Even if you’re not a first time home buyer, there are some very good tips in this "How To" guide. Just remember, anytime you contact a listing agent to inquire about one of their seller’s properties, they represent the seller, not you.
When you’re ready to buy a home you want to engage an Exclusive Buyer Agent, because they have access to the entire real estate market, work solely for you, will negotiate on your behalf, and always have your best interests in mind.
To learn more about Exclusive Buyer Agency, or to subscribe to my Buyer's Basic e-Newsletter focusing on the Martha's Vineyard Real Estate market, visit www.SplitRockRE.com.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Making News On Martha's Vineyard
The Vineyard Gazette has always been a literary icon of this wonderful Island, garnering praise from the journalism community year after year for its fine editorial writing and exceptional photography. The Gazette continues to adhere to a model championed by its late editor, Henry Beetle Hough, as he fought to preserve what has been a special way of life for so many years.
I was pleased to participate in assisting a buyer of mine in the purchase of the old Henry Beetle Hough house in Edgartown some years ago. The house has changed quite a bit over the years since Mr. Hough’s death, but it’s still a beautiful property and his former wife still owns the house behind it.
A new book by Phyllis Meras, a frequent contributor to the Vineyard Gazette, chronicling the life of Henry Beetle Hough might be of interest to you if you are a student of Martha’s Vineyard history. The book is titled Making news on Martha's Vineyard.
I was pleased to participate in assisting a buyer of mine in the purchase of the old Henry Beetle Hough house in Edgartown some years ago. The house has changed quite a bit over the years since Mr. Hough’s death, but it’s still a beautiful property and his former wife still owns the house behind it.
A new book by Phyllis Meras, a frequent contributor to the Vineyard Gazette, chronicling the life of Henry Beetle Hough might be of interest to you if you are a student of Martha’s Vineyard history. The book is titled Making news on Martha's Vineyard.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Bicycling To Martha's Vineyard?
Martha’s Vineyard has always been a desirable destination, one that’s not the easiest to get to. People who really want to come here go to great lengths to make the trip including multiple modes of transportation quite often combining airplanes, buses and boats. But have you ever heard of someone riding a BICYCLE to Martha’s Vineyard?
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Not Having A Survey Can Lead To Big Problems
Underneath it all is the LAND. Right? So, if that’s true then why do people buying real estate usually have no idea where their land begins and ends? They haven’t a clue where the boundaries of the property are, and they’re spending hundreds of thousands, or millions of dollars for it. To me, that would be first and foremost; I can worry about the pink bathroom tile later.
If you’re getting a mortgage, usually the Mortgagee will require a Mortgage Plot Plan. This is a map that shows the use of the land, where the actual or proposed structures are located. It can also be used for a septic design. It’s not necessarily a plat of the land or a survey articulating all the metes and bounds. If there already is, or has been, a mortgage on the property then that Plot Plan should already exist, but remember it’s not a survey. In many cases where a septic is installed, there isn’t even a septic plan on file in some of the towns. Only recently has record keeping become more conscientious among towns and engineers. I had an experience where three engineers did surveys over time on a piece of land and each one came up with different information.
A colleague called me while I was writing this to tell me about a 10,000sf lot in Vineyard Haven that she is marketing for an owner. The lot has just been surveyed and a plat has been created. During my conversation with her, I looked up the lot in the Assessor’s Book and remarked, “It’s a trapezoid shaped lot with ~110’ at the rear and ~140’ of frontage. She said, “No, it’s square with about ~130’ at the rear.” The Assessor’s maps are notoriously inaccurate so we all should know never to rely on that information as fact. I read an article the other day that addresses the point that quite often No Survey Leads To Big Problems.
If you’re getting a mortgage, usually the Mortgagee will require a Mortgage Plot Plan. This is a map that shows the use of the land, where the actual or proposed structures are located. It can also be used for a septic design. It’s not necessarily a plat of the land or a survey articulating all the metes and bounds. If there already is, or has been, a mortgage on the property then that Plot Plan should already exist, but remember it’s not a survey. In many cases where a septic is installed, there isn’t even a septic plan on file in some of the towns. Only recently has record keeping become more conscientious among towns and engineers. I had an experience where three engineers did surveys over time on a piece of land and each one came up with different information.
A colleague called me while I was writing this to tell me about a 10,000sf lot in Vineyard Haven that she is marketing for an owner. The lot has just been surveyed and a plat has been created. During my conversation with her, I looked up the lot in the Assessor’s Book and remarked, “It’s a trapezoid shaped lot with ~110’ at the rear and ~140’ of frontage. She said, “No, it’s square with about ~130’ at the rear.” The Assessor’s maps are notoriously inaccurate so we all should know never to rely on that information as fact. I read an article the other day that addresses the point that quite often No Survey Leads To Big Problems.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Corey Kupersmith Begins Construction of South Woods Farms
Mr. Corey A. Kupersmith’s relationship with Oak Bluffs and this Island, albeit a fiery one, started sometime back in the 1990s when Mr. Kupersmith, a developer from Greenwich, Connecticut bought the old Webb’s Camping Area for $2.5mm. Mr. Kupersmith continued acquiring land in the area in what is called the Southern Woodlands, some with unclear title, until he had amassed an additional 190 acres giving him a total of 280 acres.
His vision was for a luxury golf course community; however, his proposals were summarily rejected time after time in one of the ugliest skirmishes yet to befall the Vineyard. Finally the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank stepped in and purchased approximately 190 acres for $18.6 million thereby preserving 2/3’s of the Southern Woodlands.
During the beginning half of this year, many of us have wondered what the dramatically wide swath of excavation is cutting into the woodland off of County Road. Well, now we all know it is Mr. Kupersmith going ahead with his approved South Woods Farm subdivision of luxury homes.
Personally, I think it’s a shame a resolution couldn’t be found that would have allowed for a PUBLIC golf course with REASONABLE greens fees along with other forms of recreational activities like tennis and swimming, something that would have been accessible and affordable for all. I guess we’ll all have to wait for the greatly anticipated Martha’s Vineyard YMCA, but that’s another story.
His vision was for a luxury golf course community; however, his proposals were summarily rejected time after time in one of the ugliest skirmishes yet to befall the Vineyard. Finally the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank stepped in and purchased approximately 190 acres for $18.6 million thereby preserving 2/3’s of the Southern Woodlands.
During the beginning half of this year, many of us have wondered what the dramatically wide swath of excavation is cutting into the woodland off of County Road. Well, now we all know it is Mr. Kupersmith going ahead with his approved South Woods Farm subdivision of luxury homes.
Personally, I think it’s a shame a resolution couldn’t be found that would have allowed for a PUBLIC golf course with REASONABLE greens fees along with other forms of recreational activities like tennis and swimming, something that would have been accessible and affordable for all. I guess we’ll all have to wait for the greatly anticipated Martha’s Vineyard YMCA, but that’s another story.
Terminal Seller Uniqueness – The Vineyard Way?
I’ve always believed Martha’s Vineyard to be a unique and very special place, but I try to keep my elitist attitude in check. However, for as long as I can remember, when prideful owners compare properties, they boastfully maintain their property is special and unique. It's quite common when we see properties selling for over 20 million dollars, usually the first thought that comes to mind is, and “They paid that much for that property!” And then after thoughtful reflection we come to the (ir)rational conclusion, if he can get that much for his property, surely mine is worth X. No two properties are the same and the same goes for buyers, circumstances and timing. Each property must be evaluated individually and objectively. I see it all the time in the middle to lower end of the market based purely upon what is happening in the higher end of the market. Certain areas will appreciate more quickly than others since it all comes down to location, but there are many other dynamics that effect how the various price lines are marketed.
