Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

As an employer of more than 60 year-round and seasonal staff on Martha’s Vineyard, we know how difficult it is to secure staff housing.

The Trustees owns the 99 acres of land leased to Grey Barn and Farm through 2040, which is subject to an Agricultural Preservation Restriction held by the state Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR).

This past spring, we worked with Grey Barn and Farm to approve and submit a request to the state for their proposal to create workforce housing and make other improvements to the property. We are very excited that the request to make those improvements has been fully approved by both The Trustees and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We love what the Glasgows do with Grey Barn. We are partners in ensuring that this land is actively farmed and the long-term agricultural value is preserved, and we have made multiple proposals — including one just last week — that would extend their lease by 22 years, to 2060.

We appreciate the investments that Eric and Molly have made at Grey Barn and look forward to reaching an agreement that will reinforce the long-term success of this community asset, strengthen our existing partnership, and enhance the agricultural heritage of this cherished property.

John Judge 

President and CEO, Trustees of Reservations