Description: The Martha's Vineyard Commission, established in 1974, was the first regional land-use planning agency in the State with regulatory powers. It is a regional planning agency for Dukes County, including the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Gosnold (Cuttyhunk). Its purposes are (1) to help the towns regulate development in fragile areas, using standards set by the Commission with state approval (Districts of Critical Planning Concern); (2) to regulate changes affecting more than one town because of location, size, or type (Developments of Regional Impact); and (3) to promote public services and economic activities suited to the Island's resources and ecology.

Meeting Times and Place: The full Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month, and on any other Thursday as necessary. The meetings are held at the Commission Offices in the Olde Stone Building, 33 New York Avenue, Oak Bluffs, unless otherwise noted, at 7:30 p.m. and run from two to three hours.

Contact Information: P.O. Box 1447 Olde Stone Building 33 New York Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Phone: (508) 693-3453 Fax: (508) 693-7894. General inquiries email to: campbell@mvcommission.org

The MVC now has a monthly Newsletter! To view the current newsletter you can download a PDF version from the MV Commission website: http://www.mvcommission.org/. To have this newsletter emailed to you from the MVC, please send a request to campbell@mvcommission.org

Click here to download the March 2007 newsletter.

Press Release - Bicycle Path Study Gets Underway
7/6/08

As part of ongoing efforts to improve bicycling on the Island, the Martha's Vineyard Regional Transportation Plan and the Island Plan Transportation Work Group have proposed that the Down-Island network of off-road bicycle paths be completed, in order to safely accommodate the highest density of bicycle traffic.

LAGOON POND DRAWBRIDGE COMMITTEE

PRESS RELEASE

Lagoon Pond Drawbridge Committee Calls for Respect of Weight and Speed Limits on Bridge

November 15, 2005 - FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

In order to reduce the possibility that the existing bridge might have to be temporarily or permanently closed before a new bridge is in place, the Lagoon Pond Drawbridge Committee is calling on truckers to carefully respect the weight limits on the Lagoon Pond Drawbridge, and is asking the State and town police to strictly enforce these limits.

The currently posted weight limits are 12 tons for a 2-axle vehicle, 15 tons for a 3-axle vehicle, and 24 tons for a 5-axle vehicle. The speed limit is 40 miles per hour.

Last week, the Committee received a report that the Towns of Oak Bluffs and Tisbury commissioned from Lichtenstein Consulting Engineers about the condition of the existing bridge. The report concludes that the impact on the bridge is a direct function of the weight and speed of vehicles using it. Reducing these weights and speeds would reduce the impact on the structure and help extend its life.

“We will be contacting Island and off-Island truckers to explain the importance of respecting these limits,” said Melinda Loberg, Chair of the Drawbridge Committee. “Better to have a minor inconvenience now, than suffer the paralyzing effect of having the bridge closed in the future.“

Sometime in the future, the Committee will also discuss with MassHighway the possibility of lowering the weight and speed limits on the drawbridge as well as creating a designated truck route.

For further information, contact the Martha’s Vineyard Commission at 508-693-3453.

PRESS RELEASE
Steering Committee Named to Oversee Martha's Vineyard Comprehensive Island Plan

The Martha's Vineyard Commission announces the formation of the Steering Committee that will oversee the preparation of a Comprehensive Island Plan for the Martha's Vineyard. The Committee is made up of 20 Vineyarders from all walks of life, all towns, and representing a wide range of interests including various town boards, non-profit organizations, and individual citizens.

The goal of the Comprehensive Island Plan is for the Island community to renew its vision for the future . . . to figure out where we are, where we want to go, and how we want to go there. The Plan will seek to answer questions such as: What is the best way to manage growth on Martha's Vineyard so that we can preserve the Island's unique environment and character? How can we provide housing opportunities for all income groups? How can we protect the water quality of our coastal ponds? How can we preserve critical habitat and important vistas? How can we develop a more sustainable economy? How can we find ways for people to get where they want to go, while minimizing traffic congestion?

The Plan will set out the strategy for achieving this vision by outlining possible programs, regulations, and other actions that could be carried out by the Martha's Vineyard Commission, by the towns, and by other entities. The Martha's Vineyard Commission will adopt the plan as the official regional plan.

The Steering Committee will oversee the both the process and the content of the Plan. In addition, an Advisory Committee will be created to provide a sounding board throughout the process and task forces will be set up for concentrated periods to deal with each of the specific topics to be covered by the Plan. The planning effort will be supported by the specialized expertise of the Martha's Vineyard Commission staff, and outside expertise will be brought in as needed.

