The fate of the hangar is back in the hands of Edgartown voters when they go to town meeting on April 9, and two days later to the ballot box for a Proposition 2 1/2 override question.
Last year at town meeting, voters overwhelmingly approved $1.2 million for a new hangar at the Katama Airfield. That appropriation was in addition to some reserve funds and Community Preservation Act money for the $1.6 million plan.
Two days later at the ballot box the funding was defeated by three votes 466-469. A tense recount put the vote at a tie, 468 to 468, effectively defeating the measure.
This year, the fate of the hangar is back in the hands of Edgartown voters when they go to town meeting on April 9, and two days later to the ballot box for a Proposition 2 1/2 override question. The project has a reduced price, with voters asked to approve $950,000.
Hal Findlay, chairman of the Katama airfield commission, said the commission has raised an additional $175,000 in private donations for the project. He said a new hangar will benefit everyone in Edgartown, not just people who use the airport.
“It’s truly something that makes Edgartown special,” Mr. Findlay said. “If you can accept that this land is best used as a small airport, an airport needs a hangar. A hangar is what comes along with enjoying these wide open spaces. We’re doing our best to raise money to help the town do this. We’re doing our best to manage this in a way that we both preserve the historic look and feel of the airfield, at the lowest possible cost to the town.”
Since the warrant article involves borrowing money, it must be approved by two-thirds vote at town meeting. At the April 13 town election, a simple majority is needed to override Proposition 2 1/2 and move the measure forward.
The hangar project has had a long and complicated history in Edgartown. The latest effort to replace the structure began more than 10 years ago, and has been before town meeting numerous times. The town owns the hangar and the airfield, but the Nature Conservancy holds a conservation restriction on the property. That restriction was the subject of a protracted legal tussle before being resolved.
Father Michael Nagle, a member of the Katama airport commission, hopes the lower cost to the town will win votes.
“We raised some more money on our own from donations, and we got a better quote from another builder, so it looks like we’ll be able to put it together for less, if the voters approve it,” he said.
He said that a recount is something he would rather not have to go through again.
“I’d rather it passed with a good margin. The design has it capable of housing three airplanes. Some of the people that come in like to keep them inside. That would generate some revenue. It’s just a better atmosphere to welcome people to Edgartown, to the Vineyard.”
Father Nagle added that the current hangar has far outlived its usefulness. It was constructed from salvaged lumber and materials after a 1944 hurricane destroyed two hangars on the grounds.
“It’s a hazard really, you can’t put anything in there,” he said.
Comments
Better to use the $1 million
J EdgartownBetter to use the $1 million for low income housing or the food back. This is a bad use of funds. Too many other worthy needs.
Agreed. How many year-round
Darrell King Edgartown/BelmontAgreed. How many year-round Island residents actually benefit from this hanger? I don't vote here because I am not year-round (yet), but I would vote against it. Affordable housing for Island folks comes first.
I agree with J. Edgartown
Aviatorman EdgartownI agree with J. Edgartown
I completely disagree.
James PI3 Edg/New HavenI completely disagree. Keeping Edgartown unique is a priority. There's plenty of affordable houses in places that aren't edgartown. I advise people to go to those places if that is their priority
"There's plenty of affordable
Bulkington Edgartown"There's plenty of affordable houses" On what Island do you live? Do you really believe that a roof over one's plane is more important than a roof over your neighbor's head?
We can do both.
EdgartonianWe can do both.
I voted against this last
Edgartown Taxpayer EdgartownI voted against this last time and will again. I am not an anti tax sort of guy and truly appreciate the great contributions of tax money our wealthy seasonal guests contribute. My taxes aren’t low in dollars relative to the state but the rate is extremely low and if left without our summer visitors money our economy would tank and our taxes would skyrocket. But it is a balancing act. Our taxes have been going up dramatically and unsustainably in the past few years. We led the state a year ago! We shouldn’t have paid cash for the yellow house but rather borrowed for it so the cost wouldn’t fall on all those who happened to be here that year when revenues will pay over decades. And we shouldn’t spend a million bucks on a hanger that benefits so few out of pocket. If you can provide a reasonable projection of income that mostly offsets the expense then I will change my mind. If this is a subsidy to an elite group of pilot visitors I am afraid there just isn’t enough social return on the investment to justify spending my money. I am not against spending my tax dollars to keep this place attractive to visitors and summer home owners. I think this particular ask is way too much for too little. This voter feels Edgartown needs to tighten things up a bit. I will pay gladly for education though I have no kids, because I got a free good education, and I will pay for smart affordable housing because I don’t need it but I want to live in a diverse community, and I will pay for public safety with a glad I can contribute attitude. But the hobby airport hanger can fund itself.
