May 9, 2026
I am absolutely heartbroken to see the Food Arts Café close. It was the heart of our town square—a place we connected. Seeing it turned into a residence feels like we are losing the soul of our community to overdevelopment.
It feels preventable. Our limited community spaces deserve better protection.
I want to know what measures were taken to prevent this, and what zoning protections are currently in place to stop the loss of our local public venues/gathering spaces.
It occurs to me that island gentrification converts neighborhoods into a ‘resort-style’ environment, which benefits part-time homeowners seeking a high-end experience during their short stays.
The rising demand for seasonal homes on the West End is threatening the unique character and nature of our town square. However, this trend isn’t inevitable. By working together, we can implement thoughtful, collaborative solutions to preserve the authentic charm that makes this place home.
I understand that supporting local businesses requires navigating the intricate, interconnected challenges of zoning, infrastructure, seasonal fluctuations, and utility costs. However, I am confident in our community’s resourcefulness to overcome these obstacles. We have a thoughtful and dedicated community in place to make this a reality.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can make this community for everyone.
Sincerely,
Aleksandra Norton
