News
There was a lot wrong with the warrant for an Aquinnah special town meeting planned for Feb. 3, but a posting error was the official cause for a last-minute cancellation.
The decision, made at the selectmen’s meeting Tuesday, further postpones votes on some $20,000 in town housekeeping measures outstanding since last fall, and action on a proposal from Ted Cammann and Jim Glavin of Chilmark to stage a seasonal performing arts program at the Aquinnah Cliffs.
In the face of possible legal problems and sharp criticism over their actions, Tisbury selectmen this week reversed their decision to sponsor a warrant article reopening the contentious issue of beer and wine sales in the dry town.
The most remarkable aspect of the about-face was the fact that alcohol sales proponent Jeff Kristal, who initiated the move for selectmen to get involved in the matter at the previous board meeting, also initiated the move at this week’s meeting for the selectmen to step aside in the matter.
Two years away from its centennial celebration and Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club is already preparing. The club is in the process of rebuilding their clubhouse and they’d like it to be done by spring. The construction of the $150,000 to $200,000 project is getting the support of members and their friends. President Robert De Lisle said they are not sure of the final cost because people keep stepping up to help, often offering services for free or at cost. “They are donating their time and saving us a lot of money,” Mr. De Lisle said.
It’s off-season on the Vineyard, traditionally a slow time for business. And at this stage no one knows what the summer will bring.
But changes are under way in the down-Island business landscape this winter. Some merchants have responded to the faltering economy, cutting back hours of operation, holding aggressive sales and reducing staff. Others have subleased their space to help with the rent.
A handful have gone out of business altogether.
Outerland nightclub, which closed last November, is one.
Longtime Oak Bluffs selectman Roger Wey said this week he will not seek reelection in April.
Mr. Wey, who has been a selectman since 1994 and has served a total of eight terms over 21 years, told the Gazette he decided not to run after much consideration. “I thought about it a long time, and the decision didn’t come easily,” Mr. Wey said. “But in the end, I just decided it was the right time to hang it up.”
Consumer Price Watch
By SUSAN CATLING
Gas
Prices for regular unleaded gas as of Jan. 27:
Edgartown
Airport Mobil 2.59
Depot Corner 2.599
Edgartown Mobil 2.659
Oak Bluffs
deBettencourt’s 2.579
Jim’s 2.599
Vineyard Haven
Citgo 2.599
Tisbury Shell 2.599
West Tisbury
Up-Island Automotive 2.369