Julia Wells
From Montreal to Martha's Vineyard, from two languages to one, from urban to rural, from one island to another. Just two days into his first week on the job as the new executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Commission, Mark London has developed a keen appreciation for plastic boxes.
The developer of the Down Island Golf Club told the Martha's Vineyard Commission last week that the members of the private luxury golf complex he hopes to build will be "rich people" who will bring no real benefit to the town of Oak Bluffs or the Island.
Report Finds Windfall for Golf Developer
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
The developers of the Down Island Golf Club stand to clear more than $70 million in profits if they are permitted to build a private luxury golf club in the southern woodlands section of Oak Bluffs, while the financial benefits to the town and the Vineyard community will be minimal by comparison.
New Bedford Distorts Fast Ferry Picture
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
The pitch came fast and hard at the last Steamship Authority meeting for new high-speed ferry service between New Bedford and the Vineyard next summer. David J. Oliveira, the freshman member of the boat line board from New Bedford, said a new ferry was under construction and would be ready to go by spring. He urged the SSA to move quickly on the license request from Boston Harbor Cruises.
MVC Wrestles with Golf Plan
Testimony Presents Commission with Unanswered Questions and Confusion on Critical Issues Before Final Vote
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
Amid a fresh spate of tactics aimed at pressuring the Martha's Vineyard Commission into a quick approval of the Down Island Golf Club, the developer told the commission last week that an offer to allow public play at the private golf course is off the table - unless the commission agrees to support the project.
Questioning the need and citing possible negative effects on the mom-and-pop gas stations up-Island, the Martha's Vineyard Commission voted without dissent last week to reject a plan for a new gas station on State Road in Vineyard Haven.
"I don't think we should be building any more facilities to accommodate the automobile, and this is going to rob Peter to pay Paul," said commission member Tristan Israel.