Sooner or later, the nitrogen pollution threatening the health of Martha’s Vineyard coastal ponds will affect us all. Our jobs are dependent on our visitor-based economy.
Candidates running for nine open seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission reflect a wide range of priorities for the Island’s regional planning and review agency, but only two are newcomers. All the candidates acknowledge the need for better public understanding of the commission’s role in the community.
A period of transition begins for the Martha’s Vineyard Commission with the announcement that executive director Mark London will retire at the end of next summer. The commission will soon begin a search for his replacement.
A complicated housing proposal in Oak Bluffs received a preliminary nod from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission last week. The plan calls for building for 25 housing units on 32.5 acres off Barnes Road. Nitrogen loading in the Lagoon is the biggest stumbling block.
Mark London quietly announced at the end of a commission meeting Thursday night that he would retire by the end of next summer. Mr. London has been executive director of the commission for the past 12 years.
Selectmen expressed dismay at the resignation of Brian Smith this week as the town representative on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
“He’s gone way beyond what we’ve expected him to do,” selectman Richard Knabel said. Mr. Smith has been a quiet leader on the commission.