I'd like to respectfully respond to the two comments above that imply that Chappy people want to keep others out.
Chappy people donated the funds that made it possible for the Trustees of Reservations to own and make available more miles of public beach than are available elsewhere in Edgartown and on the rest of MV combined.
Since 1998, more than 250 Chappy property owners, rich and poor, year round and summer, have contributed funds and granted trail easements which have created many miles of public walking trails on Chappy and, often in partnership with the Land Bank, more than 200 acres of new land which is conserved for public use.  No Edgartown tax dollars were ever requested or granted. 

The majority of these donors happen to be listed as opponents of the proposed bike path.  They are people who donated their hard earned dollars to provide amenities on Chappy for all MV residents.  It is unkind and inaccurate to accuse these folks of opposing the bike path because they want Chappy to be exclusive. Chappy is a great recreational resource for all Vineyarders because of the generosity and hospitality of Chappy people who have worked hard and given much to preseve the special qualities which draw thousands of visitors to Chappy beaches and trails every year.
At this time, many of these people believe that a bike path would not only be more dangerous than the present situation, but, in addition, would be a major and irretrievable step backwards for the Island.
Posted by Lionel Spiro on Friday, 1/2/09 @ 7:19pm