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3 days ago

Select Board approves regulation tightening to limit corporate control of Nantucket short‑term rentals The Select Board approved an amendment to Town Regulation Chapter 3.38 to close a loophole allowing corporate-controlled short‑term rentals to operate through LLCs and S corps; the Board of Health previously approved the change and town counsel and residents asked for clarity on definitions.

Nantucket's Select Board just passed a crucial amendment to curb corporate control over short-term rentals, aiming to close loopholes that undermine local regulations!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CivicAccountability #NantucketShortTermRentals #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

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3 days ago

Consultants preview voluntary island‑wide retreat and relocation program; virtual public open houses set for April 16 SCAPE and Arcadis presented a draft voluntary retreat and relocation program to the Coastal Resilience Advisory Committee, describing maps, 'sending' and 'receiving' areas, TDR‑style incentives and outreach plans; committee members pressed for clarity on triggers, receiving‑site availability and financing.

Nantucket is taking proactive steps to combat sea-level rise with a new strategic retreat program that focuses on community equity and safety, but what does this mean for residents?

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CoastalResilience #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach

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3 days ago

Residents press National Grid over sharp bill increases after smart-meter rollout; utility points to data ingestion errors and colder winter National Grid told the Nantucket Select Board it has deployed about 10,000 smart meters on the island and traced many billing complaints to a data-ingestion backlog in its billing system, while residents reported individual bills jumping hundreds to thousands of percent and demanded one-on-one reviews.

Nantucket residents are facing shocking bill increases, with some reporting jumps of up to 2000% after the rollout of smart meters—are data errors to blame?

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #CustomerSupport #EnergyBilling

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3 weeks ago

Finance committee backs sewer and roadway package after engineers say town is eligible for 0% SRF financing The committee recommended moving forward on a roughly $44.8 million Somerset sewer, water main and roadway project that engineers say is eligible for 0% SRF financing; members highlighted risks of losing the SRF allocation if the appropriation is not approved at town meeting.

Nantucket's Finance Committee has given the green light for a $44.8 million sewer and roadway project that could secure 0% financing, but delaying approval might mean losing vital funding!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CommunityPlanning #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

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3 weeks ago

Board discusses eelgrass projects funded by $630,000 GHYC appropriation and a proposed no‑wake zone change Members welcomed a $630,000 appropriation involving eco‑friendly moorings and scientific eelgrass study, and discussed moving a no‑wake buoy farther into the main channel; both the no‑wake change and some harbor uses would require town‑meeting action and additional wave/buoy studies.

Big changes are coming to Nantucket's harbor with a $630,000 investment in eco-friendly moorings and a proposed no-wake zone shift to protect sensitive areas!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal

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3 weeks ago

Select Board authorizes $540,000 for three-year rental-preservation pilot The board approved the Affordable Housing Trust's request to commit $540,000 over three years for a rental-preservation pilot that will provide staggered incentive payments to landlords who keep units available to year-round renters.

The Select Board has just greenlit a $540,000 initiative to preserve rental housing for local residents, promising incentives for landlords who commit to keeping their units year-round.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #NantucketCountyHousing #AffordableHousing

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3 weeks ago

Council hears briefing on Medicare-covered GUIDE dementia program offering respite and care navigation Members heard a presentation on GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), a Medicare-covered program that can provide roughly $2,500 per year in respite (about nineteen four-hour visits) plus monthly remote care navigation; Best of Care and local care managers can perform live eligibility checks and provide in-home assessments.

A groundbreaking Medicare program is set to transform the support for caregivers of those with memory changes, offering up to $2,500 a year in respite funds and personalized care navigation.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal #CaregiverSupport #DementiaCare

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4 weeks ago

Harbor advisory board probes insurance, vendor barriers to truck‑to‑boat diesel fueling At its March 3 meeting the Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board discussed Chapter 91 licensing and whether vendors or insurers will support truck‑to‑boat diesel transfers after a Great Harbor Yacht Club email said insurers advised against it; the board assigned follow‑ups to contact mainland vendors and clarify insurance and emergency repair rules.

The Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board is tackling serious challenges in safely transferring diesel from trucks to boats, raising questions about insurance and operational solutions.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #EmergencyRepairs #CitizenPortal #InsuranceRegulations

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4 weeks ago

Select Board pilots summer Bluff Walk docent and narrows advisory hours to ease crowding in Sconset The Nantucket Select Board unanimously approved a pilot that authorizes the Sconset Civic Association to hire a summer 'Bluff Docent' and adopt advisory hours for the Sconset Bluff Walk, directing staff to revise a job description before hiring and to monitor community feedback.

The Nantucket Select Board has taken a bold step to protect the iconic Sconset Bluff Walk by piloting a Bluff Docent program this summer, aiming to enhance visitor experience while addressing crowding concerns.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal

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4 weeks ago

Nantucket Public Schools presents $45.3 million FY27 budget, asks town for pay, community‑school and curriculum funds At a March 3 public hearing, district officials presented a FY27 budget projected at $45,299,847, warned of possible federal grant cuts and rising operating costs, and asked the town for targeted increases including $75,000 for teacher pay, $150,000 for the community school and a one‑time curriculum allocation.

