Open Space Bond Funding Faces Cuts, Legislators Say

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Cape and Islands Rep. Eric T. Turkington and a growing group of state legislators took sharp aim at the Gov. Mitt Romney administration this week as reports surfaced about plans to slash funding for the state open space bond bill.

In an unqualified show of confidence for one of its own members who has been under relentless attack by the developers of the Down Island Golf Club

Boat Line Sees Price Increases

Steamship Authority Leadership Proposes $68 Million Budget; Vineyard Passenger Fares Would Rise by 50 Cents

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Fare hikes for the Vineyard and Nantucket are now on deck at the Steamship Authority, as boat line managers confront the realities of keeping a $68 million operation afloat against a backdrop of anemic revenues and rising operating costs.

SSA Ventures Into Publishing

Boat Line Management Develops Plans for Advertising Displays on Water and in Terminals; Considers New Magazine

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Slick advertising contracts with retailers like J. Crew and the Black Dog. Display advertising on ferries and inside boat line terminals. A four-color glossy "in-float" magazine on board ferries.

Duel Goes on in Woodlands

Planning Commission Hearing Is Closed, While the Developer Continues to Press Case on Multiple Fronts

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The gavel came down one more time late last week and a public hearing was closed on a plan to build 320 homes in the last unbroken stretch of oak and pine forest in Oak Bluffs.

Fast Ferry Deal Set, Ending a Long Path

Dockage and Parking Agreements Part of the Package that Will Establish New Service Starting Next Spring

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The high-speed ferry deal is done - or almost done.

Final agreements were signed this week that are now expected to clear the way for high-speed passenger service between New Bedford and the Vineyard beginning next summer.