Krishana Collins
Ivy Ashe

After two years of planning and proposals, Tea Lane Farm has a new tenant farmer.

 

Krishana Collins was awarded the Tea Lane Farm lease Friday evening. The vote was 5-3.

 

The joint vote was taken between the board of selectmen and the town Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission advisory board. The vote was between two candidates, Ms. Collins and Rusty Gordon and Sarah Crittenden, who proposed a vegetable farm.

 

Ms. Collins plans to grow lilies, zinnias, bok choy and salad greens.

 

The vote was taken with no discussion. Clarissa Allen, John Flender, Lisa Randall, Dick Smith and Selectman Bill Rossi voted for Ms. Collins. Tim Carroll, Selectman Warren Doty and Selectman Jonathan Mayhew voted for Mr. Gordon and Ms. Crittenden.

 

After the initial vote, the joint boards made a motion to unanimously endorse Ms. Collins.

 

The selectmen said they were happy with the process.

 

“She seemed like she was determined, that’s what sold me,” Mr. Rossi said.

 

“Hopefully it’s a big success,” Mr. Doty said.

 

Mr. Mayhew said it was the right choice for the town.

 

“I think the bottom line is the town of Chilmark will be very proud of this,” he said.