Steamship Authority Tells Union That Losses Could Be Stemmed If
Another Operator Runs New Bedford Ferry
By JULIA WELLS
After only three years of owning the New Bedford passenger ferry
Schamonchi, Steamship Authority senior managers are now proposing to
convert it back to a private operation, the Gazette has learned.
Martha's Vineyard Commission Defers, Yet Again, Its Decision
on Elder Housing
By JULIA WELLS
In an effort to iron out a series of confusing events that began
last week, the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted last night to go
back to the drawing board and take a new vote on a plan for a small
addition at a well-known elderly housing complex in Vineyard Haven.
The new vote on Hillside Village III will not take place until next
week.
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.
Poor preparation, faulty communication and the uncharacteristic
failure of an experienced captain to keep proper command of his vessel
- these are key factors that led to an alarming accident on the
ferry Islander five months ago, a Steamship Authority report has found.
At the Troubled Shellfish Hatchery, Good Work Depends on Good Water
By JULIA WELLS
This place runs on water.
Filtered salt water fortified with home-grown algae to feed the baby
shellfish. Pure pond water pumped straight from the Lagoon to feed the
adolescent shellfish. Fresh water pumped straight from a well to keep
everything - as Eloise's aunt would say - clean,
clean, clean.
Steamship Authority Leadership Proposes $68 Million Budget; Vineyard
Passenger Fares Would Rise by 50 Cents
By JULIA WELLS Gazette Senior Writer
Fare hikes for the Vineyard and Nantucket are now on deck at the
Steamship Authority, as boat line managers confront the realities of
keeping a $68 million operation afloat against a backdrop of anemic
revenues and rising operating costs.
Two Bidders Respond to Request for Ferry Service Proposals from New
Bedford; One Offers Year-Round Run
By JULIA WELLS Gazette Senior Writer
Expanded ferry service between New Bedford and the Vineyard moved
one step closer to reality this week after senior managers at the
Steamship Authority got their first look at two proposals from private
companies who have an interest in running the route.
Tree-Cutting Questions Pull Southern Woodlands Back Before
Commission
By JULIA WELLS Gazette Senior Writer
Connecticut developer Corey Kupersmith came back onto the radar
screen this week in a fresh collision with the town of Oak Bluffs and
the Martha's Vineyard Commission - this time over a
tree-cutting project that may or may not be in violation of state and
local laws.
