<p>With the fate of the Yellow House due to be decided by Edgartown voters at the annual town meeting, selectmen hope to spur public dialogue.</p>
With the fate of the Yellow House due to be decided by Edgartown voters at their annual town meeting next month, the town selectmen took action this week to spur public dialogue around the planned real estate purchase.
On April 11 voters will be asked to approve spending $3 million to buy or take by eminent domain the crumbling property at 66 Main street owned by the Hall family. The main building on the property which abuts the town hall has been vacant for years.
Public hearings are set for Wednesday, March 22 at 5:30 p.m. and Monday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m. in the main town hall meeting room.
The hearings were announced following an executive session Tuesday held to discuss the town’s possible purchase of the property.
“I think after our first meeting we’ll have more about what people are looking for and what they want answers to,” selectman and board chairman Margaret Serpa.
Selectmen announced the purchase/eminent domain initiative for the Yellow House property early this year. The current plan calls for the town to take ownership of the property, lease out the building for use as retail space and convert a small parking lot behind the building to public parking. The $3 million would come from community preservation funds ($1.5 million) and a general appropriation ($1.5 million).
The selectmen also have appointed a committee to explore the real estate purchase and seek conversations with the owners. The committee members are selectman and landscape company owner Michael Donaroma, retired preservation trust director Chris Scott, and real estate developer Gerret Conover. All three attended the executive session Tuesday morning along with town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport and town administrator Pamela Dolby.
Benjamin Hall Jr., a town attorney and spokesman for the family, has said the family opposes the town plan. He claims the town has undervalued the property and obstructed the family’s ability to renovate the building.
Selectmen said they hope to see a good turnout at the public meetings.
“If we get a full room that would be great,” Mrs. Dolby said.
Comments
Take the building. It's an
Joel KatamaTake the building. It's an eyesore. In addition, the corner is in the absolute center of Main St and has the potential for a crucial vibrant corner. The Hall family had their chances and have proven to be irresponsible owners. This is what eminent domain is for.
It is nice to rescue the
Lynne Brook EdgartownIt is nice to rescue the aesthetics of Main Street.
But we have a desperate need for housing, I doubt this investment will provide housing.
Was the purchase of the house next to the old library productive?
Be careful. Be very careful
Jordan ChilmarkBe careful. Be very careful with what you are suggesting- this is private property. It is the only thing that really separates this country from social anarchy. I understand the Ben Hall issue but if I were himc I would sue the Town of Edgartown - and being a trial lawyer - he will win. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS.
Not too sure if being a trial
Farmer5 chilmarkNot too sure if being a trial lawyer is what will save the day for the owners. Ben Hall Esq. has not exactly distinguished himself in that realm so far and he has certainly had enough chances.
Eminent domain exists to do just that; take private property for any number of reasons related to the public good/safety. It's been around a long, long time despite the libertarian views expressed in several of the other posts as well.
Oak Bluffs should move along a similar course with the Hall-owned movie theater that is about to collapse.
Private Property Folks!!!!
Dan West TisburyPrivate Property Folks!!!! Give Mr.Halll a chance to make it right.
Are you kidding me!! This
Saul Klein NYC - edgartown RezAre you kidding me!! This will open up a legal debacle. He will have grounds to sue the entire town and he will win !
We are not a fan of the way
Bruce and Karen EdgartownWe are not a fan of the way the house looks but with some TLC - Mr Hall and perhaps Donorama's staff can help out - - instead of attacking Mr. Hall. This is private property regardless of how it
Looks.
It's about time. It
Joel EdgartownIt's about time. It embarrassing. I like order and clean structure- this is not Edgartown. I spent a fortune renovating my home and we can not even walk past the house - I applaud edgartown for taking charge and taking the property . Mr Hall bye -bye!!
Because you like order and
Off Islander Rhode IslandBecause you like order and clean structure, the government should take someone''s private property? Even unabashed liberals must be repelled by this rationale. Your personal preferences cannot be the basis for seizing private property.
I think Mr . Hall should call
Kevin Smith Summer ResidentI think Mr . Hall should call ACLU. Private property. In fact, I will... and let's take a closer look....
