The Island Inn in Oak Bluffs opened this week to provide emergency residence for Islanders who are at high risk of exposure during the pandemic and may need to be isolated from family or other household members.

The recent passage of a tax on short-term rentals has kindled confusion among homeowners and realtors who fear it could eventually impact the Island’s robust seasonal economy.

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. At least in the case of summer housing rentals on Martha’s Vineyard.

With year-round rentals on the Island sparse, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission has begun exploring the possibility of purchasing staff housing.

Saying it had not received enough public airing, Tisbury selectmen voted last night to pull a bylaw from the town meeting warrant that would regulate rental properties in town.

The home ownership lottery system has made a significant dent in the housing problem on the Island by allowing at least some young families to put down roots.