How is this benefiting the
Concerned Edgartown Voter KatamaHow is this benefiting the Community? It is not! It only benefits a relatively small group of pilots particularly those that are conducting commercial business. It would take decades for the tax payers to recover the outrageous amount of tax dollars being spent. Money could be better spent towards the real needs of the community. Shame.
Please vote Against Article 66 at the Town Hall Meeting April 9and No to Question 4 at the ballot box on April 11
They don’t tell you is that
FS Edgartown EdgartownThey don’t tell you is that this proposed new hangar is nearly twice the size . This will somewhat contradict and take away from the Historic Nature of the Airfield. Yes I agree a total misappropriation of tax payers dollars. The hangar should not be any bigger than its current foot print.
Whoops - meant food bank (not
J EdgartownWhoops - meant food bank (not food back) or food pantry. We need to take care of low income needs like food/ clothing/ housing. A new airport hangar for town is not the right priority.
I am adamantly opposed. the
ECS Edgartown Ft LauderdaleI am adamantly opposed. the hanger benefits almost no one on the Island except those who owns planes. More importantly to me is the constant noise of the bi-plane, now two of them, that circle my house over and over and over again. New hanger equals MORE bi-planes. Apparently the people involved with the airport, just want to make more money, and like the SSA, keep increasing the size and volume of everything on the Vineyard to further degrade the Island. The constant noise of the bi-planes, with no or insufficient mufflers, makes a quiet any time on my porch non-existent.
Please help me understand how
Katama Resident EdgartownPlease help me understand how the use of these tax payer funds benefits Edgartown residents. It appears to me that this project will only benefit a few wealthy private plane owners. The article stated "We’re doing our best to manage this in a way that we both preserve the historic look and feel of the airfield, at the lowest possible cost to the town." That statement seems misleading given the fact that you're expanding the size/footprint of the hanger, which increases its cost. You don't have to increase the size/footprint of the hanger to preserve the historic look and feel of the airfield. Tax payers money could be better spend to assist those Edgartown residents and summer workers that are in need of low income housing, as well as other needs that directly effect undeserved voters.
Seems to me that this should
SJ EdgartownSeems to me that this should be built with private funds and not burden the taxpayers with covering the bulk of the expense. This project will only benefit a few evidenced by the lack of private donations. $1.2 million is a lot of money . Knock it down and build a much smaller building funded totally from the private sector. How do I donate?
I am not a pilot, and I do
Elizabeth Klein EdgartownI am not a pilot, and I do not have a plane. But, I drive by the airfield to go to the beach or visit my friends who work there , almost daily in the summer. Like many people who live in Edgartown, I have the benefit of enjoying the beauty , and birds of the property. That is why I have been one of the fundraisers and supporters for the Katama Airfield Trust for the last 10 years. Here are the facts:
The trustees stopped trying to raise funds for the Hangar about 7 years ago, because the Town was not taking any financial responsibility for the their building, that is literally falling down. The trustees of the Katama Airfield Trust agreed to spend more time encouraging the town officials to show some responsibility for their asset. The donations received to date,were predominately raised many many years ago, and recently, pledges have been secured if the town approves the project. The Trusts funds are being held and managed in good faith, until the Town of Edgartown approves the re build of the hangar and helps pay for it. The Hangar needs to be funded by the predominately public tax payer dollars, because the Town of Edgartown owns it and all the property around it. Those of us who have donated to The Katama Airfield Trust, are hoping the town will share in the care of their own building,
The Katama Airfield does provide revenues to the town, and it provides a "public" airfield in a park like setting..for all to enjoy.
www.katamaairfieldtrust.org is where you can find info on how to donate.
Thank you Elizabeth.
