The deaf pilot whose single engine airplane crashed last Thursday on a runway at Katama Airfield in Edgartown remained in critical condition yesterday in the intensive care unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Norton Point Closed to Vehicles to Protect Piping Plover Chicks

By JAMES KINSELLA

Over the past four days, public and private officials have closed
sections of Norton Point and East Beach to four-wheel-drive vehicles to
protect newly hatched piping plover chicks and nests with eggs yet to
hatch.

In Massachusetts, the piping plover is a threatened species. After
hatching, the chicks take about 30 days before they fly, making them
vulnerable to the tires of four-wheel-drive vehicles driving along a
beach.

Martha's Vineyard may have an affordable housing crisis on its hands, but it also has the community support and political will to address the issue.

And if the Island's many grassroots housing organizations cooperate in their present efforts and continue to experiment with new ones, the crisis in the long run could change the Vineyard for the better.

It was shortly after 1 p.m. last Thursday, a sunny afternoon and
otherwise ordinary day. Nic Turner was driving south down Herring Creek
Road toward the right fork, heading back to his job as a lifeguard on
South Beach, when he first spotted the Cessna Skyhawk making its final
approach at the Katama Airfield.

Rates for Trash Disposal Rise; District Managers Align Costs

By JAMES KINSELLA

Starting July 1, the cost of trash disposal and recycling will
change at the central transfer station operated by the Martha's
Vineyard Refuse and Resource Recovery District.

Prices for trash disposal are either rising or falling, depending on
what kind of trash container is used.

The coastal bank just to the north of the Steamship Authority terminal in Oak Bluffs won't win any beauty awards.

Vineyard School Officials Fail to Secure Bus Company Contract Due to
Bid Error

By RACHEL KOVAC

A single engine Cessna airplane attempting to land yesterday afternoon at Katama Airfield in Edgartown stalled and crashed at the end of Runway 6, injuring the pilot and two passengers.

Norton Point Beach Will Close to Protect Piping Plover Chicks

By JAMES KINSELLA

A vehicle closure to protect piping plovers may be imminent at
Norton Point beach in Edgartown.

The action comes against a backdrop in which Dukes County Sheriff
Michael A. McCormack has agreed to take on beach management for the
county.

Two piping plover nests have been found on the beach, about 400
yards from the western end at Katama. Another nest has been found on
State Beach.

Edgartown Assessors Move to Correct Chappaquiddick Property Value
Errors

By IAN FEIN

Edgartown assessors this week corrected extensive errors made during
the town's real estate revaluation last year, voting on Monday to
lower the value of 79 Chappaquiddick properties by almost $95 million
and to return almost $300,000 in property taxes.