There have been tensions at the airfield this summer, with town officials looking into whether the field is properly managed.

The old hangar at Katama airfield, dating to World War II and long in a state of disrepair, is expected to be replaced after years of delays. Construction could begin before summer.

After eight years of legal wrangling, Edgartown selectmen cleared the way Monday for a new aircraft hangar at the historic grass airfield at Katama.

A single engine aircraft had a rough landing at Katama Airpark Monday. The pilot of the Piper Cherokee PA-32-26 was unhurt, but the propeller and nose of the plane were damaged. The Edgartown fire department and state police responded to the grass airfield.

As Edgartown tries to go forward with plans for a new airport hangar, it is forced to confront inconsistencies with the Katama airfield helicopter policy.

George F. Smith 3rd, a pilot, retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and summer resident, was appointed by the Edgartown selectmen Monday to manage the town-owned grass airfield. Outgoing manager Mike Creato was lauded for his work and legacy at the airfield.