Chilmark selectmen addressed a packed house Tuesday evening. Topping a long agenda was approval of a complex plan to restore Squibnocket Beach, provide access to the Squibnocket Farm subdivision in the face of increasing storm damage, and provide resident parking at the popular beach.
Mark Haley, principal at engineering firm Haley and Aldrich, representing the Squibnocket Farm homeowners, presented the final design for the new causeway. Reid Silva, of Vineyard Land Surveying, who represented the town, presented the final design for a new skiff launch ramp and parking area.
Voters approved the plan at a special town meeting on Feb. 2, 2015. Approval by selectmen was necessary to begin permitting.
“I’m ready to say we endorse both plans,” said selectman Bill Rossi. James Malkin, chairman of the committee that brokered the deal, said the site plan took into account all the primary issues that were requested, such as wheelchair parking. He said the plan is “great.” Selectmen approved both designs.
The designs now move to the conservation commission and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Martha’s Vineyard Commission review is also possible.
In other business
Selectmen agreed to co-sponsor, with the conservation commission and the board of health, a ban on one-time-use plastic bags. “I think it’s a good start,” said Mr. Rossi.
Longtime Chilmark Community Center builder and tennis pro Steve “Hutch” Hutchinson was on hand to describe his plan for a new outbuilding for the Community Center. The primary feature is a large porch, which would provide sun and rain shelter for children, as well as year-round benefit for many users.
Mr. Hutchinson said the current tennis shack and sports shack are rotting and are too small to fulfill needs. The new building would replace both.
Selectman appointed Chris MacLeoud to the planning board to fill the seat held by Dan Greenbaum, who died last month.
Selectmen waived the Community Center fee for a fundraising event hosted by the Yard.
Joan Malkin was reappointed as the selectmen’s representative on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
Bowing to the objections of the fire chief that the property does not meet the department’s needs, selectmen voted to postpone the purchase and sale agreement for the new Carroll property for the town fire station until Feb. 29. Selectmen also approved up to $12,000 for Pacheco Ross Architects to conduct a feasibility and site study for a new fire station.
