MVC Power of Review on Housing Projects Upheld in Key Ruling by State Land Court
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
In a groundbreaking decision that affects every town on the Vineyard, the chief justice of the Massachusetts Land Court ruled last week that the Martha's Vineyard Commission has full power of review over low and moderate income housing projects under Chapter 40B, a section of state law commonly known as the anti-snob zoning statute.
The chief justice of the Massachusetts Land Court heard arguments this week in a groundbreaking case that will ultimately decide whether the Martha's Vineyard Commission has the power to review low and moderate-income housing projects under Chapter 40B, a section of state law commonly known as the anti-snob zoning statute.
A Massachusetts Land Court judge last week dismissed the central claim in a complicated property rights case that centers on an attempt by a group of developers to open up access to a vast area of landlocked lots off Moshup Trail in Aquinnah.
In a landmark decision which marks a sweeping victory for the Vineyard and deals a crippling defeat to the Herring Creek Farm Trust, the chief just