I have watched the Moped
Clair Vineyard HavenI have watched the Moped talks and now this - what's next Marshall Law.
I question the benefit of
JANE COLLINS MAI question the benefit of more retail space. The town is almost completely shut down in winter. Maybe create something that will benefit the town and the residents. Does the Boys and Girls club need an in town annex? Does their Second Hand Store need more space? They are open year round and the Store is a beloved and welcoming place to stop into. They are a vibrant addition to our town. Just food for thought.
I read that Noepe needs a
Ed Katama/Saratoga SpringsI read that Noepe needs a home as well.
It will be ironic if the town
edgartown workerIt will be ironic if the town, after confiscating the property, removes the tree that it prohibited the legal owners from doing - and which has primarily led to the current mess.
NO NO NO! Not a dime of my
Skip EdgartownNO NO NO! Not a dime of my taxpayer money. If Mr. Donaroma or Mr. Conover would like to purchase all the power to them...
Funny.
I am thrilled to see that the
Sid Rosenfeld EdgartownI am thrilled to see that the Town is dealing with this. The property is an eyesore. It would be a wonderful spot for a small boutique hotel.
Could this be a great
Todd West TisburyCould this be a great location for Mr Rose and the marijuana dispensary? Maybe?
I personally don't like this.. Mr.Hall should scrape and get a little paint...
I recently had a conversation
GEOFF Edgartown / New York CityI recently had a conversation with a few members of The Field Club and it would make sense to utilize the space to handle the valet issues during the Summer months. The parking queue to The Club and The Atlantic restaurant is intolerable and often backs up past N.&S. Water Streets. This is just a suggestion which I believe most would agree. The building could also be easily renovated to include a cafe and the valet runners could quickly move vehicles back and forth with ease. Glad to help.
Really?
L Brook EdgartownReally?
Sounds like a plan for the uber-privileged.
Let them take the VTA
If the private clubs want it
Peter EdgartownIf the private clubs want it for parking they can buy it directly from Hall. The town has no business helping clubs that are free to discriminate and exclude. It would be nice if the town did something to benefit everybody instead of the privileged few.
Geoff,
William Edgartown South Water Home OwnerGeoff,
Brilliant Idea! Fortunately We can walk to the club....
The traffic that backs up from the valet is very troubling. I know some folks had to wait a very long time and also a safety concern...
Personally I would love to see a Starbucks type coffee bar at that site.
I and others would be willing to donate funds to have the place draped and painted....
Its long overdue to have a by
deshandra brown EdgIts long overdue to have a by-law that covers property maintenance. The place is a dump, an eyesore,and not fair to other taxpayers whose properties do not detract from abutters. If that is old lead based paint, the board of health should make the property owner remediate it immediately before the paint chips blow off the property. If there was a $1000.00 per day fine, then the town could put a lien on it and auction it off to satisfy the bill. Then perhaps a responsible property owner would give it the proper care. However, the good news for the town and the bad news for the property owner, is that by trying to play games, the town will win. It abuts the town hall, and it abuts the town parking lot. We need room for expansion. Check mate!
Mr. Hall, fight the machine.
Carmen Rowe ChilmarkMr. Hall, fight the machine. I love the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", starring Jimmy Stewart. The movie should be watched by everyone in Edgartown especially before this gets out of hand.
And Mr. Hall the stage is now set for you and you will be victorious - you are not only representing yourself but America and everything it stands for : Freedom!
Another Hall scenario that
Susan EdgartownAnother Hall scenario that seems to,consume forward thinking and intelligent people! They hold Edgartown hostage, just like they do in Oak Bluffs. What is wrong with Edgartown that they can't enter into a discussion with them, give them ultimatums, and that's that. If Edgartown is such an historic part of the island, the state and the country, how can the town be so loathe to make them conform like every other merchant, home owner, hotel, etc? It's despicable that this eyesore is one of the first sites of down town! And, they are despicable people who could care less about the house, the tree or anything about town. Time to take a stand or let the public decide. It's all about money to them...the rest be damned!
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