More than 2,650 properties on Martha's Vineyard have registered as short-term rentals since the state expanded its tax levy on lodging almost three years ago.

The proprietor of the Ocean View restaurant said he plans to rebuild as quickly as possible following the massive fire that left the building a total loss last Thursday.

In two new superior court lawsuits alleging illegal tree cutting — one in Chilmark another on Chappaquiddick — land owners are accusing their neighbors of destroying old-growth trees for the sake of creating water views.