An off-Island bakery’s application to open a location in Menemsha raised concerns about changes in the fishing village. 

The Chilmark select board voted Tuesday to allow Cambridge-based bakery Iggy’s Bread to begin selling coffee and pastries at the former location of The Bite, a restaurant that closed its doors in 2017. Iggy’s previously said it would sell pastries and breads baked on the mainland, similar to its outpost in Edgartown.

During the public hearing, a major worry was preservation of community character. 

“I’m a big fan of croissants, but I’m also very cognizant of the changes that have happened in the town of Chilmark,” select board chair James Malkin said during his opening remarks at the public hearing. 

Molly Glasgow, co-owner of The Grey Barn and Farm, was against the proposal, citing her concerns of a chain bakery coming to the town. 

“Where do we draw the line as a community?” Ms. Glasgow said. “It’s a beautiful, wonderful place. I love it here and it hurts my heart to think that we would allow a chain organization to come into our community.” 

She added that bringing in workers from off-Island was another concern for her.  

“The people they will be bringing in, as far as I understand, are not from here,” she said. “They’ll be traveling from Boston every day. There’s just a lot of footprint. I’m very emotional about this. I’m very upset that the people in this room are okay with this.” 

Sarah Nixon, co-owner of the former Bite building, explained that finding a business to fill the space has been difficult, and showed her support for the bakery. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Iggy’s,” Ms. Nixon said. “I think it’ll be a beautiful addition to our harbor...and I’m so happy to have something down the hill, just as a neighbor.” 

Select board member Marie Larsen, along with other members of the public, also expressed positive sentiments about having the building finally filled. 

“If they’ve jumped through all the hoops and we’re going to have something in a spot that’s been vacant...I don’t want to see an empty store,” Ms. Larsen said.

When the board voted unanimously to approve the common victualler license, Ms. Glasgow shouted an expletive at the board and left the meeting.

Ms. Glasgow later apologized for her comments in a letter to the select board. 

“I used foul language towards members of our Select Board and I know my words caused harm to others feelings,” she wrote. “For this I apologize. I genuinely regret and take full responsibility for my actions. I admit that I became overrun with emotion around the subject of chain stores coming to our Island.” 

Iggy’s manager Nick Zappia told the board that the store would abide by all agreed-upon parameters, including opening hours and products being sold and hoped to open as soon as possible.

“We have no intention of coloring outside of the lines,” Mr. Zappia said. “We’re happy to be in this community. We’re excited to do the right thing.”