A recent effort to get some construction workers back to work was met with mixed reviews and a strong objection from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital president and chief executive officer Denise Schepici.
Five of the six Island towns have adopted strict construction bans that block nearly all building and landscape work on construction sites through April 21st.
The Vineyard Gazette quotes Ms. Schepici’s note to West Tisbury town administrator Jen Rand stressing that there could be dire consequences. “It’s like opening Pandora’s box,” the note says.
The hospital president has asked to be heard by each of the various town administrators before any final decision is reached.
For more on the towns’ reactions and discussions, log on to vineyardgazette.com. ____________________________________________________________________
The Martha’s Vineyard Airport will receive a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Nantucket’s airport is expected to receive $6.3 million as part of the same package.
Airport director Cindi Martin told the Martha’s Vineyard Airport commission that the money can be used for any legal expense, including payroll.
The Vineyard Gazette reports that commissioners also approved a freeze rent at the current lease rate for the 40 to 50 airpark tenants, until July 1, 2021, and to eliminate the airport’s normal annual commercial rent increase.
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Oak Bluffs selectmen met Tuesday, unleashing strong words of criticism for the Steamship Authority after learning that the boat line’s OB terminal might not be ready to open in time for summer due to needed repairs on the wooden wharf.
According to the Vineyard Gazette, selectman Gail Barmakian called the proposal “egregious” and recommended that town officials put as much pressure on the authority as possible. Many of her colleagues agreed.
Additional details on Tuesday’s session are available online at vineyardgazette.com. ____________________________________________________________________
The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse has cancelled its summer season, leaving many faithful fans disappointed and eliminating jobs, not only for actors and house staff, but for the professional stage and lighting designers, stage managers and directors employed by the playhouse each summer.
The Vineyard Gazette reports that while other employees are sidelined, the remaining two— Director MJ Bruder Munafo and manager Geneva Corwin — are coming up with new ways to engage the Island’s theatre-loving community. Their first effort: a five minute play challenge on the playhouse website, mvplayhouse.org.
