A slate of commercial projects are under review by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, including a plan for employee housing above the Lampost Bar and Nightclub in Oak Bluffs, and the first new hotel in Edgartown in years.
The owners of the five-story Lampost on Circuit avenue want to convert the top three floors to employee housing, with a new entrance at street level. The project is planned in two phases, with construction beginning as early as this winter, pending approvals.
A total of 21 double-occupancy bedrooms would replace the current dance club on the third and fourth floors, and a four-bedroom apartment would replace a top-floor storage space. The second phase would add an elevator, accounting for the only major change to the building’s exterior.
At a public hearing last Thursday, commissioners welcomed the project but sought clarity surrounding the proposed housing. MVC affordable housing planner Christine Flynn said with no official definition of workforce housing, it will be up to the owner to scale rents according to income. On the Island this type of housing is currently defined as serving seasonal or year-round residents earning between 50 and 120 per cent of the area median income.
Geoghan Coogan, an attorney representing the owner, said income restrictions for the rooms would be redundant, since the plans already imply workforce housing, with separate bedrooms and shared kitchen, bathroom and living spaces.
“There is no way that this can be anything but workforce housing,” he said.
But some commissioners worried the rooms could morph into shorter-term rentals, in the style of Airbnb. Laurie Riley, speaking on behalf of Mary Ibsen, owner of the Madison Inn on Kennebec avenue, noted an expected decline in staff positions at the Lampost as a result of the project, and wondered who would fill the remaining rooms.
Mr. Coogan said the rooms could serve other businesses besides the Lampost.
“It would make zero sense for the applicant to turn this into an Airbnb,” he said. “The need is far greater on our end for the workforce housing.”
Some commissioners welcomed the idea of a business developing workforce housing for more than its own employees. “I think it’s a great thing,” said commissioner Clarence A. (Trip) Barnes 3rd. “And you should make some money on it . . . it’s America.”
At another public hearing, architect Patrick Ahearn and attorney Sean Murphy presented plans for a new upscale boutique hotel in Edgartown.
The 10,419-square-foot building would occupy a small vacant lot on Winter street behind the Sydney Hotel, which also houses l’etoile restaurant. There were some concerns about intensity of use on the site, since plans also call for retail and storage space, a bakery and employee housing.
The spokesmen for owners Charles and Anne Hajjar said the new hotel would be an extension of the Sydney, which operates from May to December but could eventually open year-round, depending on demand. Lark Hotels would manage the property.
Mr. Murphy said Edgartown has lost 54 hotel rooms and seven inns over the years, and this would likely be the first hotel in Edgartown since the Clarion Inn on upper Main Street was built in 1984.
An offer to provide on site housing for five seasonal employees would satisfy the MVC’s affordable housing policy; employees who live off site would get free bus passes.
Mr. Ahearn emphasized the project’s “urban-design” features, including public outdoor spaces and improved walkability on Winter street, which would get another sidewalk. He said the project would create a more fluid relationship between Winter and North Water streets, including Nevin Square, where he said business suffered following the relocation of Vineyard Vines in 2013.
“It helps tie the buildings together, it ties the village together, it helps reinforce the commercial activity,” he said.
The project was approved by the town historic commission in September. If it clears the MVC, it will also need permits from the town planning and zoning boards.
At a third hearing Thursday, the owner of Vineyard Decorators presented plans for a 4,518-square-foot addition on the 12,504-square-foot home and furniture store at the airport. Seven new loading bays and a solar array are part of the plan. The MVC approved the original building in 1985, and there have been five additions over the years.
Commissioner Josh Goldstein welcomed the project and showed support for store owner Whitney Brush, an Island native.
“It’s great that we have an Island kid who grew up here who’s running a successful business,” Mr. Goldstein said. “[He’s] really filling a need here on the Island.”
The commission closed all three public hearings, leaving the written records open until Dec. 8. Deliberations and possible votes are set for Dec. 15.
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