AT&T has submitted a plan to the Edgartown conservation commission to tear down two large silos at Katama Farm and replace them with a single silo that would house a cell tower.
Construction for a solar array at Katama Farm is set to begin this winter, now that the Edgartown planning board approved a special permit for the project this week, clearing the last hurdle for what will be the Island’s largest installation of photovoltaic panels.
Calling it an inappropriate use of prime agricultural land, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society appealed to the Edgartown selectmen this week to reconsider a plan to use five acres at Katama Farm for a solar panel project that is not yet built. Town leaders responded that they intend to stay the course with the project.
In a letter sent to the selectmen this week, agricultural society president Dale McClure urged to the town to find alternative sites for the photovoltaic panels.
Driving down the dirt path leading to the Farm Institute in Katama, a sign urges you to slow down: “Caution, children exploring.” There are the belted Galloway cows grazing in the distance, bales of wrapped hay in the far field, and now there is a fully restored barn to complete the picturesque vista.
This year, the Farm Institute will lose two of its key leaders: brothers Rob and Matthew Goldfarb. Rob, development director, leaves today. Matthew, executive director, will depart at the end of this summer, after being at the reins for five years.
This week, the two sat down to talk about the Katama-based farm, its past and its future. For them, the Farm Institute is a classic community success story, with a beginning, a hardworking present and a future they feel will remain strong, well after their departure.
The FARM Institute angered many of its new neighbors this week with a plan to hold a two-night summer fundraising concert for as many as 10,000 people and 2,200 cars parked on Katama Farm.
The institute officially moves into the historic town-owned farm tomorrow.
The Edgartown conservation commission, which controls Katama Farm and signed a 10-year lease with the institute for the land only two months ago, will hold a special meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to vote on the request.
Capital Boost Needed at Katama Farm
By MANDY LOCKE
After a superior court judge denied initial efforts by a group of
neighbors to evict FARM Institute from Katama Farm, questions remain
about the condition of buildings at the town-owned farm.
Katama Farm - nearly 200 acres of sweeping grassland cradled
in the middle of the town's densely settled south shore community
- has seen better days. Wear and tear brought on by a string of
failed operations over the last 24 years have left this facility's
barns and silos in a state of disrepair.
