The Great Harbor Association is a 501c3 non-profit preserving and nurturing Edgartown’s and Martha’s Vineyard’s special historic, residential character and unique environments.
Together, we can make a difference.
The Board is currently working on a strategic plan to illustrate the organization’s purpose and how to implement it. The five areas of focus are:
Preserving the historic residential (non-commercial) character of the area.
Protecting special rural areas, ecosystems, and vistas to include land and water.
Addressing the safety, inconvenience and wear and tear on infrastructure associated with the growing volumes and types of vehicular traffic.
Addressing safety and security concerns.
Maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the area.
Assuring accessibility and enhancing the experience of homeowners and visitors alike.
Our focus
Together, we can make a difference.
Board President: Robert Forrester
Directors: Joan Lonergan, Amanda Phillips, James Swartz, Richard Zannino
Executive Director: Sally Rizzo (part time)
Administrator/Bookkeeper: Amy Cash (part time)
Who we are
Great Harbor Association (GHA) members include long term seasonal and full-time residents. Over the past few years, the population of the island has increased from roughly 15,000 year-round residents to 20,000. There are estimated 40,000 seasonal residents and during the pandemic, many seasonal residents became full time residents. In addition, during the summer months the population increases to approximately 100,000. The impact of this growth has strained the island’s natural resources and infrastructure.
As the population increases the number of contractors, landscapers, and service providers has also grown. Renovations to residences, new home construction, and the increase in installation of swimming pools has stressed the town’s ability to monitor zoning, environmental regulations, and historical preservation. The increase in trucks, cars, vans, and bicycle traffic has caused significant parking and traffic congestion problems on the narrow streets along Main Street and throughout the historic district.
GHA working in collaboration with town officials, historic commission, non-profit organizations, and merchants, will act as a clearinghouse for information sharing on the pertinent issues facing the town at this time of dramatic change and growth.
Members of GHA are updated on potential development and environmental concerns throughout the year. GHA will share information about upcoming hearings, public meetings, proposed zoning changes affecting the historic preservation of Edgartown. By being informed, members can actively participate and be aware of changes affecting the character of their neighborhood.
Our members
Together, we can make a difference.
Please download our new member form and send your membership fee check to the address specified.