Vineyard property owners generally believe they are not affected by what is going on in the rest of the market, they think their holdings are recession proof. To some extent that may be true. But today it seems all we’re hearing from the media is the bubble has burst. Of course the news media survives on sensationalism and fear. They don’t know our business and quite often editorialize to suit themselves. The market is crashing in many areas and down trending in other areas where the experts have predicted a soft landing. All the while the market is building in other areas. We cannot deny the fact that the inventory of homes on Martha’s Vineyard is steadily increasing and sales have fallen off significantly, but this is not a bubble burst, it is suppose to be a leveling of prices into what will be a healthier market --- except for one thing.
I like the recent article Peter Miller wrote titled Marathon Sellers Race Realty where he speaks of that one thing --- real estate exceptionalism. I think we all know history repeats itself and if that is true, in this case, sellers who resist reality as we approach the long cold winter may get themselves into trouble, especially if they’re highly leveraged, in a position of negative amortization and with ARM’s that will realize dramatic interest rate hikes during first adjustments sometime before March 2007. Sellers are shooting themselves in the foot every week by making insignificant and repeated reductions to their over-priced properties, that is, overpriced for this market. As a result, serious buyers who watch every tick of our market continue to sit back intent upon waiting out the sellers, wondering how low they will go. In the meantime sellers are paying all those carrying costs and chasing the market as it continues to slide. This is not as bad as the early 90’s but I fear the outcome may be the same. My advice to sellers is, listen to the objective professional opinion of a seller agent. Sellers have got to stop telling their agents what their property is worth. If you are engaging them to market your property, let them do their job. LISTEN! If you’re fortunate enough to get an Offer, think carefully and MAKE THE DEAL. What you perceive to be a low offer today may end up looking like a high offer in the next few months.
Vineyard property owners generally believe they are not affected by what is going on in the rest of the market, they think their holdings are recession proof. To some extent that may be true. But today it seems all we’re hearing from the media is the bubble has burst. Of course the news media survives on sensationalism and fear. They don’t know our business and quite often editorialize to suit themselves. The market is crashing in many areas and down trending in other areas where the experts have predicted a soft landing. All the while the market is building in other areas. We cannot deny the fact that the inventory of homes on Martha’s Vineyard is steadily increasing and sales have fallen off significantly, but this is not a bubble burst, it is suppose to be a leveling of prices into what will be a healthier market --- except for one thing.
I like the recent article Peter Miller wrote titled Marathon Sellers Race Realty where he speaks of that one thing --- real estate exceptionalism. I think we all know history repeats itself and if that is true, in this case, sellers who resist reality as we approach the long cold winter may get themselves into trouble, especially if they’re highly leveraged, in a position of negative amortization and with ARM’s that will realize dramatic interest rate hikes during first adjustments sometime before March 2007. Sellers are shooting themselves in the foot every week by making insignificant and repeated reductions to their over-priced properties, that is, overpriced for this market. As a result, serious buyers who watch every tick of our market continue to sit back intent upon waiting out the sellers, wondering how low they will go. In the meantime sellers are paying all those carrying costs and chasing the market as it continues to slide. This is not as bad as the early 90’s but I fear the outcome may be the same. My advice to sellers is, listen to the objective professional opinion of a seller agent. Sellers have got to stop telling their agents what their property is worth. If you are engaging them to market your property, let them do their job. LISTEN! If you’re fortunate enough to get an Offer, think carefully and MAKE THE DEAL. What you perceive to be a low offer today may end up looking like a high offer in the next few months.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Is This Really The End Of The Real Estate Boom?
Jim Cramer of “Mad Money” says the Boom is over and if you own investment real estate, get rid of it and invest in corn flakes. July was one of the worst months for real estate in a long time with the number of unsold homes climbing to a record high. Furthermore, sales of existing homes dropped to the lowest point in over three years, and that down trend caught most economic analysts off-guard. The supply of homes for sale rose to over a 6-month supply which is the highest it has been in the last 10 years. A Commerce Department study reported new home sales, accounting for 15% of the market, fell by 4.3% and is down 22% from the same time last year. The supply of new homes, meaning new construction, rose to the highest documented level since December of 1972. I wonder if they took into consideration the population boom since 1972? Also, price gains slowed since a 14% increase last September, but we know that and I don’t consider that to be unmanageable appreciation. My definition of a boom is when appreciation rates reach the 20% to 30% range. I still maintain that the Vineyard market is unique and somewhat recession proof. Granted, a lot of people are moving off the Island for various reasons including lack of ability to make a living here, but I believe more upper-middle class people and retirees will take their place converting properties into suitable vacation and income properties. Baby boomers (1946 to 1964) who are reaching retirement age will be divesting themselves of their oversized primary residences in favor of more modest accommodations. They will have the resources to afford a second home in a calmer surrounding or escape urban centers altogether in favor of no maintenance condos or low maintenance homes in recreational areas with golf, tennis and boating. They will have the money to do what they want and their movement will signal the beginning of the next real estate market upswing. Think about it, 27% of the population fits into this category and that adds up to 76 million “boomers” getting ready to retire. I’m very optimistic about the future of Martha’s Vineyard and its ability to adapt to the sociographic changes. I am also confident real estate will always be a good investment in the long run.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Closing costs up 8 ½ percent in Massachusetts
Published in REALTOR(R) Digest August 21, 2006
A newly released national survey of real estate closing costs found that home buyers in Massachusetts pay more, on average, for loan origination, title and document preparation, and other settlement services than the typical home purchaser, but far less than consumers in New York and Texas, who face the highest closing costs in the U.S. The survey, by Bankrate.com, reflects state averages for 21 related settlement fees associated with the closing costs on a $200,000 loan to a buyer with an excellent credit history who made a down payment of at least 20 percent on a single-family home in the state’s largest city. Nationally, the typical home buyer paid an average of $3,024 at closing, excluding taxes and escrow fees, which reflects a 10 percent increase over the 2005 average closing cost of $2,748. Home buyers in New York were found to pay the most for closing costs at an average of $3,887, while residents in neighboring Connecticut (which placed 6th) faced the highest closing costs in New England, paying an average of $3,284. In Massachusetts, home buyers currently pay $3,143, on average, at closing, which is up about $250 over last year, and places the Bay State 14th overall among the U.S. states for highest closing fees. New Hampshire residents pay among the lowest closing costs in the country, ranking 49th nationally, at an average of $2,734.
A newly released national survey of real estate closing costs found that home buyers in Massachusetts pay more, on average, for loan origination, title and document preparation, and other settlement services than the typical home purchaser, but far less than consumers in New York and Texas, who face the highest closing costs in the U.S. The survey, by Bankrate.com, reflects state averages for 21 related settlement fees associated with the closing costs on a $200,000 loan to a buyer with an excellent credit history who made a down payment of at least 20 percent on a single-family home in the state’s largest city. Nationally, the typical home buyer paid an average of $3,024 at closing, excluding taxes and escrow fees, which reflects a 10 percent increase over the 2005 average closing cost of $2,748. Home buyers in New York were found to pay the most for closing costs at an average of $3,887, while residents in neighboring Connecticut (which placed 6th) faced the highest closing costs in New England, paying an average of $3,284. In Massachusetts, home buyers currently pay $3,143, on average, at closing, which is up about $250 over last year, and places the Bay State 14th overall among the U.S. states for highest closing fees. New Hampshire residents pay among the lowest closing costs in the country, ranking 49th nationally, at an average of $2,734.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Does Your Personal Residence Qualify for a 1031 Exchange?
