In a select board meeting Monday, neighbors lashed out against a property dubbed the Uncle Nearest House, claiming that the house’s frequent parties violate the residential area’s zoning laws.
Some Edgartown residents have had their fill.
In a select board meeting Monday, neighbors lashed out against a property dubbed the Uncle Nearest House off Edgartown-West Tisbury Road, claiming that the house’s frequent parties violate the residential area’s zoning laws.
The property owned by UN House MV LLC has hosted events associated with the Tennessee-based whiskey company Uncle Nearest for the past week, from gospel brunches to cocktails hours. The events, although limited to an R.S.V.P. list, have halted traffic and drawn crowds into the neighborhood off Edgartown-West Tisbury Road.
This week, a nonprofit associated with the spirits brand applied for a one-day liquor license for a women’s networking event on August 15, prompting dozens of neighbors to speak out against the house’s activities. Although the select board ultimately denied the license, neighbors have called party foul on what they consider an inappropriately commercial operation.
A since-taken-down events page on the Uncle Nearest website listed more than a dozen events in August. Several residents quoted the page in their letters to the select board: “When it comes to Martha’s Vineyard, the history was too important to simply show up and rent a venue. So, we bought 2.5 acres in the heart of Edgartown to lay down roots for our company to have a presence…”
“‘Our company’ is what stands out to me,” resident Patty Culkins wrote. “It is not a home, it is a property.”
Uncle Nearest is a Black-owned whiskey distillery named for the former enslaved person Nearest Green, who originally taught Jack Daniels the craft of distilling. The company and its CEO, Fawn Weaver, have made headlines for their work funding other Black-owned ventures and even scholarships for descendants of Mr. Green.
No representative from the application, put forth by the Nearest Green Historical Preservation and Culture Fund, attended Monday’s hearing.
The crux of the neighbors’ complaints lies in whether the house at 10 Codman Spring Road counts as a commercial venture, which would make its events in violation of the neighborhood’s residential area zoning bylaws. However, commercial enterprises such as AirBnBs and wedding rentals have long blurred the lines between commercial and residential use, town administrator James Hagerty said.
“The town in terms of the select board can only take so much action in terms of the liquor license because there are other houses on the Island, whether they be AirBnB or otherwise…hosting similar events,” Mr. Hagerty said. “It’s kind of a nebulous spot.”
If the house is indeed just hosting private parties, noise complaints are the only course of action neighbors can take, Mr. Hagerty said. Edgartown police chief Bruce McNamee said officers have received calls about the house nine times in the past three weeks. One of those calls, he later clarified, had been a parking complaint on July 25 due to construction work at the site. Of the calls made, five were parking complaints, three were noise complaints, and one was a 911 misdial.
“Nine times in three weeks isn’t a lot in some communities, but it’s a lot for Edgartown,” Chief McNamee said.
Some residents have lawyered up in search of peace and quiet. Attorney Cass Luskin attended the liquor license hearing, representing Edgartown business owner Joe Monteiro.
“This is essentially a commercial entity acting in a residence,” Mr. Luskin said, urging the select board to use their power to deny the one-day license.
Building inspector Reade Milne said she was in talks with the house’s owner to determine whether the house actually violated any zoning bylaws and what further actions could be taken to quell concerns.
In an email to the Gazette, Ms. Weaver said that the events had been intended to be private and invite-only, and the events page had been taken down as soon as the company realized it was visible to the public. She said that errant invitees have since been notified about the error and taken off the R.S.V.P. list.
Ms. Weaver added that she has taken great effort to appease neighbors, hiring a shuttle service to decrease the number of guests parking in the area, ending music well before the 10 p.m. noise ordinance, and enlisting local officers to help with gate security.
“Ironically, the officer we hired for our event, Sunday Brunch with the Weavers, found it surprisingly calm, contrary to the neighbors’ concerns,” she said.
The one-day liquor license application that was denied this week came after a friend requested to host a nonprofit event in the space, and neither Ms. Weaver nor her husband, Keith, were involved in the application process, Ms. Weaver said. When they received word that the application had been denied, they carried on with the afternoon event, serving mocktails instead.
Ms. Weaver also countered neighbors’ accusations that her house was a commercial enterprise.
