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.

The planned closure of Wildflower Court at the Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has shined a light on the broader need for elder living options on the Vineyard.

Edgartown selectmen declined to add a non-binding referendum to the ballot asking voters if they wanted Community Preservation Act funds to be earmarked for housing.

Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard is accepting applications for an affordable two-bedroom home that will be built in Oak Bluffs.

The Chilmark selectmen responded cautiously to efforts by an ad-hoc citizen’s committee to revisit the idea of an Island housing bank.

On the heels of a planning effort aimed at expanding Island housing opportunities, the Chilmark planning board has begun investigating short-term rentals such as those offered through Airbnb.