A group of MVC Commissioners has worked for several months to outline the planning program and to select the best group of Vineyarders to form the Steering Committee, people who can provide leadership for this important effort. Jim Athearn has agreed to be the Steering Committee Chairman.

The following are the members of the Steering Committee.

John Abrams is a President of South Mountain Company, member and former Chairman of the Island Affordable Housing Fund, and lives in West Tisbury.

Marie Allen is president of the NAACP of Martha's Vineyard, a member of the Board of the Vineyard Conservation Society, a former MVC Commissioner, and an Oak Bluffs resident.

Clarissa Allen is owner of the Allen Sheep Farm, member of the Chilmark Land Bank Advisory Committee, and lives in Chilmark.

James A. Athearn is owner of Morning Glory Farm, Vice-Chair of the MV Agricultural Society, an Edgartown resident, and will be Chair of the CIP Steering Committee.

Prudence Burt lives in West Tisbury and is a member of the West Tisbury Conservation Commission.

Tom Chase is Eastern Massachusetts Programs Director for The Nature Conservancy and is a resident of Oak Bluffs.

Steve Ewing is owner of Aquamarine, is on the Edgartown Land Bank Advisory Committee, is a former member of the Edgartown Conservation Commission, and is an Edgartown resident.

Ann Floyd is owner/principal broker of Sandcastle Realty, is on the Board of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, and lives in Edgartown.

Ray Laporte is Vice-President of Advest Financial Advisors, Chairman of the Tisbury Board Selectman, and lives in Tisbury.

Ned Orleans is a Tisbury resident, an MVC Commissioner, and former member of the Tisbury Planning Board.

Kerry Scott is proprietor of Good Dog Goods, is an Oak Bluffs Selectman, and is a life-long Oak Bluffs resident.

Linda Sibley is a West Tisbury resident, owner of Vineyard Electronics (Radio Shack) and is Chair of the Martha's Vineyard Commission.

Elio Silva owns North Star, a Brazilian specialty department store in Edgartown, and lives in Oak Bluffs.

Russell Smith is an engineer, Legislative Liaison for Martha's Vineyard, and lives in Aquinnah.

Bret Stearns is Director of Natural Resources for the Wampanoag Tribe and lives in Chilmark.

Henry Stephenson is a planner/architect, a member of the Tisbury Planning Board, and lives in Tisbury.

Paul Strauss is a County Commissioner and an MVC Commissioner, living in Oak Bluffs.

Richard Toole is a carpenter/caretaker, is former Chair of the Martha's Vineyard Commission, and lives in Oak Bluffs.

Susan Wasserman is Vice-President of Martha's Vineyard Community Services and lives in West Tisbury.

Durwood Vanderhoop is Director of Planning for the Wampanoag Tribe, is a member of the Tribal Council, and lives in Aquinnah.

Martha's Vineyard Commission Energy Policy
Adopted on May 11, 2006

Introduction
The Martha's Vineyard Commission is mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts “to protect the health, safety and general welfare of island residents and visitors by preserving and conserving for the enjoyment of present and future generations the unique natural, historical, ecological, scientific and cultural values … by protecting these values from development and uses which would impair them, and by promoting the enhancement of sound local economies.”
Chapter 831 of the Acts of 1977

Having an affordable, environmentally sound, reliable, safe supply of energy is essential to the general welfare of all communities and is critical to Martha's Vineyard.

Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels are our major source for electricity generation, heating and transportation. Burning these fuels results in air and water pollution and emissions, which endanger health and contribute to climate change. The Vineyard is particularly vulnerable to effects of climate change such as: rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather, and health risks from insect-borne diseases. Foreign fuel sources are increasingly insecure and unstable and may subject the community to supply shortages and price fluctuations beyond our control. These issues impact our natural and built environment as well as the tourist-related aspects of our economy.

Importing Energy: As an island, the Vineyard depends almost entirely on importing energy to its shores, which results in higher risks, extraordinary costs, and concerns about reliability. Fuels are shipped to the Island by ferry or barge, subjecting the Vineyard to shipping-related issues. Electricity is brought to the Island by underwater cables that are nearing their capacity and are vulnerable and hard to repair; the cost of additional cables will be high and will be borne by all.

Economic Impacts: The Vineyard has a large and steadily increasing annual energy bill. As a result of the above factors, energy costs on the Vineyard are among the highest in the United States. Most of the money spent on energy leaves our local economy and does not create local jobs or get spent on local goods. Both the Vineyard’s year-round community and visitor-based economy are particularly sensitive to high energy costs and disruptions to the energy supply.

Policy
The Martha's Vineyard Commission will use its planning and regulatory powers to promote a sustainable approach to the Island's energy needs that protects our economy, environment, health and quality of life.

