Oak Bluffs economy shows solid summer

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Michael Cummo

The first quarter of fiscal year 2015 was a good one for the town of Oak Bluffs and its business community.
At Tuesday night’s selectmen’s meeting, town administrator Robert Whritenour told the board that estimated receipts for the quarter are up $186,231 over last year. He attributed  the increase to strong harbor receipts — which does not include the new fuel facility — and to increased local estimated receipts from restaurants and hotels.
Oak Bluffs Association president Dennis daRosa said the business community had an exceptional summer. According to Mr. daRosa, information booth manager John Newsom reported that over 45,000 visitors requested assistance at the booth in July and August this year, a 30 percent increase over last year. There were also record crowds at Harborfest in June and Tivoli Day in September, with almost double the number of vendors of both events.