Home Improvement Grants on Martha’s Vineyard
The community of Martha's Vineyard is upset over the loss of home improvement grants for energy efficient affordable housing like the Eliakims Way neighborhood development. Governor Deval Patrick was on hand at a community meeting last week to answer questions on this issue and others from constituents.
The owner of a local construction company was especially concerned about the priority habitat restrictions which he felt over-regulated development on land which may harbor protected animal species. By this definition, almost 75% of Martha's Vineyard is defined as priority habitat. The Goodale Construction company has been asked by the community to set aside two protected acres for each acre they expand their sand and gravel mining operation, and the owners worry that the strict regulations could put them out of business. The conversation focused on Massachusetts Department of Community Housing grants where were rejected this month after legal errors delayed the approval process.