Edgartown considers purchase of Main Street mini-park

“The Edgartown Community Preservation Committee scheduled a hearing for Thursday, December 4, to review proposals for projects funded by the Community Preservation Act, including a $2.1 million plan to gain control of Alfred and Marjory Hall Park, known by most as the mini-park, in the center of the Main Street business district. The hearing is scheduled for 4 pm at town hall.

The town has leased the vacant land from the Hall family or a trust controlled by the family since 1979. It is a tiny oasis for tired shoppers, a spot to sit with an ice cream cone or a brown bag lunch, and a base for local organizations holding charitable bake sales or raffles.

This is at least the fourth time in the past two decades that town officials have taken steps to purchase or take the land by eminent domain, according to town records.

The application for funds came from the town conservation commission and has the support of selectman Margaret Serpa, who is also chairman of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The CPC evaluates applications and chooses projects to present to voters at town meeting.”

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Myrick, Steve. MV Times 3 December 2014.