SJ EdgartownThank you Elizabeth.
There is absolutely no need to build a building nearly twice the size. Knock it down and build on the same foot print for a significantly lower price. Not worth the expenditure for a select priveleged minority.
The unique and special parcel
Paul Kretschmann Chilmark and GreenwichThe unique and special parcel land which is preserved though use as a grass strip airport is a treasure for Edgartown and for all of Martha's Vineyard. A hanger has been needed for many years. I applaud the tireless efforts of those who have worked to substantially lower the cost and to raise funds toward the hanger project. I hope that the voters approve this time.
Please explain why it's a
Don Edgar Oak BluffsPlease explain why it's a treasure for Martha's Vineyard
I understand for the wildlife
Don Edgar Oak BluffsI understand for the wildlife.
Taxes are up substantially in
WashAbhorred EdgartownTaxes are up substantially in Edgartown over the past few years and that's with the ever-increasing home values on top of it. Please stop spending. There are few in Edgartown that will ever get to go inside the hangar let alone use it for storing their private plane.
A new airfield hanger will
Katama Bill KatamaA new airfield hanger will benefit only a few. The grass airfield is a spectacular parcel of open land on the Vineyard. Most planes landing are only in for the day and don’t have any need for a hanger. The town would need 200 years to recoup their investment based on the hanger’s rent of $5,000 per year. This does not account for accrued interest. Affordable housing, the food pantry or cleaning our ponds of nitrogen seem to be more worthy causes for our wonderful island.
Two comments: one for the
Former Katama Airport OperatorTwo comments: one for the town and one for readers. As a former operator of Katama Airport and someone who has been in air operations for decades....Katama is not a 'wealthy users' airport. No jets. Almost no new aircraft. Most are 20 years to 40 years old, long depreciated and most often less than the price of a new upscale station wagon. These users mostly bought a plane instead of a center console fishing or cruising boat or a newer car and often forego foreign vacations and use the a/c for exploring or travel instead. I've had six a/c over the years. All older, well maintained and bought for less than a new car. I'd rather drive an older car and have the flexibility to get from MVY to ..... w/o traffic.
For the town. I am currently developing an airline maintenance facility for a West African nation. The hanger, for a Boeing 737 including extra room for office space, a training area and a parts room will cost $1.3MM most of which is for the huge 120'Wx45'H electrically powered door. I do not understand why replacing the the Katama hangar should cost anywhere near $1.0MM. I was shocked. You need more bids from small hangar builders.
This is a town asset and town
EdgartonianThis is a town asset and town assets need maintenance and need to be kept in a safe condition. If the playground equipment on Robisnon Road were unsafe, would we be saying “oh well,, only kids use the playground, why should taxpayers pay for this”? I don’t think people understand the value this historic asset brings to the town. Just becaue you don’t appreciate or use the airfield, doesn’t mean it doesnt have value. It’s a safety hazard, let’s fix it for God’s sake.
Hmm, if the airport can’t
LK EdgartownHmm, if the airport can’t turn a direct profit for the town or at least fund itself, maybe solar panels would be a much better benefit to the taxpayers. Workforce housing will also become increasingly important in the future.
Can someone please remind me
Bob EdgartownCan someone please remind me how much tax payers already spent on this project. There was a land swap that had to work and Edgartown gave away land that could’ve been used for afordable housing and now is deemed forever wild unbuildable and I believe it was 10 to 1 in the size. Not to mention the legal fees so the town has done it’s part time for the pilots to do their part.
Bob: The Town contributed
Hal Findlay KatamaBob: The Town contributed $625K in the mid-1980s for 190 acres, of which the Gentle/Katama Airfield was 122 acres. There have been some legal fees in recent years, but compared with the value of this land acquisition, the total spend has been a very small percentage of the total value received (probably close to $100 million). The gift of value came along with the pledge to keep it as an airfield and having a hangar is part of that obligation. Seems like an excellent deal for Edgartown taxpayers!
