In the past three years the residents of Chappaquiddick have worked with Pam Dolby and the Edgartown selectmen to bring Comcast to Chappy. We are now two months from realizing this as the mid-December contract deadline approaches.

Our best information to date is that about 200 homeowners have sent in their contribution of $2,139. The accuracy of this estimate is hampered by the limited information available to us from the local escrow agent. It is compiled from information we have from the town, the escrow agent and our telephone polling of those residents intending to join. We do feel that once Comcast agrees to the cabling of Chappy, a larger number of residents will join as the bundling of services for television, internet and telephone makes it much more cost effective than current technologies and far superior in quality and reliability. Approximately 200 homeowners would comply with the intent of the contract that there be a 50 per cent participation on Chappy to satisfy Comcast. The 270 number stated in the contract arises from a misconception that there are 540 homes on Chappy rather than the actual number of just over 400.

Based on a desire to have the same high speed access as the rest of the Island, Chappy residents will have sent in checks totaling $428,000 toward the construction cost. Much of this money has been sitting in escrow since March.

Chappy residents have also donated $40,000 to cover the contribution of another 20 residents who are in need of support. Most of these residents are elderly, seasonal workers or have young children in our school system.

Chappy residents have raised another $150,000 to cover the shortfall should Comcast hold us to the 270 threshold. This would cover Chappy’s required contribution for the build out.

In addition, the Massachusetts state legislature under a bill submitted by Rep. Tim Madden, appropriated $50,000 for Chappy’s internet infrastructure.

NStar, which wired the harbor with fiber optic cable last spring, has available a conduit pass from Edgartown through Litchfield Road and up to Hotel avenue.

Without Comcast, Chappy residents are unable to participate in the Islandwide emergency broadcast system through MVTV and cannot view televised selectmen’s meetings in town hall.

In addition to the many professionals who depend on the internet for access, the demographics of Chappy have changed. There are an increasing number of children living on our island who will not have available up-to-date communication tools unless we upgrade services.

The Comcast contract has been amended since it was signed. If indeed our numbers are accurate, we will require the active support of the selectmen to advocate for Chappy in order to begin the cabling. We believe this dialogue between the town and Comcast should happen now before the contract terminates.

We believe that the extension of Comcast on Chappy will be a win-win for Comcast, Edgartown and the homeowners of Chappy.

Special thanks to Pam Dolby for anchoring this effort over the last three years.

Dennis Goldin
Chappaquiddick