Developers Sketch Outline of Proposals for Woodlands Area
By JULIA WELLS
Anxious to regain the upper hand following a defeat in the
Massachusetts Land Court last week, the developers who want to convert
the southern woodlands in Oak Bluffs to a private luxury golf course
- and now also luxury housing - scrambled to put out the
word that they have a new deal on the table.
Community Services Management Appeals Designation of Voters in Union
Dispute
By MANDY LOCKE
The Martha's Vineyard Community Services labor dispute, now
almost three months old, faced the potential of further delays today
when management appealed a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
decision to expand the pool of eligible voters for a June 20 union
election.
Star Pitcher Carries Vineyard to Playoffs
Sam Reece Becomes One of Top Pitchers in Massachusetts
By JOSHUA SABATINI
He stands on the practice mound, a few yards past the right-field
line of the regional high school's baseball diamond. His cleats
kick up a cloud of dust as he winds up, lifting his left leg high and
raising his right arm over his head before extending it before him. The
ball shoots into the catcher's glove in a ritual repeated again
and again.
"I don't know who would want to vote our town out of the commission now," said Oak Bluffs selectman Roger Wey. "It would open up the floodgates."
MVC Power of Review on Housing Projects Upheld in Key Ruling by
State Land Court
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
In a groundbreaking decision that affects every town on the
Vineyard, the chief justice of the Massachusetts Land Court ruled last
week that the Martha's Vineyard Commission has full power of
review over low and moderate income housing projects under Chapter 40B,
a section of state law commonly known as the anti-snob zoning statute.
Graduates Receive Generous Scholarships
By MANDY LOCKE
Christmas is coming early this year for 133 graduating seniors at
Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, as it will for 115 of the
school's recent alumni. Gifts will pour in from 123 community
groups playing Santa who will deliver checks of all sizes this Friday
night - paid to the order of colleges, universities and training
institutions across the nation.
About $650,000 will be divided to make continuing education a
reality for 248 Island youths.
Charter School Graduates Two in 2002: Class Praised for Courage,
Fortitude
By ALEXIS TONTI
At a different kind of graduation this weekend, there was no Pomp
and Circumstance, no caps and gowns, no valedictorian and salutatorian.
In a class of two, such distinctions are unnecessary.
House Delays SSA Vote; Island Political Maneuvers Press New Bedford
Case
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
An acrimonious political campaign to restructure the Steamship
Authority went into yet another stall this week when a much-anticipated
floor debate in the state legislature was diverted to a back room by
House Speaker Thomas Finneran. The move by Mr. Finneran came amid a
week-long swirl of politics, including a series of secret maneuvers by a
small group of Vineyard officials who are now working to promote the
interests of New Bedford.
It was a victory for bar owners in Oak Bluffs and patrons who prefer a nicotine chaser with their drinks. Smoking is back.
Voters in Oak Bluffs could put a significant dent in the number of mopeds rented in their town if they back a tough proposal put forth by selectmen. At a special town meeting on June 18, residents will be asked to approve a bylaw that would cut down the number of moped dealer licenses issued each year from seven to five.
