Commission Accepts the Nomination of Mullen Way as Critical District

By IAN FEIN

Suggesting that historical middle-class neighborhoods might be of irreplaceable value to the Island, the Martha's Vineyard Commission last week unanimously agreed to consider a narrow tree-lined street in Edgartown for designation as a district of critical planning concern (DCPC).

Robert Murphy Has High Hopes for the Vineyard of the Future

By IAN FEIN

Robert C. Murphy remembers his childhood winters in Oak Bluffs, when there were no movie theatres open and the bowling alley was the only source of social activity.

Island children today by comparison have a bounty of entertainment and cultural opportunities - which Mr. Murphy sees as one of the many positive aspects of the growth that the Vineyard has experienced over the last few decades.

Island teachers have their summers off in a place that is arguably one of the best in the world to spend the season - but few really embrace the vacation in summer vacation.

With demands for post-graduate degrees and a rising cost of living, many teachers leave the Vineyard to further their educations, and many more take on seasonal work or run their own enterprises.

Housing Bank Legislation Languishes as Lawmakers Ready to Recess Session

By IAN FEIN

With the state legislative session set to expire in 10 days, a proposal to create public housing banks on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket appears to be effectively dead for the year.

With the state legislative session set to expire in 10 days, a proposal to create public housing banks on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket appears t

Schooner Accident Leaves Questions

Family and Friends Gather to Mourn Death of Concord Eighteen-Year-Old Who Fell From Ship's Rigging

By MAX HART and JAMES KINSELLA

Family and friends of Benjamin Sutherland, a young man who died last Friday after he fell from the rigging on the schooner Alabama, will gather tomorrow and Sunday to celebrate his life.

Mr. Sutherland was shimmying across the spring stay, a cable attached to both of the Alabama's masts, when he lost his grip and fell 30 feet to the vessel's deck, witnesses said.