“This isn’t a commercial space; otherwise, I’d be a terrible businessperson, paying for all event costs at my home and not even accepting charitable donations,” she said. “We have and will continue to strictly adhere to city rules.”
Although the select board unanimously voted to deny the one-day liquor license, select board chair Arthur Smadbeck said he hoped the issue could be resolved smoothly between the house’s owners and abutters.
“It’s unfortunate when people are starting to do something new that they may not get it right the first time,” Mr. Smadbeck said. “Working with the neighbors will go a long way in not having this be an issue.”
Comments
“This isn’t a commercial
Islander MV“This isn’t a commercial space; otherwise, I’d be a terrible businessperson, paying for all event costs at my home and not even accepting charitable donations,” she said. “We have and will continue to strictly adhere to city rules.”
A business owner referring to “city rules” in Edgartown clearly isn’t the finest businessperson. Edgartown is not a “city” and bylaws are not “rules” like house rules, they are legally enforced laws that prevent misuse. These people didn’t use a venue because they couldn’t afford it, that’s a fact. And setting up this kind of thing in a residential neighborhood is not at all what residential neighborhoods are for - isn’t that eminently clear? Neighborhoods are to live in, or at least in these days, to live, visit, or rent in, it’s a sad situation. The town apparently needs to pass some new bylaws - and we can do that at Town Meeting.
The property is just across
MDW EdgartownThe property is just across the road from where Meetinghouse meets West Tisbury Road.The traffic jam I experienced on 8/15 was crazy. Several cars were backed up on Meetinghouse (I was one of these) unable to turn right or left onto WT. That's because the parked cars and pedestrians across WT interfered with both east and westbound traffic as those headed up-Island had to cross the dividing line to avoid all that, which backed up traffic for those headed toward Edgartown. Hence, the standstill on Meetinghouse. Summer is busy enough without this nonsense.
...will continue to strictly
phil oak bluffs....will continue to strictly adhere to "city" rules. Which city?
Grow up. The vineyard would
Beian Donegan Vineyard HavenGrow up. The vineyard would be a much better place if we took all these ridiculous complaintants and added them to a list like a vexatious litigant list.
There should be a limit on
Kate EdgartownThere should be a limit on how many "events" can be held in a residential home per summer. This is not a venue in a business zone, people have to live there, sleep at night, get up for work and arrive in a timely manner without dealing with already absurd traffic. I can fully appreciate that we are all very fortunate to live her and it is a short (but growing!) tourist season, but enough already!
Good gracious! We’re limited
Jessica EdgartownGood gracious! We’re limited as to how many yard sales we can have in a year and have to prove we have enough parking! Why is this so hard for the town to figure out?
I live on Whalers walk. I
Tom EdgartownI live on Whalers walk. I think some driveway work was being done and caused some traffic issues on the West Tisbury Rd. I don’t understand why all the trucks had to be parked on WT road though? Some trucks were on the road, seems very dangerous. In regards to the noise I hear parties etc…all the time in the summer, it’s only a few week folks. People like to complain I guess… now we are going to police how many house parties we can have?? Come on man?? Get real…
How about the noise coming out of restaurants
After hours cleaning up etc???
Restaurants are in the
MarieRestaurants are in the business district. That is the difference. This is a residential neighborhood hosting a business.
This needs clear laws. Time to spell it out - private events and Airbnb parties are not okay.
I would think this would be a
Carla A Cooper EdgartownI would think this would be a Board of Health issue since on-site septic systems for residential homes aren’t designed for the commercial use this property is getting. Are we serious about protecting the Edgartown Great Pond watershed or not??
How is this a BOH issue?
Tara EdgartownHow is this a BOH issue? Septics are based on bedrooms Carla.. not the size of your party…
I had my sons wedding last year at my home in Edgartown 40 people, should have I called the BOH?
Isn’t there also a bylaw
Mary EdgartownIsn’t there also a bylaw/zoning restriction about storing commercial vehicles in residential areas? We all know THAT isn’t enforced.
Welcome to the neighborhood.
Amy EdgartownWelcome to the neighborhood. Please be a better neighbor.
Edgartown needs to clarify
MarieEdgartown needs to clarify its zoning laws. I have a house in a residential neighborhood and I don’t expect business/charitable events in my neighbor’s homes. What is a residential home and what is an event space?
If they don’t codify it things will get worse.
