A neighbor’s complaint against a controversial home expansion in Edgartown was tossed out by a Dukes County Superior Court judge this week.
Michael Hirschfeld filed a lawsuit in February against the Edgartown historic district commission, arguing that the town erred in approving a proposal to build a wraparound porch, pool and a connection between the main house and garage at 81 South Water street.
The former home to Vineyard governor Thomas Mayhew, the property has been a point of contention in the neighborhood for years due to its status as one the last public views of Edgartown harbor.
But superior court Judge Daniel Wrenn didn’t buy into Mr. Hirschfeld’s argument, and dismissed the suit on Wednesday after a hearing the day prior.
Mr. Hirschfeld’s property isn’t close enough to the property in question, meaning he is not technically aggrieved by the historic district commission’s decision to allow the work, Judge Wrenn wrote in his three-sentence ruling.
The home is owned by Edward Jepsen, who purchased it from a limited liability company associated with hedge fund manager David Malm in 2025.
Mr. Jepsen’s attorney, Robert Moriarty, said that Judge Wrenn made the right call that Mr. Hirschfeld did not have standing to file the lawsuit.
“Mr. Jepsen fully appreciates the meaning this property has to Edgartown and is thankful for the support he has received from the majority of his neighbors,” Mr. Moriarty said. “Mr. Jepsen looks forward to implementing his exceptional plan to restore this property and protect the iconic view from S. Water St. for all.”
Some along South Water street have been outspoken against the plans, arguing that the additions are much too large and that the proposed pool should be rejected to be in line with a previous smaller plan from Mr. Malm.
Mr. Hirschfeld on Wednesday said he disagreed with the ruling and planned to file an appeal.
“This is the judicial process,” he said.
This article appears in April 10, 2026.