SSA Supports New Ferry Plan

Boat Line Managers Recommend Private Firm for High-Speed, Year-Round Service Between New Bedford and Vineyard

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

Senior managers at the Steamship Authority are expected to recommend today that the boat line issue a long-term license to New England Fast Ferry LLC to operate year-round, high-speed passenger service between New Bedford and the Vineyard.

MVC Election Wins Approval

State House Compromise Clears Path for Special Vote in May on a Petition in Oak Bluffs to Secede from Commission

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

After a week of back-room politics on Beacon Hill that left one Cape and Islands legislator openly fuming at what he called "outside muscle," a petition by the town of Oak Bluffs to withdraw from the Martha's Vineyard Commission is now set to come before voters at a special election in the middle of May.

The election will be held on May 13.

Student Protest Against Iraq War Triggers Suspensions in Clash with Administration

A peaceful student protest against war in Iraq bubbled into a spontaneous walkout at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School.

Housing Plan Hits Water Quality Snag

By JULIA WELLS

Septic discharge from the Bridge housing project could pose a problem for neighboring wells, the Martha's Vineyard Commission water quality planner said last week.

Oak Bluffs Home Rule Petition Inspires Hot Debate in Hearing Hastily Convened by Legislature

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

BOSTON - Small in number but passionate in expression, a compact assembly of Vineyard residents traveled to Beacon Hill this week to testify at a hastily called legislative hearing on a petition by the town of Oak Bluffs to withdraw from the Martha's Vineyard Commission.

"I'm here because the integrity of the Martha's Vineyard Commission is now being threatened," said West Tisbury resident Barbara Day.

MVC Begins Review of Housing Plan

Ecumenical Group Proposes 32 Units on Tisbury Land

By JULIA WELLS

Calling it a new vision for the Vineyard, a novice Island nonprofit last week unveiled a plan to build 32 units of affordable housing in 16 duplex-style buildings on the Norton family land off State Road in Vineyard Haven.