Simmering tension between neighbors and the owners of Goodale’s sand and gravel pit bubbled over before the Oak Bluffs selectmen this week, who decided to refer the entire matter to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission for review.

Neighbors claim the pit is expanding without permission in possible violation of zoning rules for the area and encroaching on their use and enjoyment of their property.

DRI Checklist Comments

The next meeting seeking public comment on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission’s revision of its development of regional impact (DRI) checklist will be held on Monday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the commission office in the Olde Stone Building in Oak Bluffs. The comment session will address a variety of issues including the natural environment, historic preservation and water quality. The DRI checklist identifies which applications for development permits to towns should be referred for review by the commission.

Catherine Coogan is the new director of Martha’s Vineyard Family Planning.

Ms. Coogan, a resident of Vineyard Haven, is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing from Boston College and a master’s in public health from Boston University. Ms. Coogan has 13 years experience as a medical provider. She has worked as a nurse at the Red Cross, the Boston Medical Center Adolescent Clinic, and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Since 2006 Ms. Coogan has provided nursing and counseling services to clients at Martha’s Vineyard Family Planning.

Take a break while you still can: Island residents may stay for nearly-free at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, where soon the rooms will be packed with vacationers. The one-bedroom suite is free of charge (apart from a $25 housekeeping fee) when Islanders enjoy a meal at the resort’s ocean view Lure Grill.

At the end of a discursive three-hour Oak Bluffs selectmen’s meeting on Wednesday emotions bubbled to the surface about the role of the shellfish constable and the state of the town’s shellfish department in general.

“I think right now the shellfish department is a disgrace,” said fisherman Steve Amaral. “You go up to the town highway department building and the boats are up there, the racks are up there, the flotation devices are up there. It looks like a junk yard.”

Brynn Elizabeth Arrives

Casey and Dan Bennett of Franklin announce the birth of a daughter, Brynn Elizabeth Bennett, on March 20. The maternal grandparents are T.O. and Shellie Johnson of Edgartown, previously from Marblehead. Paternal grandparents are Kevin and Denise Bennett of Ayer.