The Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club completed a long-planned purchase late last week of 21 acres in Edgartown, marking a major step toward building a new facility for the club.
The Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club completed a long-planned purchase late last week of 21 acres in Edgartown, marking a major step toward building a new facility for the club that serves more than 700 Island children.
Camper Samwell Martin and counselor Cate Stewart.
Camper Samwell Martin and counselor Cate Stewart.
The club closed on the purchase last Friday for $2.8 million. Situated adjacent to the Edgartown recreational area off Robinson Road and running to the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road, the undeveloped land is owned by the Norton family. The sale price was below-market, according to a press release from club president Norman Rankow.
The complicated land deal includes a provision for the club to transfer about 6.6 acres abutting the recreational area to the town in exchange for easements, while the remaining 14 acres will be a site for a new club facility. A memorandum of understanding previously signed with the town allows the club to donate two acres, while the town will pay about $636,000 for 4.67 acres.
Edgartown voters approved the land swap deal at the annual town meeting this spring, and selectmen gave it a final signoff at a meeting last week.
“This is a win win for the club and the town,” the press release said.
The property purchase and capital campaign have been in the works since 2019, when a preliminary agreement was signed with the Norton family.
From left, camper Nicoly Matheus, counselor Rachel Greene, campers Laura Noonan and Ally Bragham.
From left, camper Nicoly Matheus, counselor Rachel Greene, campers Laura Noonan and Ally Bragham.
The club also announced it has raised more than half the $15 million needed for the new facility and is formally launching a public fundraising campaign for the rest of the money.
“The only way to secure the club for generations to come is to build a safe and sustainable facility that accommodates our program expansion plans and our ever-increasing membership footprint,” club executive director Dhakir Warren said in the press release. Mr. Warren took the helm at the club last month.
Geared toward working Island families, the 80-year-old club offers after-school drop-in and enrichment programs, homework help and a summer camp, all at extremely low cost.
The club thanked the Norton family for its generosity in selling the land.
Changes in board leadership from the June 30 annual meeting were also announced in the release, with Mr. Rankow taking over as president, Ellen Saville and Kimberly Kirk elected as vice presidents, Jonathan Chatinover elected as treasurer and Jennifer DaSilva elected as secretary.
For more information about the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club Building Better Futures for Island Youth capital campaign, visit www.mvbgclub.org.
Comments
Great news for all the young
Paula EdgartownGreat news for all the young people who benefit from the club. Am hoping that part of the planned project will be a new Thrift Shop - plenty of space and parking- can’t help but think donations and sales would increase if this happens.
At what point did the B&G
martha mvAt what point did the B&G Club stop welcoming teenagers. The elementary school population is the only group there, basically an after school care center. What about the teens who once found a place at the Club? That's how I and many others remember it's importance.
A really nice project for the
Tom P EdgartownA really nice project for the island! Outstanding!
Any plans for opening the
Gailhowe OBAny plans for opening the Thrift Shop? The Club is missing out on wonderful donations and residents are missing fun shopping experience. Chicken Alley is the only shop in Town and they have people standing in line to shop!! Everyone benefits from the Thrift Shop especially the Club and the children
I want a nice place for the
Carol Vineyard HavenI want a nice place for the kids as much as anybody - but 21 acres in Edgartown? new infrastructure, new buildings and facilities, new outdoor spaces and landscaping? and of course, more staff.
More non-profit empire building?
I couldn't agree more - such
Concerned ResidentI couldn't agree more - such a tragic loss of forest.
I love the idea of the thrift
Kay EdgartownI love the idea of the thrift shop as a continuous revenue stream for the club. I miss having it in downtown Edgartown and know it would prosper if reopened.
The kids on this island will
Bob EdgartownThe kids on this island will benefit for generations to come by the extreme generosity of the Norton family. The current generation of the Norton family have done well for the island as well as the past generations and this continues the long tradition of the Norton family heritage on Martha’s Vineyard. The island is blessed to have families like this who are altruistic and they’re giving back to this place we call home. Many thanks
As an educator, I fully
Concerned ResidentAs an educator, I fully support the mission of the Boys & Girls Club, but I am appalled to see where this facility is being built. Imagine 21 acres of pristine forest being chopped down near downtown Edgartown - one of the last untouched natural spaces within a mile of town. Not only are we losing beautiful trees and vegetation, but the home of a rare moth species will also be destroyed. Regardless of mitigation plans, which I am sure will not comply with state laws, these moths will not have a home and will become further endangered.
I understand the Norton family has done many great things for this Island, but why not donate this land to the Vineyard Conservation Society or the other numerous local conservation organizations?
Also, how is this benefiting a majority of the Islands youth? The site is so far east and not in a central location to benefit those youth that resides up-Island. Why not put it in a more central location such as West Tisbury or Tisbury?
I am just so sad to see the development of this forest as I have many fond memories of walking through the numerous trails that were blazed by deer. I guess this is where the Island is heading though, more development and less conservation.
Agree. 21 acres is a very
gina Menemsha/NYCAgree. 21 acres is a very lager expansion. Per the article some acreage will be given back but a very aggressive build out taking place.. Correct all part of the unstoppable Suburbanization of MV
Really, you are worried more
Dickie ChilmarkReally, you are worried more about the moths than the children???? Am sure the prior owners love to read that you've been trespassing on their land all these years as well.
The photograph by RayEwing at
Off Islander ProvidenceThe photograph by RayEwing at the head of this article made me smile. Those three boys are obviously having great fun.
Exciting news! There is a
Vineyard mom EdgartownExciting news! There is a serious need of safe and affordable childcare on this island. I'm looking forward to more space and even more opportunities for our kids!
Is it a childcare center or
MarieIs it a childcare center or does it offer more?
The majority of school aged kids are at the Edgartown School or the Regional Middle School/High School so locating in Edgartown makes sense. Perhaps an after school bus for up-island kids.
Yes, there is a bus which
Molly West TisburyYes, there is a bus which brings non-Edgartonians to the club. Once there, they can play sports, games, or do art projects. My kids have gone a couple of times and they were served nourishing after-school food, like rice and beans. The staff was super wonderful, too. It's a pretty great program.
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