A growing number of ecological, economic and social pressures have prompted Island planners to consider a first-of-its-kind carrying capacity study for Martha’s Vineyard.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission voted 9-5 late Thursday to allow the Harbor View Hotel to expand its Bradley Cottage into a 4,000-square-foot spa. But the approval came with a clear message from the MVC to the hotel, as commissioners tacked on a pile of strict conditions.

Homeowners Steve and Ellie Wise will withdraw their application to demolish a house at 189 Katama Road.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission will review a proposed demolition of one of the oldest homes on the Edgartown harbor, voting to consider the project a development of regional impact.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission voted 10-6 to approve the regional high school athletic field project at a dramatic meeting Thursday night, capping a long-running and often acrimonious debate over synthetic turf fields.

A plan to expand and convert a large residence on Edgartown’s Upper Main street into a 19-room inn received unanimous approval from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission Thursday night, growing the footprint of the Edgar Inn across the street.

A three-year study by the Martha's Vineyard Commission revealed both continued high levels of nitrogen in some ponds, while others showed improvement.