We all know the IRS rule about exempting the first $500,000 for married people and $250,000 for single individuals from the capital tax gains when selling a property you have lived in for the last two out of five years. However, there is a possibility depending upon what that property was used for during the other three years of that five year period that your personal residence can qualify for a tax free exchange. Here is a very interesting article explaining the Personal Exchange.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
My New Home Has Problems, What Can I Do?
My wife and I bought a second home a few years ago in a newly developed planned community. There is a homeowner Association and the developer has an office in the complex as they continue to market their new homes. After we purchased the property we found some problems with the construction. What were we suppose to do? We contacted the Homeowner Association, but in our case they were of little help. We contacted the developer; they referred us directly to the builder. Luckily, the builder is a good guy who took responsibility for all his mistakes. But, what if he wouldn’t? What rights would we have? Would we have to sue the developer and builder, and how would we go about doing that? Should the Homeowner Association step in, and what can they do? Here is a book titled Construction Defect Litigation that speaks to the potential problems that can arise and what to do.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Car Show Supporting Edgartown Parent Teacher Organization
On Saturday, August 12th, the Edgartown PTO hosted their first ever car show. My dear friend, Rob Young, aka Robert A. Young Electrical Contractors was the guiding light behind this unusual event. We all know that most people on Martha's Vineyard, especially those living here year round could give a tinker's damn about cars beyond getting them, their kids, fishing gear and their tools from here to there. However, there are some pretty neat cars squirreled away in barns and garages around this Island.
Rob has a pristine BMW Z3 M Roadster that is a Sunday driver, and I have a '95 Chevy Caprice wagon that is driven even less than that. What's so special about a Chevy WAGON and what does this have to do with real estate. Well, I admit this is a digression from my normal discourse, but this WAGON used to be my real estate car until my increasingly obsessive hobby ran away with me and it was no longer suitable as a sedate house touring car. Another friend of mine who happens to be a home inspector has a '63 Corvette split-window coupe that's fully restored, and a 2003 Z06 "Arrest Me Red"Corvette with 405 HP. We all dusted off our cars, hoped they'd start and got together to support this event on the most beautiful day of this summer. There were over 40 cars in attendance at the show.
I bought my wagon new in '95 and worked on it for about 7 years. I blame my folly on a semi-retired race car engine builder, Ray Baker, who became a client of mine and to whom I sold a house in Oak Bluffs a number of years ago. I also credit a lot of my insanity to the encouragement and support of my many friends in several Impala Super Sport clubs around the country. Thanks to Ray and the Impala guys, I've spent tens of thousands of dollars and equally as many hours making my WAGON the unique "Grocery Getter" that it is today. I started a trend. I guess all that love and effort paid off on Saturday, because I actually won an award at the car show. It wasn't my first award, but this was special to me.
Rob has a pristine BMW Z3 M Roadster that is a Sunday driver, and I have a '95 Chevy Caprice wagon that is driven even less than that. What's so special about a Chevy WAGON and what does this have to do with real estate. Well, I admit this is a digression from my normal discourse, but this WAGON used to be my real estate car until my increasingly obsessive hobby ran away with me and it was no longer suitable as a sedate house touring car. Another friend of mine who happens to be a home inspector has a '63 Corvette split-window coupe that's fully restored, and a 2003 Z06 "Arrest Me Red"Corvette with 405 HP. We all dusted off our cars, hoped they'd start and got together to support this event on the most beautiful day of this summer. There were over 40 cars in attendance at the show.
I bought my wagon new in '95 and worked on it for about 7 years. I blame my folly on a semi-retired race car engine builder, Ray Baker, who became a client of mine and to whom I sold a house in Oak Bluffs a number of years ago. I also credit a lot of my insanity to the encouragement and support of my many friends in several Impala Super Sport clubs around the country. Thanks to Ray and the Impala guys, I've spent tens of thousands of dollars and equally as many hours making my WAGON the unique "Grocery Getter" that it is today. I started a trend. I guess all that love and effort paid off on Saturday, because I actually won an award at the car show. It wasn't my first award, but this was special to me.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Island affordable housing bill killed by House
The question of affordable housing for workng class Vineyarders has been a heated topic of discord for many months. The solution for how to maintain a balanced population on this fragile Island will not come easily. It is more complicated than it appears, and could establish a precidence for other towns and cities to manipulate a seller (or buyer) fee to self-serve their purposes, I.E. town sewer upgrades, etc.
It was believed the House would not render a decision before its current session came to a close; however, they somehow squeezed it in and voted 91 to 64 against legislation that would have created a fund to subsidize affordable housing on Martha’s Vineyard.
As a real estate broker, EXCLUSIVE Buyer advocate and owner of a property valued above the $750,000 baseline, I've been subjectively opposed to this legislation and am pleased that it's been rejected. In my opinion, it doesn't matter who is charged with paying the fee, be it the 2% Land Bank BUYER fee, or the 1% SELLER fee for sales above $750,000 --- the BUYER is the one who will ultimately pay. Of course I have other reasons for my opposition, but ....
It was believed the House would not render a decision before its current session came to a close; however, they somehow squeezed it in and voted 91 to 64 against legislation that would have created a fund to subsidize affordable housing on Martha’s Vineyard.
As a real estate broker, EXCLUSIVE Buyer advocate and owner of a property valued above the $750,000 baseline, I've been subjectively opposed to this legislation and am pleased that it's been rejected. In my opinion, it doesn't matter who is charged with paying the fee, be it the 2% Land Bank BUYER fee, or the 1% SELLER fee for sales above $750,000 --- the BUYER is the one who will ultimately pay. Of course I have other reasons for my opposition, but ....
Monday, July 31, 2006
Going For The Bait
You know what the problem is with our real estate market, it's the people who write about it and talk about it in terms of doom and gloom. Once again the press is feeding off of what is happening in other parts of the country and making general statements, without all the facts or studying the psychographics affecting Martha's Vineyard.
Sure the market has slowed down, and sure there are more properties on the market, but it really isn't that bad. Part ot the reason the market has slowed down is because more buyers are being cautious, not wanting to appear foolish and overspend. I can tell you, having worked both sides of the market for many years, sellers got used to pricing their properties well above the broker recommendations without too much resistance from the brokers, because nine times out of ten, a buyer would come along and pay the price for that property. There was little to no price resistance and the opperative expression was, "You only have to sell it once". Well, today's buyers, thinking they have the upper hand, and maybe they do, are no longer taking the "I've got to have it before the price goes up again" point of view. Any buyer in their right mind who is watching the continuous trail of price reductions week after week will sit back and wait wondering, "How low will they go?"
Another reason there are more properties on the market is because more people are moving off the Island. More people have decided to "cash out" now and move on to more affordable communities for work or retirement, or they've simply gotten tired of the many inconveniences associated with living on an Island year round --- or perhaps the commute has become too expensive. It also stands to reason, if more houses were built and more properties have been converted to condominiums, the inventory will go up. Sure properties are taking longer to sell, and sure the TOTAL inventory has risen by ~34%, but it is not even close to what the inventory was in 1990 and 1991.
