Oak Bluffs Innkeeper Challenges Commission Decision in Court

By IAN FEIN

A Dukes County superior court judge yesterday heard arguments in a one-day trial that explored the limits of commercial expansion in an eclectic residential neighborhood of Oak Bluffs.

Town resident Jack E. Robinson Sr. is challenging the Martha's Vineyard Commission denial of a proposed 10-bedroom expansion to his inn and tennis center on New York avenue. The commission reviewed the project in the summer of 2005 as a development of regional impact (DRI).

Aaron Tweeten Flies Island Skies Aboard Cape Air

By SAM TELLER

As Vineyard Haven came into view thousands of feet below in the early afternoon on a warm and clear September Tuesday, Cape Air Flight 309 veered west toward Chilmark, crossed woodsy West Tisbury, and banked back towards Edgartown, before landing gently at Martha's Vineyard Airport. The passengers politely applauded the pilot of the 10-seater Cessna 402.

Shore Fishing Heats Up as Weather Cools

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

The Martha's Vineyard Regional High School was partially locked down Wednesday while a team of Edgartown and Oak Bluffs police searched for a student who authorities feared might have brought a gun to school.

Edgartown police arrested a 16-year-old sophomore in connection with a home burglary the previous day where a handgun was stolen. He was charged with larceny of a firearm, breaking and entering during the daytime and larceny from a house.

There was nothing out of the ordinary about the evening of April 25, when Renato Da Rocha, a 48-year-old Island carpenter and native of Brazil, disappeared into thin air.

A late afternoon rain shower had come and gone, leaving the Island cloaked in a misty fog. Mr. Da Rocha had spent the day doing exterior work on a home on Chappaquiddick, and he caught a ride back to his home on Curtis Lane in Edgartown from a co-worker.

Citing the need to protect Sengekontacket Pond and better understand the effects of build-out on water quality, the Edgartown board of health voted last month to impose a moratorium on septic system and well permits in the Ocean Heights and Arbutus Park section of town.

The moratorium, which amounts to a ban on new construction, is in effect for 60 days and expires Nov. 19. It may be extended by the board.