Hal I looked this up from the
Bob EdgartownHal I looked this up from the Gazette archives and now tell me this is an excellent deal to enlarge a hanger for a few. "But expanding the hangar will also require amending the conservation restriction, a complicated process that the town has been dealing with for the last several years. Amending a conservation restriction requires an act of the state legislature. In 2011 a bill was approved that removes 2.02 acres of land from the conservation restriction to be used for the airport. But the amendment calls for further action: placing 62.5 acres of land, known as the Nickerson Property, under the conservation restriction; converting 6,700 square feet of land at the airfield into a natural state; and transferring about 21 acres of town-owned land off Pennywise Path into conservation land with a conservation restriction. The act also requires that The Nature Conservancy approve the hangar expansion."
Mr Findlay.
SJ EdgartownMr Findlay.
I realize that you are the chairman of the Airfield Commission which is comprised of almost all pilots with their own planes. You are promoting something that does not benefit the vast majority of voters that reside here all year round unlike yourself.
There are more worthy needs that this large amount of money that can better serve the community . This hangar is meant to serve only transient pilots for only five months of the year. The airfield has done fine all these years without the use of a hangar. Now you want to build one nearly twice the size to possibly house 4 planes at a total cost of nearly $1.5 million of the hard earned dollars of the Edgartown residents and taxpayers. This will have an effect on all taxpayers since both seasonal homeowners as well will see a rise in their real estate taxes. I trust you mean well but this is the wrong thing to do.
Yes ,Edgartown has a lot of wealthy people but there are a lot more residents that have not been as blessed.
I am a resident voter and yes the Hangar is an eyesore. It has not been condemned so it can’t be much of a safety issue. I urge voters to vote No at the TOWN Hall meeting to Article 66 on April 9 and No to Question 4 on April 11 ballot.
I have informed my voting friends, neighbors and relatives to vote No.
Article 66 needs a 2/3 majority at the Town Hall Meeting to pass. If it fails then the vote on April 11 is needless. I urge all those that are opposed to show up at the Town Hall Meeting .
Mr Findlay , I urge you and your commissioners to go back to the drawing board and propose a new plan for a New Hangar that is for the same exact footprint as the old at less than half the current proposed cost. You will also be able to raise a lot more private donations by this time next year and not burden the taxpayer with a project that will take many decades to pay itself. I am sure that Mr Gentle being the magnanimous person that he was would not want to impose
this heavy burden on his fellow citizens
Thank you
"a treasure for Edgartown and
Bulkington Edgartown"a treasure for Edgartown and for all of Martha's Vineyard." I live in Edgartown. I will have no access to this treasure - ever- save to look at it. I do not own a plane. None of my co-workers owns a plane, and, none of my neighbors owns a plane. The physical health of Vineyarders is also "special" part of this Island. Now, I know that some people just have to have their planes parked indoors. One cannot imagine the ignominy of having a personal airplane exposed to the elements. I do hope that those who vote for preserving the dignity and private property of plane owners will be equally generous when the Hospital updates its diagnostic medical equipment or expands its oncology services.
Although I am a member of the
PATRICK BRADLEY Katama and PrincetonAlthough I am a member of the Katama Airfield Commission and the Katama Trust, I write as and Edgartown taxpayer who lives a short walk from the Airpark. In 1985, Steve Gentle sold the 190-acre airport property to The Nature Conservancy (which later conveyed the property to Edgartown) for the heavily discounted price of $1.5 million. The underlying agreement was that the property would be maintained as a grass strip airpark. At that time, the property was zoned for 120 units of housing. If there is any question regarding how the airport benefits the residents of Edgartown, imagine the tall grass at the south end of the airpark occupied by three story mansions. Imagine the grass airfield covered by 120 housing units. Voting to rebuild the decrepit hangar is a vote to keep faith with the original agreement, and the people of Edgartown are still well ahead.
I’ve looked inside that old
Mark M EdgartownI’ve looked inside that old hanger and it’s loaded with a lot of boxes and storage bins. Generally hangers are empty except of course aircrafts and support equipment. What is that all about and also what about that green ocean container next to it , I assume it’s also storage ,aren’t they against code ? Awful ugly looking you think ? Rebuild the hanger same size and try to make it look just like it did when they built it originally.Don’t junk it up like it is so you have room for planes and equipment . Keep the charm of the old hanger and eliminate that ugly green container. Katama airfield is a gem from a experienced pilot perspective it’s one of the nicest airfield in New England.I would also make sure that all landing fees and beach parking fees are collected. I agree the airfield is an attraction and complements the landscape.