I agree with Mr. Wallace, "The Vineyard market literally goes in spurts rather than a steady trend of every day, every week, every month." This is a very rich Island in all imaginable ways and it is only going to get richer. Get in at today's dollars or wait until tomorrow, you can't lose either way.
Sure the market has slowed down, and sure there are more properties on the market, but it really isn't that bad. Part ot the reason the market has slowed down is because more buyers are being cautious, not wanting to appear foolish and overspend. I can tell you, having worked both sides of the market for many years, sellers got used to pricing their properties well above the broker recommendations without too much resistance from the brokers, because nine times out of ten, a buyer would come along and pay the price for that property. There was little to no price resistance and the opperative expression was, "You only have to sell it once". Well, today's buyers, thinking they have the upper hand, and maybe they do, are no longer taking the "I've got to have it before the price goes up again" point of view. Any buyer in their right mind who is watching the continuous trail of price reductions week after week will sit back and wait wondering, "How low will they go?"
Another reason there are more properties on the market is because more people are moving off the Island. More people have decided to "cash out" now and move on to more affordable communities for work or retirement, or they've simply gotten tired of the many inconveniences associated with living on an Island year round --- or perhaps the commute has become too expensive. It also stands to reason, if more houses were built and more properties have been converted to condominiums, the inventory will go up. Sure properties are taking longer to sell, and sure the TOTAL inventory has risen by ~34%, but it is not even close to what the inventory was in 1990 and 1991.
I agree with Mr. Wallace, "The Vineyard market literally goes in spurts rather than a steady trend of every day, every week, every month." This is a very rich Island in all imaginable ways and it is only going to get richer. Get in at today's dollars or wait until tomorrow, you can't lose either way.
Charting the Future of Martha's Vineyard
"The preparation of an Island Plan for Martha’s Vineyard is underway.
"The ISLAND PLAN will set the stage for local decision-making concerning a whole range of issues such as water quality, housing, traffic and transportation, open space, growth, and economic opportunities.
"The plan will have a vital impact on the future of the Island… on all of our lives and those of our children. So it’s important that every Vineyarder take part in its preparation."
"The ISLAND PLAN will set the stage for local decision-making concerning a whole range of issues such as water quality, housing, traffic and transportation, open space, growth, and economic opportunities.
"The plan will have a vital impact on the future of the Island… on all of our lives and those of our children. So it’s important that every Vineyarder take part in its preparation."
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Do You Know What Moves You?
Motivation is a curious thing when it comes to buying and selling a home. The decision making process is full of questions you should be asking yourself, answers that will sometimes surprise you and variables that need to be focused. Take a few minutes and answer the 20 questions in Your Online Housing Profile Quiz.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Pedaling the Islands
As a follow-up to the essay I wrote, Mopeds Are Dangerous, here is a wonderful article extolling the virtues of riding a bicycle on Martha's Vineyard titled Pedaling the Islands.
Monday, July 17, 2006
The Vineyard Clothesline
Can you use a laugh? Holly Nadler, ex-wife of Marty Nadler who wrote such classic television series hits as Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and Golden Girls owns a quaint little book shop in Oak Bluffs called Sunporch Books. She’s written a new book titled Vineyard Confidential. An article in the New York Daily News reported, “The rich and famous islanders of Martha’s Vineyard should lower their voices the next time they stop by Sunporch Books in Oak Bluffs ....” They go on to relate several tales shared by our resident dirt dish darling.
• Bruce Willis reportedly hit on 137 waitresses during his Vineyard visits over the years. According to Nadler, he scored with precisely zero.
• Diane Sawyer is the most demanding of all VIPs, a source at the Vineyard airport told Nadler. "She insists on being driven to the door from her plane, rain or shine, even though it is a nine-second walk.''
You’re wondering what any of this has to do with real estate? Read the next one.
• Woody Allen once faxed a list of requirements to a real-estate agent who was supposed to show him properties. According to Nadler, the Woodman insisted the agent should remain silent unless spoken to.
As posted July 12, 2006, Akron Beacon Journal – Porter’s People
• Bruce Willis reportedly hit on 137 waitresses during his Vineyard visits over the years. According to Nadler, he scored with precisely zero.
• Diane Sawyer is the most demanding of all VIPs, a source at the Vineyard airport told Nadler. "She insists on being driven to the door from her plane, rain or shine, even though it is a nine-second walk.''
You’re wondering what any of this has to do with real estate? Read the next one.
• Woody Allen once faxed a list of requirements to a real-estate agent who was supposed to show him properties. According to Nadler, the Woodman insisted the agent should remain silent unless spoken to.
As posted July 12, 2006, Akron Beacon Journal – Porter’s People
Martha's Vineyard, A Diverse Island
Martha's Vineyard Island is a microcosm and melting pot of humanity that ebbs and flows like the flick of a lamp switch from season to season. Remember my article on "Stickers"? Those who live here wrestle to identify themselves from those who don't, and those who want to be from here. There are stickers that read "NATIVE", "I LIVE HERE....", "WASH-ASHORE", and now there are Brazilian stickers in green, yellow and blue. There are stickers for every town and stickers in the shape of a nautical semaphore flag that attests to your elitist membership to the yacht club, There are town dump stickers and beach stickers that identify you in a roundabout way and private community stickers that are another symbol of elitism.
Anyone who has lived and raised children here knows this Island can be a wonderful place to grow up with opportunities beyond imagination and a school system second to none, or it can be hell. Hmmm, sounds just like life. However, wanting to stay on the bright side of Island life, I want to share with you an essay I read in the Summer 2006 issue of Vineyard Style magazine. There is a footnote to the essay that you must not miss, so I'm repeating it here.
"Duncan Pickard is the winner of the Vineyard Style-John D. Morelli essay contest. In addition to publishing his essay, Vineyard Style awarded Duncan a $500 prize. So taken were we with his talent and drive, we hired him for the summer. Duncan will attend Tufts University."
Coming of Age and Surrounded by Sea
Anyone who has lived and raised children here knows this Island can be a wonderful place to grow up with opportunities beyond imagination and a school system second to none, or it can be hell. Hmmm, sounds just like life. However, wanting to stay on the bright side of Island life, I want to share with you an essay I read in the Summer 2006 issue of Vineyard Style magazine. There is a footnote to the essay that you must not miss, so I'm repeating it here.
"Duncan Pickard is the winner of the Vineyard Style-John D. Morelli essay contest. In addition to publishing his essay, Vineyard Style awarded Duncan a $500 prize. So taken were we with his talent and drive, we hired him for the summer. Duncan will attend Tufts University."
Coming of Age and Surrounded by Sea
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Is Anything Happening in the Martha's Vineyard Real Estate Market?
I was speaking with a broker in Sarasota, Florida the other day and he said after 3 years and a staggering 95% appreciation, the market has tanked and only 4% of the inventory sold last month. They have a real problem. But I keep hearing all this talk about a buyer’s market on Martha’s Vineyard. The market is standing still here, just like it is in New York or New Jersey or Connecticut. Even Las Vegas and Los Angeles are practically neutral. I don’t call that a buyer’s market; it’s nobody’s market. Nothing is happening! However, when it does happen, quite often it’s not pretty.
