Land Bank Looks to Create Campground on Southern Woodlands Property
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank is moving forward with plans to create a seasonal low impact campground on a two-acre site inside the Southern Woodlands Reservation.
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank is moving forward with plans to create a seasonal low impact campground on a two-acre site inside the 234-acre Southern Woodlands Reservation. Access to the campground would be by bicycle or on foot. The land bank will not allow vehicle access to the site, which is off County Road between Woodlands Drive and Jessica Lane.
The land bank issued a request for proposals (RFP) on Oct. 28, asking developers to submit bids by Feb. 5, 2016.
“The land bank will lease this campground to the designer/developer/manager who submits the most realistic and attractive proposal,” according to the RFP. “It is understood that the purpose of the lease is to provide the land bank with a functioning and successful campground, and to provide the lessee with a profit.”
The land bank envisions a primitive campground of about 40 sites that blends in with the topography, scenic quality and public trail system of the area.
There are some strict design requirements, including toilet facilities that address nitrogen flows into the watershed, water from a common source, and showers. The design would not allow tent platforms.
The campground would be open only in the summer and shoulder seasons, with specific dates to be included in the bids. A manager will be required on site.
“A manager will be resident in order to oversee operations on a round-the-clock basis during the term of the season.” according to the RFP. If desired, a cabin may be installed to house the manager.”
It will be the responsibility of the winning bidder to acquire all necessary permits from the Oak Bluffs board of health, planning board, fire chief and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
In 2011, the Oak Bluffs town advisory board, the land bank commission and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs all signed off on the concept, as part of a management plan for the Southern Woodlands parcel.
The land has been in flux since the land bank purchased the land for $18.6 million in 2005, as part of a compromise plan to end a divisive battle over development of a luxury golf course community.

Comments
I love the idea of a camping
Dan ObI love the idea of a camping location. Something small, remote, where camp fires are allowed in the wilderness. But showers? Toilets? This is the only property for hunters in oak bluffs. There is not a single piece of trash on this property. This "facility" will surely sour the natural beauty, chase away the wildlife and create more unnecessary nitrogen into the lagoon. Not to mention the large path that will need to be clear cut to bring in septic tanks, building supplies and the large machinery it will take to construct this project. Why not just build four walls and a roof and call it a hotel?
Does anyone know how to find
Chris TisburyDoes anyone know how to find Land Bank annual reports? I have searched their website and done a google search and can't find anything. I assume as a public organization that their annual report is made available to the public.
I believe you can call and
Islander Martha's VineyardI believe you can call and ask for a copy. I've seen copies in the past. However, you will not find land bank director James Lengyel's salary anywhere in the report. All the salaries are lumped together in one sum. The director's salary is a secret that he and all land bank members will not disclose. This has always struck me as quite odd, given how the land bank gets it money. People and organizations that have nothing to hide, hide nothing.
Let's have a look at the
Islander Too IslandLet's have a look at the salaries of Lengyel and Veno.
At all the salaries, actually.
I applaud the Land Bank for
Liza MVI applaud the Land Bank for acting so decisively to address the seasonal housing crisis on this island. Forty units of housing isn't nearly enough but it is a positive step in the right direction. Bravo!
I wouldn't qualify 40 tent
gina Menemsha/nycI wouldn't qualify 40 tent sites as seasonal housing.. Per the press release it will be a rustic run for profit campground.. with bare bone sanitation & infrastructure appealing to the MVY short term visitor without car parking .. Am I missing something??
I grew up camping at Webb's
Camper Oak BluffsI grew up camping at Webb's in the 70's and 80's. A few people may remember that the best way to experience the beauty and serenity of the island is in a tent. In addition, it is usually a reasonable priced trip that ends up being priceless. Finally.
How about a well with a hand
Ken Edg.How about a well with a hand pump and porta pottys. Get your bath in the ocean. Lets not make it too convenient.
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