Exercise Caution Over Blind Trust, Commission Told

By MANDY LOCKE

Pleas to the Martha's Vineyard Commission to slow plans for creating a blind trust came from every possible side last night - supporters, critics and even the agency's own members.

Three of the commission's newest members opposed the formation of such a charitable trust, and several other members demanded further investigation before accepting gifts from the trust.

The Island Health Plan, which seeks to provide affordable health insurance for many of the estimated 3,000 Islanders now living without it, is poised to win legislative approval that will enable the nonprofit group to begin work this spring.

A Chilmark subdivision plan now being considered by the Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) represents a golden opportunity, conservation leaders said this week, to create a walking trail connecting key public properties up-Island.

The property owners, Richard and Melanie Coleman, agreed last night to open up their private property for Islanders hiking along the southern side of Middle Road.

Owners of the Vineyard Golf Club, a private golf course in Edgartown, are now proposing to build a cluster of luxury homes for club members on the

Two Island Trash Districts Consider Partnership

By MANDY LOCKE

A decade after Tisbury and Oak Bluffs pulled out of the Islandwide trash district in the midst of a bitter political battle, officials from both districts are discussing a renewed partnership.

Moments before seven Island teenagers set to sea this June in a 28-foot wooden vessel bound for the Hudson River, the students speculated that the