Facing an unforeseen deadline for spending a major state grant, a town committee has stepped up the pace in the effort to restore Squibnocket Beach. The issue has been marked by intense environmental study and also politics.

Oak Bluffs is one step closer to receiving disaster aid to dredge a channel to Sengekontacket Pond, following informal approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Robert’s Way near the Edgartown School has been closed all summer but will now be open at night and on weekends, following a vote by the town selectmen this week. Fire and police departments asked that the road be reopened for better safety and emergency access.

The town selectmen approved funding for a new vestibule and are talking seriously about replacing the oak floor, which has been buckling for years.

Four months after the Vineyard Gazette asked the town of Tisbury for public records surrounding the Stop & Shop expansion proposal, the town has complied. Executive session minutes and emails document private talks that went on for months among the selectmen, town administrator and Island attorney for the grocery chain.

The Chilmark selectmen this week added their voices to the growing body of opinion and research related to the town’s efforts to restore a portion of Squibnocket Beach.