While sitting outside in the sun this morning I spent a few quiet moments looking at the real estate in the local guide of properties for sale and for rent. Or it would have been quiet if the employees of a property about two thirds of a mile due south-southwest from my house weren’t doing their daily thing with the leaf blowers — eliminating any debris which might have fallen overnight on the lawn. At this time of year the noise normally only continues for a few hours, so around noon peace and quiet normally return and today was no exception.

Meanwhile my eyes were drawn to an ad for a “dramatic south shore estate” in Edgartown, and to several other properties which were being advertised at $60,000 or slightly less per week for the coming season. Certain that this was a mistake I then looked at the listings online and discovered that not only was there no mistake but cleaning fees are extra and there is a two-week minimum on at least one property. Interestingly, for many of the rentals, ferry tickets (presumably for the servants and the baggage) are available which helps to explain why Islanders are unable to procure reservations (even with a preferred status) for spring through fall. Of course the tenants don’t travel by ferry, they travel by private jets, either their own or ones that they charter. Aren’t we the second or third busiest airport in the commonwealth?

With rates like this (and the places are being booked) and many others which weren’t that much less, it confirmed (again) my long held position that the Island’s biggest problem is the narrowly focused economy. Our biggest problem isn’t affordable housing, traffic, transportation issues, health care or the like. No, our biggest problem is the real estate market/second home rental business which comprises such a dominant sector — all tax advantaged and facilitated — of the economy. When you analyze the situation, you will find that many if not all other problems can be traced back to the mono-crop economy.

We must create and support a broad-based, sustainable, innovative, year round green economy with good benefits or we are doomed. And if you don’t agree, may every private jet and helicopter arriving or departing MVY fly directly over your house all season long.

Virginia Crowell Jones
West Tisbury