Sellers are angry at the offers they are getting and buyers arn't satisfied when they have negotiated a good price, they want more and more concessions and many deals fall apart. I maintain this is not a buyer’s market, it’s a market of opportunity, but you’ve got to be willing to look at the big picture. Now is the time to approach sellers with realistic offers and attempt to negotiate reasonable buys. Sure you can ask them to pay all or a portion of the closing costs, or pay for the structural inspection, but why beat the seller up for ugly window treatments or the old refrigerator they’re so attached to? I remember when the market really tanked during the late 80’s and early 90’s; I had to restrain a seller when he lunged across the closing table at the buyer during a closing. Having said all of this, if you're keeping score, there are approximately 485 homes, 115 pieces of vacant land including beach lots, and 16 condos for sale on Martha's Vinyard according to our Multiple Listing Service.
Sellers are angry at the offers they are getting and buyers arn't satisfied when they have negotiated a good price, they want more and more concessions and many deals fall apart. I maintain this is not a buyer’s market, it’s a market of opportunity, but you’ve got to be willing to look at the big picture. Now is the time to approach sellers with realistic offers and attempt to negotiate reasonable buys. Sure you can ask them to pay all or a portion of the closing costs, or pay for the structural inspection, but why beat the seller up for ugly window treatments or the old refrigerator they’re so attached to? I remember when the market really tanked during the late 80’s and early 90’s; I had to restrain a seller when he lunged across the closing table at the buyer during a closing. Having said all of this, if you're keeping score, there are approximately 485 homes, 115 pieces of vacant land including beach lots, and 16 condos for sale on Martha's Vinyard according to our Multiple Listing Service.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Mopeds Are DANGEROUS
The David and Goliath “us against them” campaign focused upon banning mopeds from the byways of Martha’s Vineyard Island started back in 1988 when numerous serious moped accidents had made national news. It was about that time that I first started riding a motorcycle here on the Island. I was an adult who had a healthy respect for the inherent dangers associated with motorcycle riding and I could see how those dangers were multiplied ten fold on little scooters operated by inexperienced pilots who were full of vacation exuberance and didn’t have a clue about the Island roads or where they were going.
Notice I said I was an adult. That’s because I was 42 at the time, and I guess that classifies me as an adult. However, a good majority of the people who rent mopeds are adults, so what’s the problem? The problem is, the people who rent and ride mopeds are clueless or else they think they’re bulletproof. They think nothing is going to happen to them. I think everyone who intends to rent a moped should watch a short 5 to 10 minute film showing graphically what can happen and why. But that would be bad for business --- the moped business. When I started riding I made sure I had the proper protective gear, and I never rode without a good full-face helmet, a leather jacket and boots, not flip-flops and a T-shirt. I took a motorcycle safety course, more than once, and practiced panic stops and avoidance maneuvers on a regular basis. I also did a lot of reading and learned skills that actually changed the way I drove a car and viewed traffic situations. However, the poor souls who rent mopeds and race around this Island have little to no experience on anything with two wheels and a motor. I say this because riding a lawnmower doesn’t qualify as experience, nor does a 10-speed bike. Heck, I’ll bet most of these people haven’t been on a bicycle in years.
Every summer, the horror stories would unfold about vacation visitors who had never been on a moped, much less a motorcycle, and in some cases didn’t even have a driver’s license. Nevertheless, they were set free on the seat of a moped after riding around the block and/or listening to an anemic warning. They were allowed to ride wearing nothing more than shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops or less, and with a cheap helmet bobbling upon their precious heads.
Every summer, the ER at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital received numerous victims of the moped’s unforgiving bite, and practically without fail, one of those victims would be damaged for life, or not survive. The MV Gazette would publish the sad details of these incidents along with the rhetoric, vapid promises and displays of crocodile tears from the venders, on a regular basis. I don’t expect you to read all these MV Gazette articles. The records readily available to me only go back to 2000.
Hospital Emergency Services Director Begins Comprehensive Survey of Moped Accidents Mopeds are dangerous. Or aren't they? Or, why, where, when and how are they dangerous?Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 27, 2000
Moped Driver Suffers Serious Injuries A 37-year-old Watertown man is in stable condition after having been struck head-on by an oncoming car while riding a moped on Airport Road shortly after noon on Sunday.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 27, 2000
Moped Survey Lists Accidents Moped accident victims need more training — most have never driven a motorized two-wheeler before, and the average customer gets seven minutes of training at the rental shop. Moped crash victims tend to be short-term visitors to the Island, and they crash most frequently in August. More bicyclists are hurt each summer than moped drivers, but victims of moped accidents tend to be hurt far more seriously.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, January 5, 2001
Moped Safety Debated A forum at the Oak Bluffs School last night began with the findings of a recent study on two-wheeled vehicles and ended in a lengthy dialogue about the history, safety and future of mopeds on the Island.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, February 16, 2001
Moped Opponents and Dealers Reach Accord After Long Battle Casting aside deep differences, moped dealers and their politically active opponents formally agreed yesterday to implement a nine-point plan aimed at one goal — reducing injuries to moped riders.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, April 6, 2001
Police Extend Crash Probe One day after the family of Eric MacLean announced they were filing a wrongful death suit against Robert Cimeno and Beach Road Moped Rentals in connection with the car crash in March that killed Mr. MacLean, state police armed with search warrants Saturday moved in on Mr. Cimeno's business and a Cimeno family residence in Oak BluffsOriginally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 5, 2001
Moped Crash Along Beach Road Claims Life of Virginia Visitor Three hours after renting a moped in Oak Bluffs Saturday morning, 30-year-old Katherine D. Miller tried to round a right curve on Beach Road near Harthaven, lost control of the moped and struck an oncoming car. She died of head injuries, becoming the fourth person killed in a moped accident on the Island since 1996.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, July 10, 2001
Moped Tragedy on Island Mourned and Accepted; Officials Ask for Training The 30-year-old woman killed in last Saturday's moped accident in Oak Bluffs loved to make furniture, especially chests and tables. Kate Dunnet Miller was president of her high school alumni association. "There was a charisma about her, a vibrancy. She was a real extrovert," said her mother-in-law, Dr. Caryn Miller of Washington, D.C.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, July 13, 2001
New Moped Crash Leaves Driver with Severe Head Injuries Just five days after a moped accident in Oak Bluffs killed a Virginia woman, another accident yesterday in Edgartown has left a 60-year-old moped rider from Florida in critical condition with severe head injuriesOriginally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, July 13, 2001
Rising Moped Accidents Lead To Scrutiny of Town Regulations: Family Speaks Out Four weeks after her younger sister was killed in a moped accident in Oak Bluffs, Christina Dunnet Davis is vowing to join any campaign that will rid the Vineyard of mopeds.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 3, 2001
Oak Bluffs Leaders Back Moped Laws Convinced there's no way to make rental mopeds safe on the Vineyard, Oak Bluffs selectmen this week threw their support behind proposed state legislation that would require anyone renting a moped to have a motorcycle license.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 10, 2001
Two Crashes Hospitalize Riders Operators of rented mopeds suffered two serious accidents this week on the same stretch of Seaview Avenue near Lola’s Restaurant in Oak Bluffs. In both accidents, moped operators lost control, crossed the center line and crashed into oncoming auto traffic. Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 17, 2001
Seven Owners Control Mopeds .There's money to be made in moped rentals on Martha's Vineyard, but just a handful of people are counting the cash — seven shop owners and four landlords, to be exact. Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 17, 2001
