Residents of Holly Bear Lane in Edgartown wanted to complain about the collection of cars, trucks and boats that they see at the end of their road.

But putting a name to the problem at a Monday meeting of the selectmen proved tricky.

“We came here to express concerns and frustration at the junkyard,” said resident Margot Datz. “Over the years we have shown patience,” she said.

Discussion centered around whether Holly Bear Lane property owner Christopher Chambers is operating a scrap metal business or not.

“It appears to function as a transfer station and we’re sick of it,” Ms. Datz said.

Last year Ms. Datz reported to building inspector Leonard Jason Jr. that Mr. Chambers was operating a junkyard on the property. Mr. Jason yesterday said he made several trips to the site and took photographs. After a series of meetings it was established that Mr. Chambers was breaking down boats and cars to parts on the property.

Mr. Jason ordered Mr. Chambers to stop. That, believes Mr. Jason, put an end to it.

“He’s not running a transfer station,” countered Mr. Jason, “He’s not accumulating stuff.”

Ms. Datz is unconvinced.

“We’re known now as the street with the junkyard at the end of it,” said Ms. Datz.

Other residents corroborated her account.

“Right now there’s trailers trucks, three boats,” said John Farrington, adding that he has seen up to 10 cars on the property.

Mr. Jason was firm.

“He has a messy yard,” he said, adding: “Some people tell you it’s a junkyard — it’s not. I know there’s never been 10 cars there.”

“Is it legal to have a junkyard?” asked chairman Arthur Smadbeck.

“No, of course not,” answered Mr. Jason.

The residents also pointed to some kind of tent construction on the site, situated at the back of the property by a fence.

“What about the tent thing?” pressed Mr. Smadbeck.

“I don’t know what that is,” said Mr. Jason.

Selectman Michael Donaroma suggested more information be gathered.

“Obviously money is being made on this property,” said Mr. Donaroma, “is this legal or isn’t it?”

The board decided to reconvene Monday after Mr. Jason had taken some more pictures. Town administrator Pamela Dolby suggested the town attempt to have Mr. Chambers attend the meeting.

“Good luck,” said Mr. Smadbeck.

In other town news, two Edgartown residents were awarded affordable homes at a lottery held Monday. Madeline (Maddie) Lecoq and Evet Hines both won units while Janet Heath, the only other participant, qualified as an alternate for both properties.

The two units, condominiums on North Summer street, are each restricted to a single person. The income bracket to qualify for the lottery follows a rigorous vetting process through the Dukes County regional housing authority.

As a base requirement participants may earn 80 to 140 per cent of the county median income for a one-member household, or between $39,000 and $77,000.

Two of Monday’s participants are in the 80 per cent range while another is at 130 per cent of the median income.

How much the participants pay for a unit is priced accordingly. Using the scale, two of the three participants pay $175,000 for a unit and a third qualifies for the $220,000 bracket.

Dudley Cannada, one of two active developers of the North Summer street complex, said the project is an attempt to demonstrate that affordable housing can be financially viable.

“You can do good and do good for yourself,” he said.

The finishing touches are still being put on the homes, but the new owners are expected to move in January. There are five buildings in the complex, which is located on the site of the former Mills home, across from the Second Hand Store. The condominiums are both situated above retail space and are next to three high-end cottages which are for sale at market rates.

The lottery represents the first sales for the project.

“It’s too early to tell [whether it is a success]. But we think it’s successful even if we don’t sell. Just because we like it, but we think we’ll sell. There are contracts going back and forth,” said an upbeat Mr. Cannada. He said he has detected a recent buoyancy at the high end of Vineyard real estate.

“My fellow realtors are surprised at so many people flying in to the Vineyard to write contracts. There are some big prices,” he said.