Feb. 22, 2010
To: The Edgartown Board of Selectmen & Edgartown Planning Board
Re: The “Chappy Path Committee”
Dear Edgartown Selectmen and Planning Board Members:
As long time Chappaquiddick property owners, we strongly oppose the construction of such an unnecessary path and all the disruption it will bring to the island.
We have addressed this subject many times over the past many years, reviewed the arguments both for and against, and remain unconvinced that there is any need for a bike path at all on Chappaquiddick. It has yet to be determined that such a path is even remotely necessary on Chappaquiddick. In fact, construction and use of a bike path potentially raises more problems than it resolves.
So, once again, my husband and I cannot understand the vehemence and use of deceptive tactics with which the Chappy Path Committee (CPC) is pushing for an unnecessary bike path on Chappaquiddick. They are proposing options for a bike path, when the very need or desire for a bike path is in question! We are also appalled by their attempts to lend legitimacy to their position by soliciting “options” from a group of college students. Is this supposed to offset the majority of Chappy residents who are against the construction of such a path? Are these students in any way qualified to make such proposals?
We urge you to deny support again to the CPC because a significant portion of the Chappy community continues to oppose a bike path. We are at a loss to understand why the public hearing, set for February 26, 2010, is being held at all, especially as a “public presentation under the auspices of the Edgartown planning board and Stuart Fuller of the highway department” (quote from Vineyard Gazette).
A bike path is not necessary or desirable on Chappaquiddick. Please put a stop to this proposal for once and for all by 1) denying support to the CPC proposals, and 2) encouraging the CPC and Chappaquiddick community to address residential concerns of safety and speed in a less disruptive, more cost effective, and simpler manner.
Yours truly,
Meg Murray Dupont, Don Dupont
Cape Poge & Lafayette, California