Bob —Terry Forde has forwarded your note and I will try to reply to your questions—which are all quite reasonable.
The Chappy Path Committee is an open, self-selected committee Chappy residents, currently numbering 39, who are interested in a shared use path for Chappy (see list enclosed). In August we sent out a survey to as many Chappy residents as we could via email (through the CIA and our lists) to gauge the level of sentiment for a shared use path. The results of this survey are enclosed (Update #1) and were sent to all who responded to the survey. Subsequent events are outlined in Update #2. We will be happy to include you in our email distribution if you wish. 
We have applied to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for funds for a detailing engineering survey. We have enclosed this proposal, which was inadvertently omitted from the email. The previous engineering survey of ~15 years ago was limited in scope and accuracy, is out of date, and is insufficient for planning purposes. We also have proposed a demonstration path in the Gardner property using a non-paved surface that has proved to be successful elsewhere. As you probably know, the Community Preservation Committee holds public meetings with whatever notices are required to consider community input on the proposals for funding through the Community Preservation Act. The CPC has held 2 public meetings on this and the other proposals. The next public meeting is Dec 11 at 4 pm at the Edgartown School Cafeteria. At their last meeting, the CPC did not approve funding for the demonstration path, but did vote unanimously in favor of funding the engineering survey. 
We have previously contacted Bill Veno of the MVC, who, as you may know, is an advocate of shared use paths and he has given us words of encouragement. He did not mention that there is a DCPC issue.
Needless to say, there are many opinions on Chappy, and that is why we strongly favor a definitive engineering survey to indicate what is possible so that the Chappy residents can have an informed discussion that we hope, will promote finding a common ground. 
We share your concern for safety, which is also one of our prime motivations. 
We would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you and hope that we can earn your support.
Bob Colvin
For the Chappy Path Steering Committee
Will Geresey
Melissa Kagan
Dick Knight
Joe Sullivan
Tom Tilghman
Peter Wells