Housing Committee Vetoes Restrictions

Oak Bluffs Resident Homesite Group Seeks Fewer Controls on Youth Lots, Uncorking a Fresh Controversy

By CHRIS BURRELL

The Dukes County Regional Housing Authority raised serious questions yesterday about a proposal in Oak Bluffs to ease restrictions on the resale of past and future resident homesite lots.

Low enrollment numbers coupled with strict state guidelines have forced the Martha's Vineyard Adult Learning Partnership to scrap its general education diploma (GED) classes which typically start up in September.

The decision leaves the Vineyard with no option for people needing preparation for the high school equivalency diploma - unless you're an inmate at the county jail.

Boat Line Budget Is Central Topic at Board Meeting

By ALEXIS TONTI

Steamship Authority governors meet on the Vineyard this week to take up the 2005 draft operating budget, operating schedules and the search for the new general manager, part of a packed agenda for the monthly boat line meeting.

Acting general manager Wayne Lamson said yesterday that he anticipates putting a $65 million to $70 million draft operating budget before the board for discussion.

Martha's Vineyard Regional High School committee members voted extra salary hikes this week for seven top Vineyard school administrators and high-level staff, but on the other end of the scale 170 teaching assistants, custodians, secretaries and lunchroom workers are still working without any raises over last year's pay.

Despite vocal protests and the lack of even one voice in favor of the project, Oak Bluffs selectmen say they are forging ahead with plans to construct a traffic roundabout at one of the Island's busiest intersections.

A single-lane traffic circle, the roundabout would replace the four-way stop signs installed more than a year ago at the junction between Barnes Road and the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, a major east-west artery.

Garage Owner Faces Deadline

Oak Bluffs Building Inspector Issues Order for Revised Plan; North Bluff Controversy Buffets Mr. Moujabber

By CHRIS BURRELL

The owner of a controversial three-story garage in Oak Bluffs is now under the gun to file revised architectural plans for the project within the next 13 days, or else face official pressure to demolish the backyard building.