What’s the big deal here?? A
Kate OBWhat’s the big deal here?? A couple house parties and people lawyer up??? Can we all get along??? Getting out of the pandemic people want to socialize that’s all…
Three times a week
MarieThree times a week
This seems very unfair.
Helen EdgartownThis seems very unfair. People on the island are having political fundraisers parties etc all the time @ private residents and that’s ok? Traffic noise etc..roads blocked etc…
I was in traffic last weekend for extra half hour because someone was having a fundraiser at a private residence..
I have no problem with this. I think neighbors need to understand we have our summer guests in the summer wnebthen we have then off season.
Helen
Edgartown, Ma
An evening political
Lauren EdgartownAn evening political fundraiser is far different that someone who is holding multiple events per week and has so many people they cannot provide adequate safe parking and needs shuttle services. I think we can all agree we can overlook a weekend of events or a political fundraiser, but the people who live in this neighborhood have the right to live in their homes with a good quality of life regardless of the season.
I was fortunate to attend as
M. Graham EdgartownI was fortunate to attend as an invited guest, and I cannot believe that no one appears to acknowledge the great lengths and swift nature Mrs. Weaver worked to address initial traffic concerns within the neighborhood. When we are solution focused (as opposed to committed to anger and blame), we can accomplish great things. No one wants to disrupt the beauty and peace of this Isla d. Moreover, the investment into this community is being overshadowed by negative word play from posters ,the uninformed and frankly, people opposed to the growth that is inevitable on the Vineyard. Recent gatherings were seamless, quiet and elegant-fact. The focus should shift to support Mrs. Weaver and her organization as propery owners and the care and consideration provided to respect the guidelines and expectations of the town and residents. Please approach any future hearings or conversations with that lens as opposed to more restrictive bylaws. Work together to determine the best path forward and commit to the peaceful solution that is within all our power. Lastly, the title to this article is off-putting and creates bias. Understand the cultural impact of Mrs. Weavers organization and what a gem we all have in an exceptional woman-run, minority owned business. They have made a profound impact, and we would be better to embrace the good intentions of those that continue to drive entrepreneurial excellence and community. Peace to all.
Multiple “Cultural” events
HomeownerMultiple “Cultural” events that disrupt a residential neighborhood are not allowed. You can’t buy a property, flaunt the rules and say we need to find a solution. It’s a house not event space so just live in it.
There are fundraisers
Gail EdgartownThere are fundraisers political, non political, non profits and profits going on all the time. Last week roads were shut down for a fundraiser/party ?? Come on this is not something new.
I have neighbors that have hosted multiple parties fundraisers etc for years …. Do you want them banned as well? Good luck if you go…
Gail - Yes there are many
Homeowner isGail - Yes there are many fundraisers in the summer. But not three times a week in the same house in a residential neighborhood. We have Residential Zoning for a reason. Like this.
These communities grow
Jill Weston Oak BluffsThese communities grow increasingly intolerant of the growing, well-to-do Black owners and renters who own or come to this island for summer vacation.
To attempt to mandate what happens at a private property even after the owners hired town police officers for security is outrageous.
A few parking violations and traffic during high season shouldn't warrant outrage at a Select Board meeting.
MV better get it together otherwise these folks will take the millions of dollars the spend on island each year to another location!
Ask the small business community how they would feel if their revenue dried up because of a few cranky neighbors!
The shocking thing was the
Neighbor EdgartownThe shocking thing was the illegal parking going on with a patrol car and an officer sitting there. Gave the people parking there the idea that the sides of our private roads should be filled with New York plates using our property as public parking for their vacation... not a good look for the officer sitting there, the Edgartown PD, or the hosts of the event. If someone used your private road as public parking for their business event without letting anyone know beforehand, they're not really ingratiating themselves as new neighbors, are they? Thus the outrage. It really has nothing to do with what the people attending the events look like. Neighbors would be equally unhappy if it was a hedge fund event or a WW2 re-enactment, don't line a private road with cars for a commercial event. It's not legal because you're using someone else's property for your own commercial gain without their permission. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266 § 121A
MV need not "get it together"
phil oak bluffs.MV need not "get it together". People come and go. Boat reservations will always be filled and small business revenue will not dry up. If you are concerned about small businesses, visit during the winter months. The issue, seems pretty clear, at least for the neighbors, a "business planting roots and hosting 25 events during the month of August". The concept may have been well meaning but c'mon.
