Marking the second time this year that a state court has recognized protective land use regulations in the town of Edgartown, the Massachusetts appeals court early this month upheld a local board of health regulation which prohibits guest houses in the Katama area.
The regulation, first adopted by the town board of health in 1985, was rooted in concern about contamination of the groundwater at Katama. The case is important because it upholds the broad powers of town boards of health.
The Edgartown board of health cracked down on mask use on Thursday, issuing an order requiring all people over the age of two to wear face coverings downtown.
Edgartown residents Tom and Dianne Durawa, who were marooned at sea for weeks aboard the MS Westerdam cruise ship, are under public health supervision.
The public health benefits of adding fluoride to the town water supply were explained and debated at a forum in Edgartown Thursday night attended by dentists, medical professionals, elected officials and town residents.
The decision about whether to add fluoride to Edgartown’s public water supply will now go before voters, following a successful petition effort by residents.
