Thursday's Minute: 11.10.22: Island planning boards discuss short-term rentals; DCC looks to hire treasurer; and Paddy Mo ore will receive the Spirit of the Vineyard award

On this day in 1969, Sesame Street was released making Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch household names. Happy birthday to the U.S. Marines. Celebrate with National Vanilla Cupcake Day. Tomorrow is Veterans Day, we’ll be taking a day off from the Minute, but we’ll see you on Monday. Don’t forget to thank a veteran and support them at Friday’s parade in Oak Bluffs. PS: Due to a problem with our off-Island printer, the print edition of The Times is delayed and because of Friday’s holiday, the earliest we can get it to the Post Office is Saturday. We apologize and thank you for your patience. Today’s Minute includes print advertisements that would have otherwise been in our print edition. In the meantime, Friday is your chance to grab a copy of the MVT from publisher Peter Oberfest at our Beach Road office. He will be glad to meet you! If your friend sent you this, sign up for yourself here.

Short-term housing, long-term problem

The All-Island Planning Board is considering ways to combat economic woes brought about by the short-term rental issue. Some members were concerned that potential housing income that would otherwise benefit Vineyarders is being taken up by investment groups and large corporations. Other members expressed disquiet over having too many voices involved in the discussion, and suggested that each town make their own decisions regarding short-term rentals. Reporter Eunki Seonwoo has this story.

That’s the spirit
Paddy Moore, who has advocated unwaveringly over the decades for the Island’s senior population, will receive this year’s Spirit of the Vineyard award. She is being recognized by Vineyard Village At Home for her outstanding volunteer service to the community. Moore will be honored at a reception on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the West Tisbury First Congregational Church, from 4 to 6 pm. Reporter Eunki Seonwoo, who has had a busy day, has this story on Moore and her dedication to Vineyard elders.

Menemsha Inn Road Waterfront, Chilmark Sponsored

This waterfront 4 bedroom 2.5 bath quality custom home and detached 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest studio are sited on 5.6 pristine acres. Enjoy spectacular water views and magnificent sunsets from almost every room as well as from the stone terrace, screened porch and the primary bedroom balcony. This is a finely crafted home with many wonderful details including salvaged heart pine floors and beautiful old beams. A large building envelope allows room for expansion should a new owner desire. Relax amidst the gardens, expansive lawn and mature trees as you take in the beauty around you or go for a leisurely stroll to Menemsha Village. A short path leads to 340 feet of private waterfront on the Vineyard Sound where one can swim peacefully in the calm waters.

Quote of the Day
"What was nice was some of the earlier numbers that were rolling in came from Martha’s Vineyard. And we saw the margin of victory in each of the towns, and that gave us a good feeling early on in the night. And fortunately it carried through the balance of the evening."
–Rob Galibois commenting on his victory in the race for Cape and Islands District Attorney

Hot Topic Comment
Eileen Reilly commented on our story about the sandy bike lanes on Beach Road. "I agree so much with the author and Don. The sand has always been a problem and I too was happy to see dedicated bike lanes on Beach Road…. until I saw how often they’re sandy. The arrows and bike icons are covered by sand so unless you know it’s a bike lane, you can’t tell."

Hot Topic Letter
Jack Fruchtman wrote about a U.S. Supreme Court case that contemplates ending affirmative action. "Learning in a classroom with people from diverse backgrounds teaches everyone how best to conduct their future personal and professional lives, whether it is in business, the military, education, or government. Besides, admissions officers do not admit any unqualified applicants. Aside from members of the majority white community, diversity includes representatives of underrepresented minority students, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. For some, it also includes Asian Americans."

Today: We’ve been all about bees around here lately. Entomologist Larry Dapsis talks about Honey Bee Biology in this virtual event from the Edgartown library. I’m not going to ask what all the buzz is about. 5:30 pm. –Connie Berry

Our friend, chef, and Edible Vineyard writer Cathy Walthers put together this valuable class at the FARM Institute: Kitchen Knife Skills. You’ll learn safety tips, blade differences, and honing and sharpening. This makes life in the kitchen so much better. 5:30 pm. –C.B.

Real Estate Confidential: Fireplaces in the fall Sponsored
Real Estate Confidential is a biweekly chit-chat about new listings, sales, or other insider information on the Martha’s Vineyard Real Estate market, presented by Fred Roven, owner/broker of Martha’s Vineyard Buyer Agents. It appears every other Friday in The Minute.

Every fall, with the first significant chill in the air, my real estate thoughts move to fireplaces. We have had enough of those warm, early fall days to fool us, but today brought thoughts of the warmth and coziness a fireplace provides. I plugged the word "fireplace" into my search today, and much to my surprise, there are currently 51 homes with a fireplace for sale. Adding the ‘s’ brought the total down to 10, and what a breathtaking group it is. Many are antiques thoughtfully renovated, and others are waiting for your personal touch to return the homes to their historic glory.

Besides the warmth provided, there is the joy of the fire actually lighting on the first try, the smell of burning wood, and the crackling sound to enhance the romance of the moment. Imagine having family and friends arrive for Thanksgiving to the glow of a fireplace with the smell and crackle of logs burning. Maybe add the aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon from simmering cider and you are good to go. Don’t forget to have scallops gathered that day, possibly even sauteed over your open fireplace.

Many of these homes have fireplaces in dining rooms (my personal historic favorite) as well as in multiple bedrooms, libraries, and family rooms. I lost count of the number of fireplaces in some, and you get the idea.

Taking a look at the Vineyard market, as interest rates climb, homes are taking longer to sell, and reduced prices are seen in many homes just priced too high early this year and struggling to find the bottom. Homes new to the market and priced right are still selling at similar averages to last year (and without those dreadful bidding wars). Unless we see a significant increase in the number of homes coming to market, prices remain stable for now.

The Edgartown home at 8 Atwood Circle has recently undergone a thoughtful renovation. The refinished antique wood floors, painted fireplaces, and original built-in cabinets preserve the warm, inviting character of this historic home. The location offers quick and easy access to Edgartown shops, fine dining, and the harbor at the end of Beach Street. New hedges and landscaping offer privacy for outdoor entertaining. This home has loads of character and is being sold fully furnished. You will fall in love from the moment you step inside . . .

For the rest of this Real Estate Confidential, click here. For more Real Estate Confidentials, click here.

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