In the unanimous vote Tuesday night, which came over the loud objection of neighbors, the town planning board cited a dire need for rental housing.

“We have a traffic problem but we have a housing crisis,” said board member Robert Sparks.

Oysters harvested from Katama Bay in Edgartown earlier this summer have been linked to two confirmed cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. State and local health officials said no evidence of mishandling was found and no closures have been ordered.

The health of the historic resort community is not in doubt. But a streetscape master plan project begun in January wants to identify parts of the downtown that can be improved. And planners want more public opinion.

The Trustees of Reservations have added added a second beach trail at the popular 229-acre Chilmark reservation, tucked away off North Road with its woodlands and rocky beach. The new trail is 1,000 feet long and was 10 years in the making.

In one of several leadership changes this summer, Martha's Vineyard Regional High School has promoted Elliott Bennett, a science teacher at the school since 2000, to an assistant principal role.

The Coogan family, owners of the nearby Wharf Pub and Restaurant, plan to open a restaurant named Rockfish at 11 North Water street in downtown Edgartown.