Discussion continued on Tuesday in front of the Oak Bluffs selectmen about the proposed 317-foot fishing pier off the North Bluff. The project is strongly backed by recreational fishermen and opposed by neighborhood residents worried about increased traffic and noise in the area.

Under review by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission as a development of regional impact (DRI), the project will have a public hearing in early October. At their meeting Tuesday night selectmen heard public comment at the request of abutter Belleruth Naparstek.

The area had historically provided public access for fishing until the Steamship Authority began to prohibit fishing from the pier at its Oak Bluffs ferry terminal. When plans surfaced to rebuild the terminal, the Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters’ Association began to push for a public fishing pier. In 2007 the town signed a memorandum of understanding with the state Department of Fish and Game which in turn contracted CLE to engineer and build the L-shaped pier. In July the plan came before the Oak Bluffs conservation commission, which referred it to the commission for review as a DRI. Construction and engineering costs will be paid by the state, while policing and enforcement will be left to the town.

On Tuesday night Harvey Russell, who has lived in the North Bluff neighborhood since 1966, said the planned pier, directly in front of the Lookout Tavern, would draw more revelers than planners anticipate. He has proposed moving the pier to the other side of the SSA terminal.

“I would love to have a fishing pier,” he said, “But before we spend money we should look into the best spot for fishermen, not people coming out of the bar.”

Mike Santoro, manager of the Lookout agreed, saying traffic and parking are already problematic on the North Bluff.

Janet Messineo, president of the surfcasters’ association, noted the shortage of public fishing access and the benefits a public pier would bring to fishermen. Jim Fraser of Oak Bluffs agreed.

“That pier will attract fish like no tomorrow,” he said.

Some selectmen were not convinced.

“I don’t like it there at all,” said Gail Barmakian, who echoed neighborhood concerns about traffic, parking and noise.

In other business Tuesday, Jason Leone, owner or part-owner of three Island moped rental companies, Ride-on Mopeds, Island Hoppers and Kings Rental, made his case for being allowed to rent the unusual, candy-colored, three-wheeled vehicles that were added to the moped inventory early this summer. Mr. Leone has 10 of the so-called “limited use vehicles” called Scoot Coupes that he had hoped to rent to vacationers this summer. With no bylaws covering the rental of limited use vehicles, the town sent a letter to Mr. Leone earlier this month advising him not to rent the vehicles before meeting with them.

Mr. Leone was joined by the inventor of the Scoot Coupe, Dominick Livoti Jr. of Panther Motors in Florida, who said the vehicle was invented in part as a safer alternative to a moped. Scoot Coupes, he said, have more stability than mopeds and many of the injuries associated with moped use are remedied by the fully enclosed vehicle. He also said that unlike mopeds, the vehicles would include antilock brakes and GPS “talking car technology.” He said in resort communties where Scoot Coupes are allowed, acccidents are nonexistent.

Selectman Ron DiOrio said he needed concrete proof of the safety claims and suggested the town contact other communities that have allowed the vehicles. The board denied Mr. Leone’s request for a trial rental period but said it would be open to more discussion after its next meeting.

Also on the unusual vehicle front, Kathryn B. Richardson, who runs a Segway tour company in Boston, came before the board to propose a similar Segway tour in Oak Bluffs. Ms. Richardson admitted that no one from the team knew much about the Island; Mr. DiOrio requested the town hear more from communities with experience with Segway tours. Segways are motorized, scooter-like vehicles.

Selectmen also voted to approve Martha’s Vineyard Community Radio’s use of Circuit avenue for a promotional event on Sept. 11. The station plans to have a marching band march from 9 to 9:20 p.m.

Selectmen also voted to appoint Peter Martell as emergency management director, and Michael Huss as deputy shellfish constable, deputy herring warden and assistant harbor master, as part of his installment as the town natural resources officer.