The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank is moving forward with plans to create a seasonal low impact campground on a two-acre site inside the 234-acre Southern Woodlands Reservation. Access to the campground would be by bicycle or on foot. The land bank will not allow vehicle access to the site, which is off County Road between Woodlands Drive and Jessica Lane.
The land bank issued a request for proposals (RFP) on Oct. 28, asking developers to submit bids by Feb. 5, 2016.
“The land bank will lease this campground to the designer/developer/manager who submits the most realistic and attractive proposal,” according to the RFP. “It is understood that the purpose of the lease is to provide the land bank with a functioning and successful campground, and to provide the lessee with a profit.”
The land bank envisions a primitive campground of about 40 sites that blends in with the topography, scenic quality and public trail system of the area.
There are some strict design requirements, including toilet facilities that address nitrogen flows into the watershed, water from a common source, and showers. The design would not allow tent platforms.
The campground would be open only in the summer and shoulder seasons, with specific dates to be included in the bids. A manager will be required on site.
“A manager will be resident in order to oversee operations on a round-the-clock basis during the term of the season.” according to the RFP. If desired, a cabin may be installed to house the manager.”
It will be the responsibility of the winning bidder to acquire all necessary permits from the Oak Bluffs board of health, planning board, fire chief and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
In 2011, the Oak Bluffs town advisory board, the land bank commission and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs all signed off on the concept, as part of a management plan for the Southern Woodlands parcel.
The land has been in flux since the land bank purchased the land for $18.6 million in 2005, as part of a compromise plan to end a divisive battle over development of a luxury golf course community.
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