Dukes County is finalizing the application process to rent the current property that hosts the Community Greenhouse in Oak Bluffs. 

The greenhouse, which has been in operation for 40 years, could end up staying at the county land on New York avenue, but the county plans to offer the property up for short-term basis after the current lease ran out in December 2023. 

The new lease, expected to be for two years with the potential for an additional year, is reserved for agricultural use. The greenhouse, which continues to operate without a lease, and other groups could apply for the $1,000 a year lease.

The county is on the cusp of starting a long-term strategic plan for all of its properties across the Island, and decided to go with the abbreviated lease after previously granting the greenhouse, formerly known as the Community Solar Garden, a 20-year lease. 

Dukes County considered opening the property to other uses. — Ray Ewing

County commissioners at a meeting last week voiced some displeasure because the greenhouse hadn’t been paying its $50 annual rent for several years, potentially due to an oversight during leadership changes. The nonprofit has since recently covered its debts in full. 

“I really don’t want to come across as being harsh here, but, we have a property that has value, that has been, very generously I think, offered to this service, agricultural right now, and the [individuals] who have been occupying this property for many years have not lived up to the extremely generous offer,” said commissioner Christine Todd. 

Ms. Todd raised the potential of opening the lease up to other uses outside of agriculture. But the commission ended up keeping the restriction since it was only for two years and the county could ponder larger changes as it works on a longer-term view of its properties. 

“I’m okay with it being agricultural use,” said commissioner Peter Wharton. “This is for two years, we reserve the right to redefine its potential uses at the end of that two-year term for public benefit.”

The commission’s land use committee is expected to finalize a request for proposals soon, while it considers how to manage its land in the future. The county has several properties around the Island, including the Edgartown courthouse, airport and the healthcare access building next to the greenhouse. 

County manager Martina Thornton said the county has been considering consolidating its different offices and the county will soon search for a consultant to help create a long-term plan.

The greenhouse for its part is seeking to stay at the Oak Bluffs property so it can continue its mission of growing healthy food and cultivating community. 

“We are totally ready to apply and just waiting for the form and how they want us to do it,” said Sue Miller, the president of the greenhouse’s board.