Hospital Is Exploring Ties to Oak Bluffs Sewer Line

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Leaders at the Martha's Vineyard hospital said this week that the plan to build a new hospital also now includes an emerging plan to tie into the Oak Bluffs sewage treatment plant.

"We have begun talks with the town of Oak Bluffs, and we know that nothing would be better than getting everything out of here," said hospital board vice chairman Tim Sweet yesterday.

Survey Offers Snapshot of Businesses

By MANDY LOCKE

Daytrippers pump little revenue into the coffers of Island businesses. Vineyard establishments are well-rooted; the majority have survived more than 17 years. Despite the national economic downturn of the last few years, Vineyard business owners weathered it quite well; nearly three-quarters earned as much if not more in 2003 than the previous year.

Boat Line Forecast: Steady as She Goes, Waiting on Weather

By ALEXIS TONTI

When Steamship Authority managers look ahead to the summer season, they are hesitant to make any forecasts. Traffic may be a little off right now, but everyone agrees that in the end the weather will be the biggest influence on how many passengers ride the ferries.

"I think things are a little slower than we would like, but that can reverse pretty quickly," SSA chief executive officer Fred C. Raskin said this week.

Airlines providing regional service between the Vineyard and Logan International Airport could receive relief from proposed hikes in landing and ta

State Ruling Backs DCPCs

Barnstable Process Is Upheld; a Town-Wide District There Parallels Those on Vineyard; Vote for Planning Homework

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

In a key environmental protection decision for both the Vineyard and Cape Cod, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) this week threw out a lower court ruling and upheld a townwide district of critical planning concern (DCPC) for the town of Barnstable.

State's Gay Marriage Day Arrives, and Vineyard Couples Celebrate

By MANDY LOCKE

For most couples headed down the wedding aisle, this is one of those nagging details - an errand that claims more time and attention than a couple wants to spare.

But for Sue Dawson and Alison Shaw, it was a task to savor.

Filling out the three-page notice of intention to marry at the Oak Bluffs town clerk's office early Monday morning, this couple knew they were part of history in the making.