More to be done, but Chilmark housing project is moving ahead

By Susan Vaughn - January 4, 2007

The process for the affordable housing development on Middle Line Road in Chilmark is "moving along and being fine-tuned" by surveyors and engineers, selectman Warren Doty, a member of the housing implementation committee, told the board of selectmen Tuesday night.

More percolation tests will be done on the 21-acre town-owned property, and septic designs are in the works, Mr. Doty said. He said his committee will file formal subdivision plans for the project with the town planning board in the next few weeks, then move to the Martha's Vineyard Commission for approvals. The plan calls for six resident home sites and six rental units.

The Chilmark housing committee will hold a public hearing tonight at 7 pm in the selectmen's meeting room at town hall on new implementation guidelines for the homesite housing and rental housing bylaws. Mr. Doty encouraged the public to attend, especially those residents interested in entering the lottery for the home sites.

"Thursday is important for reviewing the implementation guidelines," said Mr. Doty, who added that the lottery for the resident home sites could be held as soon as April. Copies of the implementation guidelines are available at Chilmark Town Hall and on the town web site before the meeting.

The selectmen also discussed a possible town warrant article to fund a site manager position for the project.

In other business Tuesday, the selectmen approved a request by Fire Chief David O. Norton to pursue obtaining Tisbury's 26-year-old fire engine to use as an auxiliary rescue vehicle. Mr. Norton said he has checked the vehicle, and it appears to be in good condition. He would take it off-Island for a full checkup if the board approved the idea. He said he could probably get the old pumper for $1.

Since the town's current fire engine is used for both fire and rescue operations, with the second truck, he said, "We could have one vehicle just for rescue. It would eliminate two vehicles at the scene." He said the old Tisbury truck could be used for various operations such as car accidents, beach and ice rescues. An old police cruiser and a Blazer would still be in use also for those purposes.

"It could do us some good for the next three or four years," Mr. Norton said.

Selectman Warren Doty said the price was good and estimated the insurance on the vehicle would be about $1,000. The selectmen briefly discussed the maintenance costs before giving Mr. Norton the go-ahead to obtain the truck.

The board also approved a request by harbormaster Dennis Jason to post an advertisement for a part-time harbor administrative assistant, who would work four hours a week through June 30, under current funding. The position could be extended to next year. Mr. Jason said he hopes to find someone familiar with marine issues.

Tim Carroll, the selectmen's executive secretary, said a draft of the proposed town budget for the 2008 fiscal year should be ready later this week or early next week.