Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Many remember the last time the small (west) entrance to Vineyard Haven harbor closed in 1997, and you could smell the decay far and wide. The small entrance is nearly closed again and in desperate need of dredging. The entrance is environmentally vital to water circulation and a clean harbor. It is also imperative to keep open for safety, so small boats and children can use this back channel entrance and avoid the commercial ferry channel.

Please support the unanimous choice of the Tisbury selectmen, dredge committee and finance committee, and vote yes on Article 18 at the April 9 Tisbury annual town meeting, and approve funding to dredge the west harbor entrance.

Nevin Sayre and Nat Benjamin, Vineyard Haven