Expanding operations at Island Grown Initiative’s Thimble Farm were a topic of concern among neighbors during a hearing at the Tisbury selectmen’s meeting Tuesday.

IGI president Sarah McKay appeared before the selectmen to secure proper permits for four existing above-ground 1,000-gallon propane tanks at the farm. The four tanks had been inspected and approved by the fire department but had never been properly licensed after IGI took ownership of the farm in 2012. Ms. McKay also was requesting a license for a fifth tank.

“We’re not sure what we’ll use it for but if needed we would like the additional capacity in order to minimize the number of deliveries and reduce the amount of traffic on the road,” she told the board.

But nearby homeowners said while they supported IGI’s mission to create a resilient food system on the Vineyard, they opposed the fifth propane tank without a clearer plan for future use at the farm, which is surrounded by a residential neighborhood.

“We are concerned about the size and scope of the Thimble Farm Project — its plans for a slaughterhouse and a commercial kitchen that would make it more of an industrial operation,” said Keith Proper, a spokesman for area homeowners. Another resident said approval of a fifth tank would be putting the cart before the horse, since its use had not yet been determined. “I’m concerned that industry is being brought into a residential neighborhood. Also, can’t they come back when they have a use for a fifth tank?” asked Diane Levin.

In the end selectmen closed the public hearing and voted to license the four existing tanks but denied approval for a fifth tank. Town administrator John (Jay) Grande suggested a policy where in the future, when land is transferred, propane licenses be updated with the new owner’s contact information. “You’re not starting over, it’s just a notification issue,” he said.

In other business Tuesday, former selectman Jonathan Snyder, who did not seek reelection this year, was thanked by the board for his service. And newly elected selectman Larry Gomez was introduced and welcomed to his first meeting. The board was reorganized and Tristan Israel named chairman, while Mr. Gomez was appointed clerk.

Planning board chairman Dan Seidman presented the board with a letter addressed to MassDOT concerning the Beach Road planning project, outlining a desire for a context-sensitive design aligned with the town character and other aesthetic sensibilities. There was a motion to support sending the letter.

The July Fourth Run the Chop Challenge by Murdick’s Fudge was approved provided that organizers cover the cost of EMS coverage, which was shouldered by the town last year.

Fire chief John Schilling requested funds for an emergency repair to the ladder truck mechanical pump and announced that applications had been received for two part time paramedic positions.

Finally, Island Housing Trust executive director Philippe Jordi and Craig Miner of Whatever The Outcome, a Vineyard-based arts organization, came before the board to talk about their plans to use one side of 6 Water street, which will be torn down in the fall, as a sort of canvas for local artists and temporary host for a mural. “We want to create something simple and attractive that draws the eye to the building and turns it into a valuable part of the community,” Mr. Miner said. Selectmen approval is not required for the project. “It’s not advertising anything. It’s just public art. Because it’s not a sign, there are no requirements,” explained Mr. Grande.