Its probably loaded with junk
here we go again EdgIts probably loaded with junk because nobody would take a chance storing their plane in a hangar that appears ready to fall down. And to those commenters who think all plane owners are rich: take a look at what lands there. Little planes that cost less than a new SUV or 4wd pickup truck that you drive. People with expensive planes land at the main airport that has paved runways, instrument landing systems, and lighting. This is a typical nice little country airport, and per the deeds from the Gentle family, will have to remain that way. If not, it reverts to the heirs who I'm sure would be glad to build the 120 homes that its zoned for. (and gazette...your a bit heavy handed on the edit when it doesn't suit your narrative. you did not publish my prior post with that note. I suggest you READ the deed. Nobody's putting affordable housing or solar panels there. It stays as it is, or reverts to the heirs to do with what they choose as permitted by zoning)
Where are you getting your
SJ EdgartownWhere are you getting your information from?Single prop planes cost far more than any pickup and most Suv’s . Planes are luxury items that are owned by those that have a lot more discretionary income than the working man who uses their pick up trucks to eke out a living.
Total falsehood on land reverting back to any heirs. There are no heirs. It is owned by the Town as Conservation land. Period. Whether you build a hangar or not has no relevance.
You should READ the deed.
T2 EdgartownYou should READ the deed. There is absolutely no reversion referenced. If you need a copy, let me know. Further, it is a moot point. Turning down publicly financing for the hangar does NOT preclude the running of the airfield. It has been running with the existing usable hangar and the second unusable one for years.
Finally, the Town already subsidizes the airfield operation as airfield related expenses exceed airfield related revenues (the Right Fork Diner is not related) to the tune of $75,000 year. So, to use your analogy - you don’t pay for a garage for my SUV, I should not have to pay to garage your plane
I'm in favor of repairing or
Nancy K EdgartownI'm in favor of repairing or rebuilding the existing hanger to the specs of the original build, it adds a lot of charm to the airport .I agree the green container should go too. I feel the transient pilots planes should take precedence for use of the hanger even if it is occupied with a local plane. I grew up around a small airport and the hangers were used for many other activities as well concerts, plays, dances ,parties even weddings and receptions . They simply pull out the planes and block out the time . I'm sure the diner and others would love to cater parties there as well , actually what a great place to have a party .Just thinking a little out of the box may generate a lot more income then realized.Just like benches, monuments and fountains are to parks hangers are to airports ,try to make it work .Also please note the tiedown parking area for planes needs a upgrade it's not expensive it's just new ropes and fix the tiedowns anchors. Please spend some money there it's probably only a few hundred dollars and the transit pilot would appreciate it very much. Regarding the cost of the hanager put a committee together it seems expensive ,a reliable source told me it could be done for half the price if they were just replacing the existing hanger.
Lets try to get a couple
Pat G MVY or 31ELets try to get a couple facts that everyone can agree on
1 having wide open fields in Edgartown is paradise
2 the airport must have a hangar. Part of the agreement correct?
3 the existing one is about to fall down on its own
4 the existing outdoor tie downs will not keep an airplane safe in a strong wing (see Gazette 10/29/17)the agreement provides for their upkeep as well correct?
5 a hangar the size of the existing one will not hold more than 3 general aviation single engine aircraft
6 If a government agency is in charge of the bidding it costs about twice as much
That said
If you rebuild that exact size built as only a hangar all metal not Edgartown Pretty you should generate about 17,000 a year less expenses and someone is going to be staring at a plain jane hangar for a long time but it could be built for a whole lot less if built privately. If you want Edgartown Pretty it costs more and someone has to come up with that money. There has to be some middle ground where the tenants of the airport cover enough of the cost of maintaining it that the town can justify the balance of the expenses. My 2 cents I do pay property taxes to Edgartown and I do own a 44 year old airplane. Its not about how you spend the money its how much you spend. Open space is something we all want we all benefit from and to borrow a part of a song "you don't know what you got till it's gone." If the airport fails to be kept as an airport then the rest of the song will be true "paved paradise and put up a parking lot."
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