MOLD is my big concern at
Edg. Box Holder Edgartown1. MOLD is my big concern at the moment. With a public federal business that tens of thousand of customers will be using I would request that there be a thorough mold inspection performed after the bank and post office are gutted and that the results be made public PRIOR to any further construction. Same goes for continuing to build on a soaked roof/floor for the new upstairs tenants. 2. How will the neighboring business owners and the current box holders be financially compensated by the owner for their loss of income and for our loss of use of our boxes, ( not including the extra costs associated with driving to V.H. and potentially missing work having to do so.) 3. How will the 2.5 designated parking spots per unit be assigned and where will they all be so that customers may still have access to our vital commercial businesses? ( 2 each for tenants and .5 for guests) It is a curiosity that there are 2 workmen on the project today in light of this recent incident. A swift letter from the owner addressing the island's concerns would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Our tax bills are being paid.
Eloise Welz 117 Third Street NorthOur tax bills are being paid. We deserve better.
So who are we supposed to
Edgartown Resident EDGARTOWNSo who are we supposed to complain to that I am unable to get my mail from Thursday and Friday?? The PO still hasn't done anything about the mail sitting in the boxes from before it closed down. I have important mail I was waiting on, plus a package that the damn UPS transferred to PO on Friday! They have no idea when they are going to "get to it".
On my way home from the VH
brown wren edgartownOn my way home from the VH mail trek this a.m. (suspiciously a small amount received for Fri., Sat., and Mon. -- wonder if my tax stuff is sogging away still in Edg.), I drove around the "improved" Triangle parking lot; there were two people working on the failed area above the Post Office and they had cunningly placed three trash barrels full of wood scraps on the edge of that dodgy scaffolding, in a brisk wind. "Luckily" most postal patrons were looking for parking or standing in line in VH.
At first I thought the Hajjar/Erez duo were simply numb as hakes. Could this all be a sinister plan to let bad things happen so they could tear the building down and build something more to their taste with billiard rooms, wine cellars, etc.?
The Planning Board and the Commission fell for the Trojan Horse of affordable housing. (I agree that it is needed, but not handled by this pair.) No matter what the conditions placed on Hajjar/Erez, local government has let us down by not
enforcing the special permit for Erez's presented specs -- surely some of the selectmen and planning board members noticed things were not according to Hoyle over the past three weeks and the first three leaks when they picked up their mail, or couldn't get in.
Folks, keep track of the extra time and mileage you need to get what need from the PO, and send Hajjar the bill.
Hope Tim Madden is read in on this situation for his evening soiree.
Hi folks, while we were
The Joke is on US EdgartownHi folks, while we were driving to VH to stand in line to get our mail today, what do you think Mr Hajjar was doing? We heard through the grapevine he was with his realtor looking at another piece of commercial property in Edgartown. Really? Don't you think he should be dealing with the problems on hand and not looking to add to his real estate portfolio?
Off-island, very few people
Another solution Edg.Off-island, very few people have P.O. boxes. Scrap the building. At some point in the distant past, perhaps there were not enough year-round residents to warrant at-home delivery, but it seems that there are plenty of us now.
So you are suggesting letter
Ken Edg.So you are suggesting letter carriers. Everyone will have a box in front of their house. Sounds like a plan.
I happen to know that while
Man on the street EdgartownI happen to know that while the Edgartown post office debacle is being neglected, Mr. Hajjar was being shown more properties by his realtor in down town Edgartown. This guy just doesn't care!
It is very disappointing to
Gail farrish EdgartownIt is very disappointing to see our officials seem to shirk their responsibilities. First of all, the permits for this structure should never have been approved. From the looks of the damage to the PO, it looks like there will be more mold around to make everyone sick. I certainly hope our building inspector shows leadership in enforcing the laws. In fact the whole project should be cancelled and the property restored to its prior use. I am very disappointed with our elected officials. Everyone should weigh in on this issue. Thank you
The apartments are going to
Glenn EdgartownThe apartments are going to be run as a boutique hotel. Anyone who researched Hajjar would know that the "APPARTMENTS" are really going to be rented as a boutique hotel.
