I am a West Tisbury property owner and four-month-a-year Martha’s Vineyard resident and I have never approved of chain stores establishing themselves on the Island. This is one of the few populated places that is not swamped with the same boring establishments. The plan to increase the size of the current Stop & Shop in Vineyard Haven is a dreadful idea. It will be an unwelcoming eyesore and will make traffic backups and town parking a nightmare.

Observing nature and geology are lifelong interests and passions of mine, and some of the reasons I fell in love with this beautiful Island, like so many other people who choose to live in Chilmark.

I am writing in opposition to the proposed two-lane bridge and parking lot to be voted on by the residents of Chilmark on April 28.

Islanders want the new Stop and Shop to be better in every way but do they understand that it will also be twice the size of the current store.

It is shame to walk down Water Street and see the current row of buildings in disrepair. We should applaud Stop & Shop’s efforts to revitalize its building. The design is excellent and will be an asset to Vineyard Haven. The proposed size is appropriate and much needed. The benefits of this project will be an asset to the Town of Tisbury and the community at large.