On the heels of a planning effort aimed at expanding Island housing opportunities, the Chilmark planning board has begun investigating short-term rentals such as those offered through Airbnb.

A plan for Edgartown to purchase a run-down house on Main street will head to the town meeting warrant after selectmen signed off on the proposal this week over objections from the property owner.

A series of recently-completed housing plans show a year-round population straining under the weight of rents and mortgages amid prohibitive building costs and the pressures of a seasonal real estate market.

Edgartown took another step toward possible ownership of the Yellow House, with the community preservation committee voting to recommend spending $1.5 million to buy the building.

Gov. Charlie Baker this month signed off on a rare piece of state legislation that promises to end the confusion over the way the town line between Aquinnah and Chilmark runs along Boathouse Road in Menemsha.