PLANNING

The Martha's Vineyard Commission is the Regional Planning Agency for the Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands and offers technical assistance to Towns.

COMPREHENSIVE / MASTER PLANNING

The Commission prepared the 1991 Regional Island Plan and a series of action plans for coordinated action by the MVC and other agencies. It is the forum for dealing with Island-wide issues affecting us all. The Commission also frequently assists the towns with their local plans, which have included master plans, open space plans and harbor plans. Comprehensive / Master Planning.

PLANNING ISLAND TRANSPORTATION

The MVC is principally responsible for the Island's surface Transportation Planning process and supports the Vineyard's Joint Transportation Committee, a citizen advisory committee. Activities funded by MassHighway include data collection, project review, air quality analysis, updating the Regional Transportation Plan, and coordinating the Transportation Improvement Program that channels MassHighway funds to serve the needs of Islanders.

PROTECTING WATER RESOURCES

Water knows no borders. The MVC has carried out dozens of studies and projects to better understand the state of our groundwater, our ponds and our tidal basins, and to assist Towns and other entities in managing them. The aims are to ensure that we will always have a plentiful supply of fresh drinking water, to deal adequately with wastewater, and to support water-dependent economic and recreational activities. The MVC also plays an important role in coastal management and advises on harbor planning. This website has information on the following sub-topics:

PRESERVING THE ISLAND'S SPECIAL CHARACTER AND OPEN SPACES

The Island Plan identified the preservation of open spaces as a high priority for the Island and the MVC has worked closely with towns and other entities to help preserve thousands of acres of green space and control development along most of the Island's main roads. Open Space and Character.

PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The MVC's mandate includes "promoting the enhancement of sound local economies." It organizes an annual Trade Show, hosts courses to assist small businesses, provides comprehensive economic and demographic data to help businesses, and works with Island organizations and the Towns to promote affordable housing. Economic Development and Affordable Housing.

PROVIDING GIS AND DATA COLLECTION SERVICES

The basis of solid planning work is good data. The MVC compiles data about all aspects of Island life and uses Geographic Information Systems to organize, analyze and communicate this information with Town boards and other public and private agencies as well as the general public. GIS and Data Collection.

This website also includes information about Current Planning Projects.