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Select Board backs multiple environmental and resilience efforts, green energy options discussed
Summary
The Select Board approved letters of support for a PRB grant and a Lagoon Pond dredging feasibility study, authorized climate sensors in Oak Bluffs Harbor, and agreed to include a Mass Save/Cape Light Compact flyer in tax mailings; Vineyard Power reported $133,000 in household assistance and $675,000 available for town solar/battery assistance.
On May 26 the Oak Bluffs Select Board voted to back several environmental and resilience initiatives and to allow informational outreach in the town's tax mailings.
Select Person Emma Green‑Beach asked the board to approve a letter of support for a Southern New England Estuaries Program/Stormwater Innovation Grant pre‑proposal from the Martha's Vineyard Commission to fund a Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) near the Sailing Camp. Green‑Beach described the PRB as an injected, carbon‑rich barrier that promotes microbial denitrification of groundwater moving toward the lagoon; the board voted to send the letter of support.
ATA Brough presented a drafted letter of support for a joint Oak Bluffs–Tisbury SEC grant application for a Lagoon Pond Dredging Feasibility Study connected to goals in the town's 2019 Master Plan; the board approved submitting the letter by the June 2 deadline.
The board also approved installation of climate change sensors in Oak Bluffs Harbor in coordination with the Woods Hole group and the harbormaster, with ATA confirmation that sensors would not impede marine traffic.
Thamiris Marta and Richard Andre of Vineyard Power updated the board on the Vineyard Wind Community Benefit fund managed by Vineyard Power. Andre said the fund has donated $133,000 to Oak Bluffs households over the past three years to reduce electricity burden and that $675,000 has been set aside to help the town offset costs of battery storage and solar at Town Hall.
Finally, the board approved inclusion of a Mass Save/Cape Light Compact informational flyer in the June property tax mailing to raise awareness of energy assessments and weatherization programs available to residents.