I strongly suspect that the
Bob OBI strongly suspect that the effects of the potential loss of business that you are suggesting on the island economy, and/or property values, would be the exact opposite of what you would imagine them to be. Please feel free to organize a boycott in 2024 and let's find out.
Wow...MV better get it
PJ TisburyWow...MV better get it together. What a detached statement...missing the point entirely. Not really worried about millions being taken elsewhere. More parking, quieter beaches, no lines at restaurants, less traffic. that sounds like a great summer...sort to of like it used to be.
My family and I abut this
Emily NeighborMy family and I abut this property. We have a 2 year old and 10 month old.
To be clear, this is not an ordinary party situation - like a wedding or graduation party. It is not an isolated event or two or even three. It’s been an almost daily occurrence for more than 2 weeks and ongoing. From vehicles parked on our narrow road, to the parking and traffic that has wreaked havoc on our (and much of the Island’s) daily lives, and most importantly the NOISE that is completely disrupting our otherwise quiet neighborhood - it’s unbelievable. I am rocking my baby to sleep feeling the bass of an amplifier in the middle of the afternoon and hearing music over a loud sound machine. My two year old is asking me why there’s sound outside when he’s going to sleep. My dog is barking because it’s unsettling to hear the crowds in our back yard. This is pulling my husband away from work in August. There are tour busses turning around at the end of our street where my son is learning to ride a bike on our otherwise quiet (and private) road. I heard people traipsing through the woods behind our house from my living room. There were plastic cups in the woods the next morning. Sometimes the music is so loud I can’t make my work calls outside (which I do when the baby is sleeping). The list goes on. I’m not a complainer, I’m not confrontational - but this has gotten out of hand, and it’s frustrating that nothing has been done to enforce the bylaws.
We were blindsided by this, so I am curious how they have “taken great effort to appease the neighbors.” One of the many reasons we pay and work hard to afford living where we do is for the peace and quiet and sense of community. This business venture next door has completely disrupted that.
bingo...this isn't a case of
phil OBbingo...this isn't a case of Nimbyism. No one would want this in their back yard. You know, year rounders spend all winter looking forward to opening their windows and sitting in their back yards during the summer. To have your August completely disrupted is inexcusable.
Emily, I'm so sorry you are
Lauren EdgartownEmily, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. The word nuisance is actually used in the legal arena and it definitely sounds like you have a case. What people do not realize is that this is not a weekend wedding or a family reunion. This is a continued misuse of a residential property. You are absolutely correct in calling it a business venture- this is not a family or friend event- I can guarantee the owner of this home does not know the majority of the attendee of their events.
Emily,
Jackson Monroe MVEmily,
None of what you said is true. However if peace and quiet is your preference then blowing your fog horns, chipping your wood and laying on your horn for 10 to 15 minutes at a time during random hours of the day are things that contradict your statements above. The events happening are like many others on the island. All following the rules firmly established. People trespassing onto abutting properties is a remarkably false statement. No one is climbing fences to walk through the woods. There is no littering or any of the the things you have said. I’ve been a guest at the weavers home and they have gone out of their way to make these gatherings and celebrations of profound achievements such a pleasurable and wonderful experience. Maybe take part rather than being the problem , there are several fun things that your children can enjoy as well.
I am so sorry that you and
Ann EdgartownI am so sorry that you and your family have to put up with the incessant noise and disruption to your normal family life. The town allowing this to continue is incomprehensible. I cannot believe the lack of empathy for you and your neighbors by many in these comments. This is a safety issue, a use of residential property for commercial use/gain, and a total lack of respect for the neighbors by the Weavers!
Bravo Emily. No one can argue
Mark Lucier EdgartownBravo Emily. No one can argue with that
To me the bottom line is to
Gina Menemsha/NYCTo me the bottom line is to respect your fellow neighbors/abutters
This business is clearly not doing that so why should the town ignore enforcement of existing zoning?
This only makes the paper
Business 101This only makes the paper because it’s in Edgartown. Oak bluffs suffers from this nonsense in homes, parks and beaches. There’s now a two week window where there’s a corporate invasion and you must be seen. The minute there’s a mention of following the bylaws look out because you will be shamed relentlessly. Where are our elected officials? Why aren’t the Edgartown and Oak bluffs Selectboards standing up to this insanity?
