Leaders Take Stock with Full Inventory of County Services

By ALEXIS TONTI

Following a year that saw Dukes County officials embroiled in controversy on several fronts, the county manager and commissioners now are setting policy to strengthen their ranks internally and to educate Islanders about county services.

As part of the plan to improve communication, the county commissioners last week invited four department heads to their regular meeting to talk about their programs and goals; the remaining eight will give presentations in the coming months.

MassHighway officials say they will put plans for a temporary replacement for the Lagoon Pond drawbridge on hold until Island residents decide whether to nurse the existing bridge along until a new permanent structure is built.

The state agency also says it will involve the Island in the design of a new permanent bridge at the outset of the planning process - a departure from previous department policy of consulting residents only after plans have been drafted.

A week after an array of county officials criticized Steamship Authority governor Kathryn A.

Draft Report Eyes Airport

An Early Look at Project Plans Sees No Environmental Hurdle to Runway Improvements, New Terminal, Jail

By ALEXIS TONTI

The Martha's Vineyard Airport commissioners this week previewed a document that will be critical to the approval, by both state and federal officials, of long-range plans for development at the airport and on its surrounding property.

Gone is the 02568 zip code above the door announcing the building's identity.

Two Boards Urging State: Slow Bridge

Oak Bluffs, Tisbury Selectmen Suggest Island Might Be Better Off Without Temporary Structure at Lagoon

By ALEXIS TONTI

The boards of selectmen in Oak Bluffs and Tisbury are urging MassHighway officials to make plans now for a permanent replacement for the Lagoon Pond drawbridge and to consider ways to avoid a temporary replacement - including the closure of Beach Road for a period of time.