In Chilmark, selectmen discussed voter approval regarding the the Squibnocket Beach improvement project. The board also reaffirmed its vote to turn down a dredging project in Menemsha channel.

A public-private improvement project now on the drawing board for Squibnocket Beach was the subject of more discussion this week, with some questioning whether the cost is worth it as natural forces continue to assault the shoreline.

The long-term viability and environmental sustainability of a public-private improvement project proposed for Squibnocket Beach were subjects for debate at a public forum this week.

The large, multimillion-dollar project would rebuild the Squibnocket beach and parking lot in Chilmark, where heavy storms and erosion have taken their toll in recent years. Transferring beach land, removing the stone revetment and building a causeway are key parts of the plan.

The storm-ravaged Squibnocket Beach parking lot will be repaved this spring while a newly-formed beach committee considers long-term solutions to address increasing erosion at the town beach and abutting development of Squibnocket Farm, the Chilmark selectmen said this week.

Oyster season in Chilmark is set to begin on Monday after the board of selectmen approved the opening of the short season.

At the selectmen’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, the board approved a recommendation from the shellfish committee that permits two heaping bushels a day, Monday through Wednesday. The season ends April 30. Shellfish constable Isaiah Scheffer said half a dozen oystermen had expressed interested in permits — “a controlled amount,” Mr. Scheffer added.