Suddenly the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road is transformed into an ugly, urban wired and poled road. From one day to the next greenery has had to make way for those ugly long poles now dominating the landscape. Where are we, on the Vineyard, or in some industrial backyard where ugliness triumphs over nature and aesthetics?

Aquinnah selectmen were unhappy to hear this week about an NStar project that began with no apparent notification to the town to replace the utility poles on scenic Moshup Trail with much taller poles.

When it comes to telephone service, Cuttyhunk may be going cutting edge. As part of a plan to upgrade service on the island, part of the town of Gosnold, Verizon has proposed putting up a 45-foot pole on town property on Tower Hill Road.