In Oak Bluffs, ‘a Lot of Work' Lies Ahead as Town Tries to Heal Rifts from Election

Stay in Commission, Says Record Vote

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Marking history and closing one of the most divisive chapters in the annals of the town, a record number of Oak Bluffs voters went to the polls this week and said no to pulling out of the Martha's Vineyard Commission.

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.

Fast Ferry Plan Gets Approval

Would Link the Vineyard With New Bedford Next Summer; Meanwhile, Schamonchi Has Woes this Year

By JULIA WELLS

Steamship Authority governors danced a cha-cha this week over ferry service between New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard, taking one step back as they announced a delay in the start date for the passenger ferry Schamonchi this year - and one step forward as they voted to move ahead on a plan to develop high-speed passenger service for next year.

County Report Cites ‘Offensive' Behavior, but Sees No Illegality

By JONATHAN BURKE

Though he found instances of improper treatment by Dukes County officials, including "inappropriate and offensive behavior" by one commissioner, a human resources expert concludes in a report released yesterday that there was no unlawful treatment of Marsha Smolev, county employee.

Capping off the Vineyard season of annual town meetings and elections, voters in Aquinnah this week delivered an upset victory in their selectmen's race, handing the post to challenger Jim Newman.

On Monday morning the ferry Martha's Vineyard will arrive at the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority terminal. The landing will be without fanfare, although it marks a milestone on the path to a new Island summer.

When the Oak Bluffs dock workers and crew of the vessel exchange lines for the first time, the season of summer can be said to begin. The Steamship Authority's new summer schedule opens, and with it come seasonal fare hikes for travelers to and from the Island.