Harbor Homes has withdrawn a request to operate a winter homeless shelter in Oak Bluffs.
In a statement released Sunday, officials decided not to proceed, after the town's zoning board voted recently to refer the project to the Martha's Vineyard Commission.
The nonprofit planned to purchase the home on the first block of Hudson Avenue, but neighbors and other residents expressed strong opposition - they cited safety to area school children and noise.
Unless a new site can be found, Harbor Homes will operate the winter shelter for one final season at a building rented from Community Services.
That building will be demolished next year.
(Photo by RENATO ROTOLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: RENATO ROTOLO / AFP / Getty Images