Aquinnah selectmen this week raced to prepare language for a new bylaw aimed at regulating wind turbines that is due for review by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission early next month and for voters at the annual town meeting on May 13.
A public hearing is scheduled before the town planning board on May 5; the commission will hold its own public hearing on May 8.
The draft bylaw is aimed at creating regulations for a townwide energy district of critical planning concern (DCPC) which went into effect last December.
The town of Aquinnah, known for being progressive in planning, this week moved a step closer to adopting a townwide energy conservation district.
Parking illegally will cost you more in Aquinnah next year, but the roads you use to get your ticket may be better.
Aquinnah has opened its heart and its parking spots to derby fishermen.
The Aquinnah selectmen on Friday voted at a hastily called special meeting to open resident-only parking lots to derby fisherman for the duration of the derby after learning that contestants have been avoiding Aquinnah fishing spots for several years because they feared tickets or tows.
Aquinnah Selectmen Will Seek Bylaw to Regulate Energy Use
By IAN FEIN
With the energy demands of large homes a growing concern across the Island, Aquinnah selectmen this week unanimously endorsed a regulation that would require new homes over a certain size to include renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.
"This is an important measure," selectman James Newman said at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, after proposing the energy requirement. "And I think that this community should be a leader on the issue."
The Aquinnah selectmen heard a distinct plea from their up-Island neighbors this week to formally appeal the recent superior court decision that found the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) cannot be sued because of sovereign immunity.