Goals for the Vineyard

Energy Efficiency: Reduce our energy use by encouraging increased energy efficiency, conservation and improved management and distribution of energy resources.

Clean Energy: Encourage the use of renewable and low impact sources of energy for heating, electricity and transportation.

Local Production: Promote the appropriate development of local renewable energy production. Enhance local business opportunities by emphasizing initiatives that increase the Island’s security, self-reliance and economic well-being.

Goals for the Commission
The Commission will work towards a sustainable energy future for the Island in the following ways:

Planning: Promote planning that favors energy conservation in land use, settlement patterns, and transportation, such as encouraging compact settlement close to public transit and promoting bicycle and pedestrian ways.

DRIs: Develop guidelines for the review of Developments of Regional Impact that favor energy sustainability.

DCPCs: Consider the concept of an island-wide energy District of Critical Planning Concern to allow for policy changes that encourage our energy goals for the Island.
Collaborate with Towns and Other Entities: Aid in the development of policies, regulations such as zoning bylaws, procedures, and practices that promote energy sustainability, on an Island-wide and town level.
Commission Operations: Follow sustainable energy practices for the Commission’s own operations.

Description: The MVC has established a Land Use Planning Committee (LUPC), composed of MVC members, to assist it in its review of Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs). The LUPC activities and proceedings are advisory in nature. The LUPC, in general, conducts the following activities:

1) Review of all DRI Applications: DRI applications are reviewed at LUPC meetings. Notice of LUPC meetings is provided by mail to applicants, referring town boards (in the case of "cross-town referral"), and town boards before which the application is pending, and is posted in the MVC offices and all town halls on Martha's Vineyard. The LUPC will review a given application during as many meetings as it deems necessary and appropriate. There will be at least one LUPC meeting at which the proposed project will be discussed before the public hearing and may be additional meetings at other times during the review process, before and/or after the public hearing. Applicants and town boards are encouraged to attend and participate in LUPC meetings. Notice of said meetings will be mailed to the referring board, the Board of Selectmen and to the town representatives on the MVC at least 7 to 10 days prior to the date of the meeting.

2) The purpose of LUPC meetings is to identify documents, clarify issues, and raise and address concerns and questions regarding the project.

3) The LUPC may also, at its discretion, seek to visit the site of the proposed project with the applicant or the applicant's designated representative. The LUPC makes recommendations to the full MVC concerning proposed projects at MVC meetings. The MVC then votes to either adopt the recommendation of the LUPC, adopt the recommendation with modifications, or reject the recommendation completely.

Members:The LUPC is an open committee, chaired by Christina Brown.

Contact Information:P.O. Box 1447 Olde Stone Building 33 New York Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Phone: (508) 693-3453 Fax: (508) 693-7894

Meeting Times & Place: Please contact the MVC directly for meeting time and place.Current Agenda:Please contact the MVC for the current agenda.

DRI 556 Down Island Golf Cub Decision

Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 26, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 5, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 22, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 1, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 17, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 10, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 3, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 20, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 13, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 29, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 15, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 8, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 1, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 25, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 18, 2004

Minutes of Special Meeting of March 11, 2004

Minutes of Special Meeting of February 19, 2004

Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 5, 2004

Minutes for the Special Meeting of January 22, 2004

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of January 15, 2004

Minutes for the Special Meeting of January 8, 2004

Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 23, 2003

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 16, 2003

Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 2, 2003

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 18, 2003

Minutes of the Special Meeting of September 4, 2003

A DRI is a development whose magnitude is such that it affects more than one community.The Commission is charged with reviewing large-scale developments throughout the Island. Such developments are known as Developments of Regional Impact. Some examples of projects that require Commission review include subdivisions of 30 acres or more: the proposed construction of 10 or more dwelling units; or the construction of a commercial space of 2,000 square feet or more. Individual proposals are first reviewed by the Land Use Planning Committe (LUPC) for completeness and consistency. The full Commission with then hold a hearing on the proposal for the purposes of taking testimony from the public, town officials and others.

An area may be nominated as a District of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC) by the Martha's Vineyard Commission, a town government, or by petition of seventy-five taxpayers. A DCPC is defined as a geographic area in which the Commission finds a regional need for special protection. The Commission has the power to create regulations stricter than those permitted by town bylaws in these areas. When faced with adopting regulations for DCPC's, the Commission is allowed four additional members from each town, in case the town does not act. The Commission may approve or disapprove, or approve with conditions, any change in structure, land, or use in a Development of Regional Impact (DRI). A DRI is a development whose magnitude is such that itaffects more than one community.

^ back to top