Chairman Suspends Tax Hearing Until Attorneys Agree on View

By IAN FEIN

In a surprise decision this week, the chairman of the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board suspended a complex West Tisbury tax hearing until both parties agree on a plan to visit the Vineyard properties in question and take testimony from two more Island witnesses.

At press time yesterday attorneys on both sides were locked in a legal standoff and it remained unclear when the hearing would resume.

Testing Strength in Government

Analyzing Trends Across Island as Legal Disputes Increase; Citizens Debate Causes, Leaders Take Stock

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

In West Tisbury, the board of assessors decides not to mediate a tax appeal, landing the town in an extended slugfest at the state level that has yet to conclude.

In Oak Bluffs, residents complain about what they see as a lack of responsiveness from the building department and the zoning board of appeals.

Commission Rejects Hotel Plan for Second Time in One Year

By IAN FEIN

Citing the need to contain increased commercial use in an eclectic residential neighborhood at the fringe of the Oak Bluffs business district, the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted last week to deny a proposed expansion to a small inn and tennis center on New York avenue.

The 9-0 vote marked the second time in 12 months for the commission to turn down Jack E. Robinson's plan to expand his Martha's Vineyard Hotel & Racquet Club.

Court Rules County Must Pay Triple Damages, Attorney Fees

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

Dealing a potentially crushing blow to Dukes County government, a superior court judge has ruled that the Martha's Vineyard airport commission is by law vested with independent authority to hire and set the salaries of its airport managers.

Throughout this month swimmers along the north shore of the Vineyard have found krill-like creatures washed up on the beach by the millions.