Hospital Survey on Mopeds Shows Decline in Accidents from Last Season Levels New figures released this week from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital show the number of people injured in moped accidents dropped sharply this year compared to the same period last year, but the statistics are getting mixed reviews.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, August 21, 2001
Moped Laws Are Ignored; Injuries Tell Tragic Tale Two middle school teachers from Florida, Judy and Barnard Lorence, should be back in their classrooms getting ready for a new school year, but there’s no chance of that now.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 24, 2001
Moped Laws Are Ignored; Injuries Tell Tragic Tale Oak Bluffs selectman Todd Rebello this week all but admitted that town officials have done a lousy job making moped dealers abide by town regulations, and selectmen agreed Tuesday night to improve local enforcement.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 24, 2001
Selectmen Support Tough Moped Laws After listening to a presentation by Sam Feldman of the Mopeds Are Dangerous Committee, the All-Island Selectmen Association unanimously decided to support legislation that would require a motorcycle license to rent a moped.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, September 7, 2001
Swapping Mopeds for Liquor License: Businessman Makes Deal in Oak Bluffs Here's the trade. A moped dealer who controls two rental outlets in Oak Bluffs is offering to shut down one moped shop.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, March 1, 2002
Spring Visitor Becomes Moped Casualty, Suffering Serious Injuries in Chilmark The Vineyard received an unfortunate sign of the summer season's approach last weekend when a Mashpee woman suffered severe injuries after her rental moped slipped off South Road in Chilmark Sunday afternoon. Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, April 19, 2002
Town Leaders Wrestle with Mopeds Promising to show moped dealers no mercy this summer, Oak Bluffs selectmen have begun to toughen up moped bylaws, adding new language that will increase licensing fees, set higher penalties for violations and establish a minimum height limit for child passengers.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, April 26, 2002
Moped Crash Tells Sad Tale Months Later: Wife of Victim Recounts Nightmare Moped dealers like to look at the numbers this way: Of the thousands of people who rent mopeds every season, only a few end up crashing.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, May 3, 2002
Oak Bluffs Leaders Ask for Moped Cuts Voters in Oak Bluffs could put a significant dent in the number of mopeds rented in their town if they back a tough proposal put forth by selectmen. At a special town meeting on June 18, residents will be asked to approve a bylaw that would cut down the number of moped dealer licenses issued each year from seven to five.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, May 31, 2002
Statistics Show Drop in Moped Accidents According to new statistics released this week by Martha's Vineyard Hospital, the number of people injured in moped accidents during the first seven months of the year dropped sharply for the second year in a row.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, September 13, 2002
Hospital Reports Decline in Moped Accidents; Fewer Vendors, Tighter Laws Explain Trend Oak Bluffs had fewer mopeds and fewer dealers renting them this year. Now the hospital is reporting fewer people ending up in the emergency room after crashing a moped.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, December 6, 2002
When Two-Wheelers Crash, Moped Victims Suffer Worst, New Hospital Survey Reveals The latest survey of moped, bicycle and motorcycle accidents on the Island won't show the broken ribs, the punctured lungs or the "whole body rubbed raw" by a case of road rash, said Dr. Alan Hirshberg, the director of emergency services at the Martha's Vineyard HospitalOriginally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, February 7, 2003
Largest Moped Agency Fails to Meet Deadline for Renewal of License After more than a year of tough talk about enforcing moped regulations and showing scofflaw dealers no mercy, Oak Bluffs is now giving a break to two brothers who own the biggest fleet of mopeds in town.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Moped Rider Hit and Injured at Blinker; Selectmen Will Consider Four-Way Stop One day after a moped rider was hit by a car at the blinker light — the fifth accident at the crossroads so far this year — leaders in Oak Bluffs are poised to take drastic action to make one of the Island's most dangerous intersections safer.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, June 27, 2003
Oak Bluffs Selectmen to Check Moped Dealers' Record Books In the years of controversy and political wrangling over the safety of mopeds on the Vineyard, dealers have kept close guard over one vital statistic: the actual number of mopeds they rent and set loose on Island roads.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Better Direction in Moped News: Accident Totals Continue to Fall Joanne Nutting is one of the 27 people who crashed a moped on the Vineyard last year and ended up in the emergency room at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, February 13, 2004
Emergency Responders Report Moped Accidents Down Again Moped accidents were down again on the Vineyard this summer, and emergency responders cite better public safety education as a possible factor.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Island Visitor Dies in Moped Accident A woman visitor driving a moped down a straight stretch of the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road in West Tisbury on Sunday was killed after she reportedly lost control of the two-wheeled vehicle and struck a utility pole head-on.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Moped Fatality Incites Advocates for Change Sunday's moped accident that claimed the life of a 41-year-old New York City woman has reopened old wounds for Islanders who want to see stronger safety standards for the two-wheeled vehicles, and others who want them banned from the Vineyard altogether.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, July 7, 2006
As you can see, the latest casualty and fatality was on July 7, 2006 and as of this writing the passenger on this fateful moped has still not regained consciousness. Mopeds are dangerous!
I guess the logical question is, why do I care whether anyone rides a moped or not? I’m a real estate broker and that has nothing to do with mopeds. True, but I want my clients and prospective clients to be happy and healthy forever, and mopeds are dangerous. I can tell you this from personal observations and experience.
When I was on a Bermuda honeymoon back in 1967 when mopeds were relatively new to that Island, I remember being in my hotel lobby one evening enjoying a rum swizzle with my bride when 3 loud and possibly drunk men hobbled into the lobby, one hobbling more than the other. That was because he had a branch sticking through his leg and he was bleeding all over the place. He had run off the road on his moped. However, that didn’t stop my wife and me from renting mopeds the next day. Heck no, we were smarter and we would not be drinking and riding. It was a beautiful day when we took possession of our fun rides. We set out to explore the Island with me in the lead. As I gained more and more confidence, I would go faster and faster. Of course my bride, not willing to be left behind gave it the gas and stayed right on my tail. Did I tell you we didn’t have a clue where we were going and she was wearing a bikini and flip-flops? So, there we were whizzing along, and all of a sudden I heard this loud crash and wretched scream behind me. My child bride could not negotiate a fork in the road where there was tall stone wall in the center of the road. She crashed right into it, bouncing back out onto the asphalt and sliding about 15 feet on her stomach, chest and face. Did I tell you we weren’t wearing helmets? She lived, but the rest of our honeymoon was spent with her in the hospital.
My second experience was when I was working in Edgartown on Upper Main Street. At the time, I was parking my car in front of my office on the shoulder of the road, as did other people. I came out of my office at the end of the day and across the street were several summer vacationers lounging on the grass in front of the pizzeria. They motioned to me and told me to look at the side of my car. The entire front fender was caved in. I was shocked and asked if anyone knew what happened. They did, because they all saw it happen. A group of moped riders were racing up the street, horsing around, when one of them swerved and crashed into my car. The driver, who I would think would have been badly hurt considering the amount of damage, righted himself and sped away. I couldn’t believe it. Surely the moped was damaged? Surely the driver was damaged? I asked the witnesses what the driver looked like and what the moped looked like. The driver was wearing tan shorts and a white t-shirt, the moped was red. Talk about a needle in a haystack. I went to every single moped dealer on the Island and no one knew anything. My experience cost me over $2,500.00 to repair.
