2004

Don't Start Cutting, Developers Warned

Kupersmith's Attorney, Vowing Defiance of Cease and Desist
Order, Is Told Criminal Charges Could Come

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Attorneys for the Down Island Golf Club have clashed head-on with
top state environmental officials, declaring bluntly that the developers
will not comply with the recent cease and desist order in the southern
woodlands.

Top state environmental officials stepped squarely into the fray
around the Down Island Golf Club this week, ordering developers Brian
Lafferty and Corey Kupersmith to immediately halt all tree cutting in
the southern woodlands section of Oak Bluffs.

2003

Land Court Upholds Power of MVC To Review 40B Housing Projects

Developer of Golf Club Will Appeal

By JULIA WELLS

Gazette Senior Writer

For the second time in less than two years, yesterday a
Massachusetts Land Court judge ruled 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.

In an unqualified show of confidence for one of its own members who has been under relentless attack by the developers of the Down Island Golf Club, the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted without dissent last night that commission member Linda Sibley is free from bias and prejudice.

"I don't believe there is anybody on this board that does more homework and takes her job more seriously than Linda. For her to be accused of being a bigot is laughable," said commission member Richard Toole.

Southern Woodlands Hearing Is Set, but Developers Seem Primed to
Fight

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

On the eve of a public hearing - now set for next week -
to review a massive housing project in the southern woodlands section of
Oak Bluffs, the developers of the Down Island Golf Club appear to be
charting a fresh collision course with the Martha's Vineyard
Commission.

Golf Club Case Gets a Hearing

A Motion for Court to Reconsider Earlier Ruling Takes Lawyers to
Boston; How Powerful Is Island Commission?

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

BOSTON - An attorney who represents the Down Island Golf Club
developers tried to convince a Massachusetts Land Court judge this week
that the court's chief justice was wrong when he ruled last year
that the Martha's Vineyard Commission has full power of review
over affordable housing developments - including the power to
reject them.

Pages