As an Island builder I was dismayed at the various comments made concerning new construction of the megamansions here on the Vineyard. Several of the comments claimed review of large homes is unprecedented and should not be allowed. As one example, our sister island, Nantucket, has an independent review board that reviews every new home or renovation on that island.

Though I do not think a review of every home or renovation is necessary, there is no doubt new mansions should have some form of review. I do not think the current Martha’s Vineyard Commission is the correct forum for such a review, but experienced construction-related professionals would be, possibly as a subcommittee of the MVC.

I think the greatest harm of large homes is the amount of energy they consume. As inexpensive energy sources become depleted, utility costs will greatly rise, and these increased utility costs will need to be shared by all Islanders. In addition, on a national level, increased utility needs forces our country to enter into wars to secure energy, and requires we strip our national parks looking for new sources of energy. I would recommend all megamansions be required to incorporate an alternative energy plan, utilizing solar, geothermal or other renewable energy sources, to offset their utility use.

Though the new mansions provide many lucrative jobs, they also create an inverse effect by raising the prices of available labor and materials to the smaller home builders, or the residents looking for workers, that may charge an affordable price. I am also confident the new megamansion owners would gladly contribute something to affordable housing here on the Vineyard, if they were ever asked.

Paul Adler
West Tisbury