I haven’t ridden my motorcycles in several years, because I’m too busy and if I can’t ride regularly, I don’t want to ride at all. When I did ride, I would limit my riding during July and not ride here at all during August, because it was just too dangerous. I have been hit in the rear at a stop sign, chased and practically pushed off the road by kids on mopeds and constantly cut off by people cutting across my path who don’t know where they’re going. Without a doubt, I was invisible --- but not invincible. Mopeds are not toys and what makes them even more dangerous is the fact that the wheels are so small that the patch of rubber making contact with the road is miniscule. That, coupled with the fine carpet of sand that is always on the roads simulating tiny marbles makes stability that much more tenuous.
So, please don’t ride a moped on Martha’s Vineyard or let anyone you love ride a moped. Our Island Transit bus service is excellent and goes everywhere. There are guided tours going all over the Island and you can always hire a rental car or a cab. Our bicycle path network is constantly expanding and bicycles are a better way to get around, and exercise while you’re doing it. Did I tell you …
Notice I said I was an adult. That’s because I was 42 at the time, and I guess that classifies me as an adult. However, a good majority of the people who rent mopeds are adults, so what’s the problem? The problem is, the people who rent and ride mopeds are clueless or else they think they’re bulletproof. They think nothing is going to happen to them. I think everyone who intends to rent a moped should watch a short 5 to 10 minute film showing graphically what can happen and why. But that would be bad for business --- the moped business. When I started riding I made sure I had the proper protective gear, and I never rode without a good full-face helmet, a leather jacket and boots, not flip-flops and a T-shirt. I took a motorcycle safety course, more than once, and practiced panic stops and avoidance maneuvers on a regular basis. I also did a lot of reading and learned skills that actually changed the way I drove a car and viewed traffic situations. However, the poor souls who rent mopeds and race around this Island have little to no experience on anything with two wheels and a motor. I say this because riding a lawnmower doesn’t qualify as experience, nor does a 10-speed bike. Heck, I’ll bet most of these people haven’t been on a bicycle in years.
Every summer, the horror stories would unfold about vacation visitors who had never been on a moped, much less a motorcycle, and in some cases didn’t even have a driver’s license. Nevertheless, they were set free on the seat of a moped after riding around the block and/or listening to an anemic warning. They were allowed to ride wearing nothing more than shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops or less, and with a cheap helmet bobbling upon their precious heads.
Every summer, the ER at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital received numerous victims of the moped’s unforgiving bite, and practically without fail, one of those victims would be damaged for life, or not survive. The MV Gazette would publish the sad details of these incidents along with the rhetoric, vapid promises and displays of crocodile tears from the venders, on a regular basis. I don’t expect you to read all these MV Gazette articles. The records readily available to me only go back to 2000.
Hospital Emergency Services Director Begins Comprehensive Survey of Moped Accidents Mopeds are dangerous. Or aren't they? Or, why, where, when and how are they dangerous?Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 27, 2000
Moped Driver Suffers Serious Injuries A 37-year-old Watertown man is in stable condition after having been struck head-on by an oncoming car while riding a moped on Airport Road shortly after noon on Sunday.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 27, 2000
Moped Survey Lists Accidents Moped accident victims need more training — most have never driven a motorized two-wheeler before, and the average customer gets seven minutes of training at the rental shop. Moped crash victims tend to be short-term visitors to the Island, and they crash most frequently in August. More bicyclists are hurt each summer than moped drivers, but victims of moped accidents tend to be hurt far more seriously.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, January 5, 2001
Moped Safety Debated A forum at the Oak Bluffs School last night began with the findings of a recent study on two-wheeled vehicles and ended in a lengthy dialogue about the history, safety and future of mopeds on the Island.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, February 16, 2001
Moped Opponents and Dealers Reach Accord After Long Battle Casting aside deep differences, moped dealers and their politically active opponents formally agreed yesterday to implement a nine-point plan aimed at one goal — reducing injuries to moped riders.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, April 6, 2001
Police Extend Crash Probe One day after the family of Eric MacLean announced they were filing a wrongful death suit against Robert Cimeno and Beach Road Moped Rentals in connection with the car crash in March that killed Mr. MacLean, state police armed with search warrants Saturday moved in on Mr. Cimeno's business and a Cimeno family residence in Oak BluffsOriginally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 5, 2001
Moped Crash Along Beach Road Claims Life of Virginia Visitor Three hours after renting a moped in Oak Bluffs Saturday morning, 30-year-old Katherine D. Miller tried to round a right curve on Beach Road near Harthaven, lost control of the moped and struck an oncoming car. She died of head injuries, becoming the fourth person killed in a moped accident on the Island since 1996.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, July 10, 2001
Moped Tragedy on Island Mourned and Accepted; Officials Ask for Training The 30-year-old woman killed in last Saturday's moped accident in Oak Bluffs loved to make furniture, especially chests and tables. Kate Dunnet Miller was president of her high school alumni association. "There was a charisma about her, a vibrancy. She was a real extrovert," said her mother-in-law, Dr. Caryn Miller of Washington, D.C.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, July 13, 2001
New Moped Crash Leaves Driver with Severe Head Injuries Just five days after a moped accident in Oak Bluffs killed a Virginia woman, another accident yesterday in Edgartown has left a 60-year-old moped rider from Florida in critical condition with severe head injuriesOriginally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, July 13, 2001
Rising Moped Accidents Lead To Scrutiny of Town Regulations: Family Speaks Out Four weeks after her younger sister was killed in a moped accident in Oak Bluffs, Christina Dunnet Davis is vowing to join any campaign that will rid the Vineyard of mopeds.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 3, 2001
Oak Bluffs Leaders Back Moped Laws Convinced there's no way to make rental mopeds safe on the Vineyard, Oak Bluffs selectmen this week threw their support behind proposed state legislation that would require anyone renting a moped to have a motorcycle license.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 10, 2001
Two Crashes Hospitalize Riders Operators of rented mopeds suffered two serious accidents this week on the same stretch of Seaview Avenue near Lola’s Restaurant in Oak Bluffs. In both accidents, moped operators lost control, crossed the center line and crashed into oncoming auto traffic. Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 17, 2001
Seven Owners Control Mopeds .There's money to be made in moped rentals on Martha's Vineyard, but just a handful of people are counting the cash — seven shop owners and four landlords, to be exact. Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 17, 2001
Hospital Survey on Mopeds Shows Decline in Accidents from Last Season Levels New figures released this week from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital show the number of people injured in moped accidents dropped sharply this year compared to the same period last year, but the statistics are getting mixed reviews.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, August 21, 2001
Moped Laws Are Ignored; Injuries Tell Tragic Tale Two middle school teachers from Florida, Judy and Barnard Lorence, should be back in their classrooms getting ready for a new school year, but there’s no chance of that now.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 24, 2001
Moped Laws Are Ignored; Injuries Tell Tragic Tale Oak Bluffs selectman Todd Rebello this week all but admitted that town officials have done a lousy job making moped dealers abide by town regulations, and selectmen agreed Tuesday night to improve local enforcement.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, August 24, 2001
Selectmen Support Tough Moped Laws After listening to a presentation by Sam Feldman of the Mopeds Are Dangerous Committee, the All-Island Selectmen Association unanimously decided to support legislation that would require a motorcycle license to rent a moped.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, September 7, 2001