I live in Edgartown. There
Bill EdgartownI live in Edgartown. There are constant parties fundraisers etc… tents going up all the time…
Just saying I also deal with the noise parking etc… for the last 25 + years…. I am not complaining.
It appears that these
John EdgartownIt appears that these entrepreneurs bought the property as an event space and is being used as an events space. But it's in a residential zone - we're not talking about a home office here and it does not matter how much "good" you believe you are doing. If I were an abutter, you can bet I would lawyer up...just shut it down.
I believe one is entitled to
Harriet McDonnell Codman spring rdI believe one is entitled to the quite enjoyment of one's home especially when one buys a property in a residential area. Permitting the use of a residentially zoned property as a business entity which on a daily basis interferes with the ability to have peace and quite is disturbing to me. Where are the elected representatives who have allowed this debacle while ignoring the rights of the surrounding neighbors
The owners of this home are
Lorraine Berryman MVThe owners of this home are the owners of a very successful spirit company. If during the summer they’re hosting events at their home, seems pretty clear that they would promote their spirit at their home. This does not make it a Whiskey House and clearly the author is showing bias or just out for click bait.
Additionally, I’ve attended two garden gatherings and not only were the horns and beeping more loud and disruptive than the gathering it actually seemed overly aggressive and vengeful.
I have a question for all of the complaining, has anyone taken the time to walk by speak directly to the Weavers or welcome them to the neighborhood and do something more akin to sensible communication? Hiding behind comment section provocation only makes for an unfriendly and ultimately tense community. Is that what you ultimately want?
For all those who called the police or went to meetings to complain, ask yourself could all of this been avoided with a common sense and polite conversation with my neighbor? If you had you would find two of the most loving, kind, sensible people you have ever met.
Curious to learn if the
Marty EdgartownCurious to learn if the Weavers ever reached out to the neighborhood they moved in to? Certainly they didn’t seem concerned about clogging traffic or safety at the intersection of Meetinghouse, West Tisbury, and Colman Spring Roads while they were parking the tens of worker vehicles on the edge of West Tisbury Road for the weeks leading up to the events described. Also curious about the location of the property purchased in the heart of town. Did any 2.5 acre commercially zoned property transfer ownership? That is an enormous lot for Edgartown’s commercial zones. It would be nice for the Uncle Nearest Whiskey company to have a big presence in Edgartown, but it belongs in town proper alongside Vineyard Vines, Lululemon, Black Dog, and the other big money corporations successful enough to have a presence in town.
There is nothing loving, kind
MV Kind KatamaThere is nothing loving, kind or remotely sensible about putting a private club in a quiet neighborhood. Uncle Nearest MV has an older FB post searching for an “event space” with housing for their “staff” of 6. Their signage, golf greens and restaurant sure looks like a business, placed with no thought for the neighbors who they would disturb or rules they would break. When a family has a party, the invited don’t need tickets to attend. And please, this has nothing to do with race, and everything to do with treating the neighborhood like it’s a business district. Kind, loving neighbors let their abutters know that they’re having a party, apologizing in advance for the noise— not this bs. My heart goes out to the neighbors who work really hard so that our visitors can have wonderful vacations, and they are entitled to peace, quiet and napping babies!
I can't not ignore the racial
Marc EdgardtownI can't not ignore the racial undertone of the complaints here. When some white people see successful black people doing the same thing white politicians and others do all the time at private homes on the Vineyard to promote their reelection or brand, it becomes a problem for them and they find every reason to complain as a way of preventing people of color from peacefully enjoying themselves and being great. They will be the first ones to deny that it isn't racially motivated, but deep down, we all know what racial bias and intolerance feels like and that it is alive and well in the hearts and souls of some people who do not like people of color being equal or greater than them. I urge those people to question the impetus behind their actions and do better! The Weavers have done everything to mitigate all concerns and had a beautiful incident-free event in 2024 celebrating black culture, history and success on the Vineyard... a place we like to call home! These complainants should be ashamed of themselves, targeting people of color with frivolous claims of civil disruption. People of color should not tolerate this sort of targeted harrassment by certain neighbors. We are all here to respect one another and get along as a community, not pick fights deeply rooted in hate and racial intolerance!
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