At its final meeting of the year last Thursday, the commission breezed through three deliberations on commercial DRI proposals, waiving the usual discussion of benefits and detriments and post-hearing meetings, and approving all three unanimously.

A proposed mixed-use expansion to the Sydney Hotel in Edgartown drew strong praise from commissioner Fred Hancock, who called the project “incredibly appropriate,” in its use of space in a developed area, and a benefit to the town as a whole. Others praised the thoroughness of the application, including Clarence A. (Trip) Barnes 3rd Barnes and Jim Vercruysse.

Some concerns lingered surrounding a proposal to convert the upper stories of the Lampost Bar and Night Club in Oak bluffs to workforce housing, including how to define this type of housing. Commissioners agreed the term should refer to temporary or year-round rentals for employees of Island businesses. They also worried that the nine shared bathrooms and 21 double-occupancy bedrooms in the plan would create usage problems for tenants, but agreed that would be a problem for management.

Commissioners also approved a proposed addition to the Vineyard Decorators furniture store near the airport, contingent on a storm water drainage plan and an easement to allow vehicles to maneuver on a neighboring property. The project also calls for solar panels and seven loading bays.

Also on Thursday, Abe Seiman announced he would be stepping down from his role as elected representative for Oak Bluffs on the commission. At the start of the meeting, he stood and addressed the room, thanking commissioners and staff for their guidance and support over his tenure, which began last year.

“You accepted me as a commissioner and you even encouraged me to learn and to speak up, and I’m really grateful for that experience,” he said.

The next MVC meeting is scheduled for Jan. 5.