Future Lighthouse Ownership
In May 2011, the Edgartown Harbor Light was listed for disposal as excess property by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the General Services Administration (GSA). Such "excessing" of a federal property makes the excessed property eligible for ownership by local governments, nonprofits, and private interests. Since May 2011, the Martha's Vineyard Museum and the Town of Edgartown have entered into a dialogue with various federal agencies relative to a mutual town/Museum ownership/lease arrangement. According to an October 19, 2012 Vineyard Gazette published comment by David Nathans, Director of the Martha's Vineyard Museum, "...the Museum is not applying for ownership. The Town of Edgartown has applied for ownership, and the Museum is expecting to continue to lease the right and responsibility to steward, interpret and operate the Edgartown Lighthouse. This town and Museum relationship could be the model for the Gay Head Lighthouse as well."
According to the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (LHPA), the lighthouse is eligible for ownership transferral from the federal government to other federal agencies; state, regional, and local governments; nonprofits, and, possible auction to private interests. As the current license holder of record, the nonprofit Martha's Vineyard Museum and the Town of Edgartown have filed an joint application expressing a local ownership/lease arrangement for the Edgartown Harbor Light. Circa 2005, the Town of Edgartown contributed $250,000 from its Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds toward the restoration of the Edgartown Harbor Light. This restoration, which was completed in 2007, included the installation of a metal spiral staircase inside the lighthouse for enhanced public access to the lighting room and its balcony. The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. Chapter 44B) passed in 2000. It enables adopting communities to raise funds to create a local dedicated fund for open space preservation, preservation of historic resources, development of affordable housing, and the acquisition and development of outdoor recreational facilities.
The eventual disposal and ownership of the Edgartown Harbor Light will be determined by the GSA in the near future.
Read more about this topic: Edgartown Harbor Light
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