The Martha's Vineyard Commission on Thursday closed a public hearing for a planned 35,000 square-foot YMCA building, sending the project into the home stretch with few visible potholes in the road.

As is the custom following the close of a public hearing, the commission's land use planning committee met last night to discuss the project and possibly begin drafting a list of conditions for possible approval.

Most people think of the shark as the ultimate symbol of dread, giants with cold lifeless eyes who cruise the ocean looking for swimmers they can tear from limb to limb. The very word itself is used to describe people in society who prey on others or who engage in deceptive practices.

There is probably not an animal in the world more despised or feared then sharks, ranking right down there with snakes and spiders.

YMCA Backers Trumpet Plan to Build Pool, Youth Facility

By IAN FEIN

Boosters for the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard last week described to the Martha's Vineyard Commission what they say will be a life-changing new facility for the Island, providing young families, high school students and the entire community with a long-desired pool and gathering place.

Plans for a YMCA Go to Commission for Formal Review

By IAN FEIN

Proponents of the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard go before the Martha's Vineyard Commission this week with their plans for a 35,000-square-foot recreational facility behind the skate park in Oak Bluffs.

YMCA officials are hoping to break ground this fall on the community-funded project, which originated roughly five years ago with an effort to build an indoor pool.

Youth-Led Initiative Sparks January Opening for Teen Center in Historic Cottagers Corner

By JAMES KINSELLA

Vineyard teenagers are about to have a solid solution to that perennial complaint that there's nothing to do.

The Island's first teen center in more than 15 years is slated to open in mid-January in the Cottagers Corner building in downtown Oak Bluffs.

Ping-pong, pool tables, computers and lots of couches - that's what the new center is banking on to draw teenagers.