MVC Approves Hospital Plan

Commission Vote Is Unanimous Despite Stubborn Reservations Over Location of Building; Offsite Parking Is Out

By IAN FEIN

The Martha's Vineyard Commission last night unanimously approved the $42 million renovation and expansion of the Martha's Vineyard Hospital despite widespread misgivings with the existing location.

Following a turn of events last week that ended in the superintendent's request for the Edgartown School principal's resignation, the Edgartown school committee accepted the resignation of principal G. Paul Dulac on Wednesday morning and approved an accelerated timeline to find a permanent replacement.

Her talents drive her life. She works full time at the hospital day care center, coaches two youth hockey teams and plays three instruments - alto sax, bass clarinet and some drums. But she's not sure she would have realized those talents if she hadn't been placed in the care of the Vineyard Haven foster family that eventually adopted her.

Commission Review on Hospital Stalls in Procedural Tangle Over Parking Lot

By IAN FEIN

The Martha's Vineyard Commission this week put off its final vote on the Martha's Vineyard Hospital expansion project.

A decision had been scheduled for this coming Thursday, but the commission instead now plans to reopen the hospital public hearing the following week, on Dec. 14, to accept additional testimony on a proposed offsite staff parking lot that has emerged as a potential stumbling block for the $42 million project.

Housing Bank Backers Renew Efforts to Pass Legislative Bill

By IAN FEIN

An ad-hoc group of Vineyard housing advocates have decided to continue their pursuit of controversial legislation that would tax Island real estate transactions to fund affordable housing projects.

The Martha's Vineyard Regional High School district committee this week reviewed a draft $14.3 million operating budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, a 4.7 per cent increase over last year.

The draft budget was presented to Island selectmen at a special meeting this week; the school committee is set to vote on certifying the budget at a meeting Monday night. A majority of Island towns must approve the budget at their annual town meetings in the spring.