Town Duped again. Or not! Payoff make more sense. Erez doesn't even have a construction supervisors license. Who pulled the permit? The health department should demand mold testing. Water exposed electrical devices and conduit pose a risk of fire. The building clearly is a hazard to all who enter. This could easily been avoided by laying rubber roof material on the attic floor before tearing off the old roof. This procedure is done all the time when tearing off a roof and tring to protect the space below. Build the walls right on top of the rubber membrane. Once the new roof is on, cut the rubber at the shoe plate and remove ready to be used again.
First of all to the builder,
Concerned citizen EdgartownFirst of all to the builder, even heard the phase "spring showers bring May flowers"? It rains all over the country in April. Also while standing in line for 1/2 an he to get a small group of mail (yes much is missing) I hear the vineyard haven residents complaining about the Edgartown people using their parking spaces. While I understand, believe me, we are not there because we want to be, but at least you can go in and out in two minutes. Also, a gross abuse of illegally parking in handicapped spots without the necessary plaques. My friend told me about this. Does anyone care about the handicapped not being able to park close? Perhaps, the Tisbury parking ticket writers should pay more attention to what happening there. That's $100.00 per offense. Again, Tisbury, we are sorry we are using your parking spaces, believe me, we'd rather be back in Edgartown. Also, not thrilled about old library site, hardly any parking there either. So the elderly and handicapped and everyone else for that matter should take a shuttle to get our mail? Wow, how long will that take in the summer? Something has to be done fast! Isn't there a big parking lot behind edgartown pizza or by sovereign bank? Put temporary trailers up, plenty of parking. Make the contractor pay for the trailer and renting the space. Yes, everyone keep track of our mileage and hrs spent going to Tisbury (even Tisbury people that have trouble finding a parking spot, and we all file a class action lawsuit to be reimbursed.) I lost well over an hr. of work yesterday getting my mail ( and three other people's that I didn't ask for). Now I have to take those back to a p.o. box to return them. Again, we are sorry to the angry Tisbury residents.
The realtor wouldn't have
Box holder EdgartownThe realtor wouldn't have been a member of the Edgartown Planning Board. Would he???
Condemnation is the process
Sarah EdgartownCondemnation is the process by which the the government exercises the right to acquire privately owned real estate for public use (Eminent Domain!) There's YOUR SIGN! It's not rocket science, and now the town HAS IT'S recourse for allowing this debacle!! But seriously, Pam Dolby is already on top of this, and she doesn't need to be confronted/Judged. She's capably handling the problem, and further along than anyone commenting would know. Go to the town website, and sign in. You'll be provided with the new location/information, by text/e-mail updates. I hope she receives some FLOWERS for her due diligence for this precarious situation!
Have any text alerts gone out
Bruce EdgartownHave any text alerts gone out? I am signed up for Edgartown alerts but haven't received any since the 3/21/16 school opening delay. Want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
We will see how mad Edgartown
Wait & SeeWe will see how mad Edgartown people really are and see if they are going after the guilty ones! To date they have never gone after wrongdoers ever so this will be the first! If the is happened in VH Heads would roll &some of would make sure of that!
Most know $$$ is how you get in in Edg!
Received Text UPDATE RE:
Sarah EdgartownReceived Text UPDATE RE: Expected Move Date. @ 3:25 P.M. TODAY!!!
Vineyard Haven Assessors for
Sarah EdgartownVineyard Haven Assessors for (2015) Map9/Lot12; #9 Lagoon Pond Rd. Unit 10 (Post Office) is OWNED by United States Postal Service. Fascinating!
Ditto on ALL of the above!
Jack EdgartownDitto on ALL of the above! Hajjar must be ordered (sentenced?) to reimburse EVERY Edgartown resident for travel time, extra wait time, and ALL the undue stress and heartache he has caused us due to his unbelievable, unprofessional, gross negligence. We will be enduring the "fallout" for WEEKS, maybe MONTHS to come. After TWO hour plus trips to VH this week, I still don't have my crucial time sensitive letters and needed packages of online purchases that were delivered last Friday. I am left stymied as EVERYONE else is I'm sure, and cannot move forward without them . . .arrrgh! Let's get that class-action suit started NOW!!!!!!
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