Swapping Mopeds for Liquor License: Businessman Makes Deal in Oak Bluffs Here's the trade. A moped dealer who controls two rental outlets in Oak Bluffs is offering to shut down one moped shop.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, March 1, 2002
Spring Visitor Becomes Moped Casualty, Suffering Serious Injuries in Chilmark The Vineyard received an unfortunate sign of the summer season's approach last weekend when a Mashpee woman suffered severe injuries after her rental moped slipped off South Road in Chilmark Sunday afternoon. Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, April 19, 2002
Town Leaders Wrestle with Mopeds Promising to show moped dealers no mercy this summer, Oak Bluffs selectmen have begun to toughen up moped bylaws, adding new language that will increase licensing fees, set higher penalties for violations and establish a minimum height limit for child passengers.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, April 26, 2002
Moped Crash Tells Sad Tale Months Later: Wife of Victim Recounts Nightmare Moped dealers like to look at the numbers this way: Of the thousands of people who rent mopeds every season, only a few end up crashing.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, May 3, 2002
Oak Bluffs Leaders Ask for Moped Cuts Voters in Oak Bluffs could put a significant dent in the number of mopeds rented in their town if they back a tough proposal put forth by selectmen. At a special town meeting on June 18, residents will be asked to approve a bylaw that would cut down the number of moped dealer licenses issued each year from seven to five.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, May 31, 2002
Statistics Show Drop in Moped Accidents According to new statistics released this week by Martha's Vineyard Hospital, the number of people injured in moped accidents during the first seven months of the year dropped sharply for the second year in a row.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, September 13, 2002
Hospital Reports Decline in Moped Accidents; Fewer Vendors, Tighter Laws Explain Trend Oak Bluffs had fewer mopeds and fewer dealers renting them this year. Now the hospital is reporting fewer people ending up in the emergency room after crashing a moped.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, December 6, 2002
When Two-Wheelers Crash, Moped Victims Suffer Worst, New Hospital Survey Reveals The latest survey of moped, bicycle and motorcycle accidents on the Island won't show the broken ribs, the punctured lungs or the "whole body rubbed raw" by a case of road rash, said Dr. Alan Hirshberg, the director of emergency services at the Martha's Vineyard HospitalOriginally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, February 7, 2003
Largest Moped Agency Fails to Meet Deadline for Renewal of License After more than a year of tough talk about enforcing moped regulations and showing scofflaw dealers no mercy, Oak Bluffs is now giving a break to two brothers who own the biggest fleet of mopeds in town.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, June 3, 2003
Moped Rider Hit and Injured at Blinker; Selectmen Will Consider Four-Way Stop One day after a moped rider was hit by a car at the blinker light — the fifth accident at the crossroads so far this year — leaders in Oak Bluffs are poised to take drastic action to make one of the Island's most dangerous intersections safer.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, June 27, 2003
Oak Bluffs Selectmen to Check Moped Dealers' Record Books In the years of controversy and political wrangling over the safety of mopeds on the Vineyard, dealers have kept close guard over one vital statistic: the actual number of mopeds they rent and set loose on Island roads.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, August 5, 2003
Better Direction in Moped News: Accident Totals Continue to Fall Joanne Nutting is one of the 27 people who crashed a moped on the Vineyard last year and ended up in the emergency room at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, February 13, 2004
Emergency Responders Report Moped Accidents Down Again Moped accidents were down again on the Vineyard this summer, and emergency responders cite better public safety education as a possible factor.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Island Visitor Dies in Moped Accident A woman visitor driving a moped down a straight stretch of the Edgartown-West Tisbury Road in West Tisbury on Sunday was killed after she reportedly lost control of the two-wheeled vehicle and struck a utility pole head-on.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Moped Fatality Incites Advocates for Change Sunday's moped accident that claimed the life of a 41-year-old New York City woman has reopened old wounds for Islanders who want to see stronger safety standards for the two-wheeled vehicles, and others who want them banned from the Vineyard altogether.Originally published in the Vineyard Gazette edition of Friday, July 7, 2006
As you can see, the latest casualty and fatality was on July 7, 2006 and as of this writing the passenger on this fateful moped has still not regained consciousness. Mopeds are dangerous!
I guess the logical question is, why do I care whether anyone rides a moped or not? I’m a real estate broker and that has nothing to do with mopeds. True, but I want my clients and prospective clients to be happy and healthy forever, and mopeds are dangerous. I can tell you this from personal observations and experience.
When I was on a Bermuda honeymoon back in 1967 when mopeds were relatively new to that Island, I remember being in my hotel lobby one evening enjoying a rum swizzle with my bride when 3 loud and possibly drunk men hobbled into the lobby, one hobbling more than the other. That was because he had a branch sticking through his leg and he was bleeding all over the place. He had run off the road on his moped. However, that didn’t stop my wife and me from renting mopeds the next day. Heck no, we were smarter and we would not be drinking and riding. It was a beautiful day when we took possession of our fun rides. We set out to explore the Island with me in the lead. As I gained more and more confidence, I would go faster and faster. Of course my bride, not willing to be left behind gave it the gas and stayed right on my tail. Did I tell you we didn’t have a clue where we were going and she was wearing a bikini and flip-flops? So, there we were whizzing along, and all of a sudden I heard this loud crash and wretched scream behind me. My child bride could not negotiate a fork in the road where there was tall stone wall in the center of the road. She crashed right into it, bouncing back out onto the asphalt and sliding about 15 feet on her stomach, chest and face. Did I tell you we weren’t wearing helmets? She lived, but the rest of our honeymoon was spent with her in the hospital.
My second experience was when I was working in Edgartown on Upper Main Street. At the time, I was parking my car in front of my office on the shoulder of the road, as did other people. I came out of my office at the end of the day and across the street were several summer vacationers lounging on the grass in front of the pizzeria. They motioned to me and told me to look at the side of my car. The entire front fender was caved in. I was shocked and asked if anyone knew what happened. They did, because they all saw it happen. A group of moped riders were racing up the street, horsing around, when one of them swerved and crashed into my car. The driver, who I would think would have been badly hurt considering the amount of damage, righted himself and sped away. I couldn’t believe it. Surely the moped was damaged? Surely the driver was damaged? I asked the witnesses what the driver looked like and what the moped looked like. The driver was wearing tan shorts and a white t-shirt, the moped was red. Talk about a needle in a haystack. I went to every single moped dealer on the Island and no one knew anything. My experience cost me over $2,500.00 to repair.
I haven’t ridden my motorcycles in several years, because I’m too busy and if I can’t ride regularly, I don’t want to ride at all. When I did ride, I would limit my riding during July and not ride here at all during August, because it was just too dangerous. I have been hit in the rear at a stop sign, chased and practically pushed off the road by kids on mopeds and constantly cut off by people cutting across my path who don’t know where they’re going. Without a doubt, I was invisible --- but not invincible. Mopeds are not toys and what makes them even more dangerous is the fact that the wheels are so small that the patch of rubber making contact with the road is miniscule. That, coupled with the fine carpet of sand that is always on the roads simulating tiny marbles makes stability that much more tenuous.
So, please don’t ride a moped on Martha’s Vineyard or let anyone you love ride a moped. Our Island Transit bus service is excellent and goes everywhere. There are guided tours going all over the Island and you can always hire a rental car or a cab. Our bicycle path network is constantly expanding and bicycles are a better way to get around, and exercise while you’re doing it. Did I tell you …
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)