Julia Wells
Boat Line Chief Triggers Contract Talks
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
A gnarly two-year struggle over issues of governance and lines of authority came to a new head last week when Steamship Authority chief executive officer Fred C. Raskin launched a process that may lead to his resignation - and a hefty severance deal to boot.
Mr. Raskin gave written notice to the boat line board last week that he intends to terminate what is called a readjustment period under the complicated terms of his contract.
Oak Bluffs Results Were a Surprise - Is Healing of Long Battle Under Way?
By Julia Wells
In Oak Bluffs the landscape has changed, and it's not just the daffodils and day lilies. In this seaside town of honky tonk and gingerbread and emerald parks, the landscape of local politics has also suddenly changed.
In the first regulatory review under its own maiden government since the superior court decision on sovereign immunity last year, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) this week permitted itself to build a 6,500-square-foot community center off Black Brook Road in Aquinnah.
The community center will be built around a wetland.
West Tisbury Voters Reelect John Early and Approve Eleven Override Questions
By JULIA WELLS
Voters in West Tisbury stuck with the old ways and handed longtime selectman John Early a tenth term in the annual town election yesterday.
Mr. Early, who was first elected 27 years ago and is the senior selectman on the Vineyard, won easily over challenger Cynthia Riggs. The final tally was 553-189.
Amid conciliatory expressions and with the developer's representative waving a white hat in the air, the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted without
Land Bank Bids for a Woodlands Preserve
Deal Would Protect 190 Acres; Developer to Build 26 Houses
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
A long, bruising battle over the fate of the southern woodlands in Oak Bluffs took a stunning turn this week when the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank announced that it has signed an agreement to buy 190 acres from developer Corey Kupersmith, including the old Webb's Camping Area.
The purchase price is $18.6 million.