State Attorney General Files Brief in MVC Case

By JULIA WELLS

The Massachusetts Attorney General sided with a Connecticut housing developer this week in a key legal dispute that is expected to decide whether the Martha's Vineyard Commission has the right to review low and moderate income housing projects under Chapter 40B, a section of state law commonly known as the anti-snob zoning statute.

The groundbreaking case goes to the heart of the unique powers vested in the commission by the state legislature more than 25 years ago.

The search for a new chief executive officer for the Steamship Authority took an unexpected turn late yesterday when one of the leading candidates for the job suddenly dropped out.

State Agency Shuts Office on Vineyard; Future Is Uncertain

By MANDY LOCKE

It's much quieter these days at 1 Douglas Way in Oak Bluffs. Barbara's not around. Neither are many of the 112 Islanders who rely on the Department of Transitional Assistance for emergency shelter, food stamps, health care and job placement assistance.

Jim Pringle and David Maddox left the Vineyard last weekend bound for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, but don't expect to see the two buddies from Vineyard Haven lighting the torch, waving Old Glory or snagging medals.

Community Services Agency Scrambles to Blunt Effects of State Budget Cutbacks

By MANDY LOCKE

As the reality of state budget cuts trickles down to communities across the commonwealth, Martha's Vineyard Community Services is taking its share of hits.

"This is devastating across the board to this Island. It shakes the foundation of the support network we've created," said Ned Robinson-Lynch, executive director of Martha's Vineyard Community Services, in a conversation with the Gazette this week.

Tisbury Police Ask Voters for Staff Help

Union Wants Two Additional Officers;Issue Will Appear as April Article on Town Meeting Warrant

By JOSHUA SABATINI

An unprecedented move by the Tisbury police union will put the debate over staffing of the town police force before the voters at town meeting time in April.