West Tisbury selectmen this week gave a lukewarm reception to a pair of conceptual plans from the Massachusetts Highway Department for the redesign of the intersection of State and Old County Roads, a problem intersection that has been the site of numerous accidents over the years.

Both plans call for widening both roads, adding new pavement and removing the triangular island in the middle. Both also call for the angle of the intersection to be changed from the current Y-shape to a more traditional T-shape.

Although selectmen did not formally endorse or reject either of the two plans, initial feedback was largely negative.

“I find both these plans objectionable,” selectman Richard Knabel said. “I don’t think we need to remove that island [between the roadways] and I don’t think we need more blacktop . . . more blacktop just encourages people to drive faster.”

The plans are posted on the town Web site (westtisbury-ma.gov/) for public inspection. MassHighway will hold a public hearing in the future; construction will not begin until 2012 at the earliest.

Selectman Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter criticized markings on the second plan that would create a new turning lane.

“I don’t like this at all. I don’t know if it’s painting or curbing . . . but I don’t like it,” he said.

Selectmen will consult police, fire and emergency medical service officials before taking further action.