A New Jersey couple’s proposal to partially demolish, relocate and expand their vintage East Chop house has drawn warm, but not universal support from nearby Oak Bluffs residents as the Martha’s Vineyard Commission begins its review of the project.

Oak Bluffs building official Matthew Rossi referred the project to the MVC because it involves changes to the exterior of a structure that is more than 100 years old. The house also is listed in the Massachusetts Cultural Resources Information System (MACRIS), an additional trigger for referral to the commission.

Since then, the commission has received more than half a dozen letters acclaiming the renovation plan submitted by Lynn and Sengal Selassie for 19 Harrison avenue, known as the Metcalf House, in the Prospect Park neighborhood overlooking Vineyard Sound.

Other correspondence has been more critical of the proposal, which would reorient the house on its lot while expanding the dwelling and adding a separate two-bedroom accessory unit and a two-car garage on the property’s perimeter, increasing lot coverage from 3,283 square feet to 5,863 square feet of the 28,754-square-foot total.

One of the Selassies’ nearest neighbors has withdrawn his letter of support after seeing story poles on the property that indicated the renovated home would block nearly all of his family’s water view.

“Given this new information, we cannot possibly approve a plan that wipes out the ocean view that we have enjoyed for almost 70 years,” wrote Michael Metcalf Chapman, who also told the commission his great-grandfather built the Selassies’ house.

Island attorney George Brush wrote on behalf of another neighboring family, telling the commission that the project as designed would violate setback rules.

Mr. Brush also asked that the garage be moved farther into the lot, to reduce the effect on neighbors from the sound of Mr. Selassie’s Maserati.

While not an abutter, East Chop resident and immediate past MVC chair Fred Hancock opposed the relocation for reasons of historic preservation.

“I have no issue with creating a basement and new foundation but I believe that moving and turning the house is not in keeping with preserving the place of this historic house in the streetscape,” he wrote.

An addition could be proposed at the home’s current location that would not trigger MVC review if it affects less than 25 per cent of the historic facade, Mr. Hancock added.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission opened its public hearing on the Selassies’ project Sept. 18, hearing from the applicants and their architect, Angie Francis of South Mountain Company, as well as from the commission’s historical consultant, Eric Dray.

Based on Oak Bluffs town water maps from 1890, Mr. Dray said the house is more than likely older than the 1907 date on records.

“I think an 1890 or 1880s date is more accurate,” he said.

Mr. Dray has not found any historical figures or events connected to the house that rise to the level of public interest. 

According to the MVC’s historic preservation policy, Mr. Dray said, the change in roof line and other proposed alterations in the Selassies’ plan would affect the historic character of the house. 

“They either alter distinctive features of the dwelling or create a false sense of historical development,” he said. “It’s just a different house.”

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission will continue its public hearing on the Metcalf House Oct. 9.