BACKGROUND

CREATION OF THE COMMISSION

In the 1970's, there was great public concern that rampant development could destroy the unique environment and character of Martha's Vineyard. There was a proposal, the Kennedy Bill, to have the federal government acquire vast areas of the Vineyard to create a national park, similar to the National Seashore Park on Cape Cod. As an alternative, it was proposed that a commission would be established with exceptional powers to carefully manage development on the Island.

On March 14, 1974, the people of Martha's Vineyard voted to endorse the provisions of Chapter 637, Acts of 1974, of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to create the Martha's Vineyard Commission. On July 27, 1974, Governor Francis W. Sargent signed Chapter 637 and created the Martha's Vineyard Commission, replacing the Dukes County Planning and Economic Development Commission.

On December 21, 1977, Governor Michael S. Dukakis signed Chapter 831, Acts of 1977 entitled An Act Further Regulating the Protection of Land and Waters of the Island of Martha's Vineyard. It replaced Chapter 637, and gave the Commission responsibilities, duties and powers over the lands and waters of Dukes County with the exception of the Elizabeth Islands and the Indian Common Lands known generally as the Cranberry Bogs, the Clay Cliffs, and Herring Creek, all situated in the Town of Gay Head (now Aquinnah), and to the extent they are excluded from the responsibilities, duties and powers of the towns, all lands owned by the Commonwealth or any of its constituent agencies, boards, departments, commissions or offices.

Included in the Commission's jurisdiction is the incorporated municipality of Gosnold. It is recognized, however, that Gosnold does not have a vote on the Commission, and is not assessed for any of the regulatory functions assumed by the Commission under the Act, although it is assessed for its share of the planning and economic development functions.

SOME PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Since its creation, the Martha's Vineyard Commission has made real differences in how Martha's Vineyard has been developed. The differences are particularly evident in comparison with the development of unprotected areas off-Island. A quick overview of the past generation reveals what the Martha's Vineyard Commission has accomplished.

The early Commissioners received a large number of nominations for Districts of Critical Planning Concern. From thoughtful consideration of those initial requests, the early Commission crafted the three Island-wide DCPCs that still form the backbone of the Commission's DCPC protection. The Coastal District, Island Roads District and Special Places District protect the Island's most sensitive areas from inappropriate development. Since then, the Commission worked with the towns to create several dozen other DCPCs to protect various special parts of the Island.

Commission staff has undertaken a number of large and small research projects, funded from grants awarded by a number of private and public agencies. The April 22, 2003 Press Release (WaterQPlan 27K) completed in 1978, remains the primary water quality resource for the whole Island. Commission staff has completed nutrient-loading assessments for most of the great ponds on the Island, which serve to define limits for future loading.

The Commission's research and regional planning expertise formed the basis for assistance to the towns with master planning, open space planning and harbor planning efforts. In 1991, the Commission completed the Island-wide Regional Island Plan, presenting an overall policy plan to guide growth and development.

Since 1974, hundreds of the most significant development projects on the Vineyard were reviewed by the MVC as Developments of Regional Impact. Some were approved as presented and a few were denied, but the vast majority of projects were significantly improved during the review process, thanks to the MVC's ability to manage development with powers beyond what a town can do. For example:

• Buildings were set back and screened from roads and shores;
• Septic system design and placement were improved to protect the Island's precious freshwater supply;
• Site designs were modified to maximize open space and minimize traffic impacts.

The MVC has also played a leadership role in transportation planning on the island including an important role in the establishment of the Vineyard Transit Authority.