Aquinnah selectmen this week held off on signing a conservation restriction on two parcels that are tied to the Moshup Trail Project. Two of the three selectmen told Brendan O’Neill, the executive director of the Vineyard Conservation Society, that there are too many unresolved issues.
Selectman Walter Delaney said: “I do have questions.” Mr. Delaney said at least one of the parcels, five acres belonging to South Shore Beach Inc., is used as a beach access club. Mr. Delaney asked how a conservation restriction can apply to a 16-car parking lot and how it benefits the town.
The Aquinnah select board announced plans Tuesday to host a special town meeting in the third week of August to address issues not covered at annual town meeting in May.
Aquinnah voters will decide a two-way select board race at next week’s annual town election. Incumbent Thomas Murphy faces challenger Jannette Vanderhoop.
Architect Phil Regan of Hutker Architects went to the select board Tuesday to represent his clients that have received sticker shock from the new building permit process. Aquinnah calculates its building permit fee by charging $10 for every $1,000 of construction.
In a Feb. 5 decision, Judge Mark Hallal dismissed Gary Haley’s attempt to push back on charges that he broke the state’s ethics law when he approved payments for himself for work he had done at Aquinnah Circle.
Aquinnah voters approved a $110,000 debt exclusion question to fund their share of the Up-Island Regional School District budget at the annual town election Thursday.
Aquinnah Circle business owners pushed back on a proposed lease agreement at the Aquinnah select board meeting on Tuesday, citing concerns about shop holders’ autonomy.