Nantucket Public Schools is facing tough financial challenges with a proposed $45.3 million budget that seeks urgent support from the town amidst rising costs and potential federal grant cuts.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #NantucketPublicSchools #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport

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4 weeks ago

Nantucket health officials report PFAS detections, lone-star ticks and wastewater substance data Town public health leaders reported PFAS detections in private wells, rising detection of lone-star ticks and early wastewater surveillance showing intermittent spikes in cocaine markers; the board heard updates on vaccine clinics, short-term-rental registration and human-services grants.

Nantucket's health officials reveal alarming PFAS levels in private wells, rising lone-star tick threats, and troubling wastewater surveillance data—what does this mean for your community?

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#NantucketCounty #MA #EnvironmentalContamination #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth

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4 weeks ago

Nantucket Board of Health hears experts on artificial turf, PFAS and microplastics; no decision made At a March special meeting, the Nantucket Board of Health heard competing expert views on a proposed high-school artificial turf and track, with scientists urging strict PFAS and microplastic testing and school officials citing student access and heavy field use; the board took no action and requested more data.

The Nantucket Board of Health is weighing the benefits of a new artificial turf against potential health risks from PFAS and microplastics after a heated roundtable with experts.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalSafety #YouthSportsAccess

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1 month ago

Nantucket continues emergency cleanup at Tom Nevers as erosion exposes debris and potential UXO; hearing continued to March 5 Town officials described an emergency cleanup at Tom Nevers to remove storm‑exposed construction debris and mitigate public‑safety risks, including potential unexploded ordnance; the commission continued the notice of intent to March 5 pending NHESP comments while work proceeds under an emergency certification.

Nantucket is on high alert as emergency crews tackle dangerous shoreline erosion at Tom Nevers, unearthing buried debris and potential unexploded ordnance from the Cold War era.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #EnvironmentalCleanup #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NantucketConservation

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1 month ago

PFAS testing and a Board of Health review are the key outstanding questions for Nantucket’s turf plan Project proponents say candidate turf materials tested in 2024–25 showed PFAS below detection limits, but the Board of Health will review local implications March 2; designers proposed lot‑level testing and contractor requirements rather than relying on manufacturer attestations.

Concerns over PFAS in synthetic turf are heating up as Nantucket prepares for a crucial Board of Health meeting on March 2—will the project move forward or face stricter regulations?

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #ToxicologyTesting #EnvironmentalImpact

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1 month ago

Nantucket Public Schools proposes extensive Capizzo Stadium renovation with accessible grandstand and synthetic turf School leaders presented plans for a 980-seat, ADA-accessible grandstand, a 400m regulation track, synthetic multi-sport turf and improved lighting, citing heavy field use and safety concerns; schedule aims for bids in March and possible construction after town meeting approval.

Nantucket schools are stepping up for student athletes with a bold plan to transform Vito Capizzo Stadium into a premier sports facility featuring a new track, multi-sport turf, and accessible seating!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #NantucketPublicSchools #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Police chief outlines $5.4M plan to finish Lorraine Barracks repairs; committee approves article Chief Gibson described multi-phase work at Lorraine Barracks and justified a $5.4 million debt-exclusion appropriation to complete electrical and plumbing upgrades needed for code compliance; the Finance Committee approved the article after questions about reporting and cost drivers.

Chief Gibson revealed a $5.4 million plan to update the aging Lorraine Barracks, sparking controversy over costs and management.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureRepair

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1 month ago

Committee backs $8 million debt-exclusion for Tom Nevers debris removal, citing erosion urgency The Finance Committee unanimously supported an $8 million debt-exclusion appropriation (Article 16) to fund Tom Nevers Phase 2 debris removal, emphasizing the need to remove subsurface debris upland before erosion exposes it to the beach and complicates permitting.

The Finance Committee has approved a crucial $8 million for Phase 2 of the Tom Nevers debris cleanup, aiming to prevent erosion from exposing hazardous materials to the beach.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #EnvironmentalCleanup #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityResilience

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1 month ago

Nantucket Board hears wastewater surveillance data on opioids and respiratory spikes; town dashboard released Town staff unveiled a wastewater surveillance dashboard tracking high‑risk substances and respiratory pathogens; Rocky said the program aims to help partners intervene early, cited 19 overdose deaths on Nantucket from 2016–2023 and a $30,000 annual cost, and noted respiratory spikes detected in wastewater preceded observed community flu increases.

Nantucket's new wastewater surveillance dashboard reveals alarming spikes in opioids and respiratory illnesses, providing critical data for early intervention.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #SubstanceAbuse #RespiratoryIllness

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1 month ago

Advisors adopt eelgrass-management priorities and call for more data on ferry discharge, buoy placement Natural Resources staff presented a completed eelgrass management plan and 2026 priorities including standardized monitoring, habitat protection and discharge management; board members urged data collection on ferry pump-out protocols and recommended pursuing a larger, more visible no-wake buoy and possible town-meeting action to move its location.

Nantucket's new eelgrass management plan aims for robust protection and research, but concerns over ferry discharge and wake impacts could change the game for local waters!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalProtection #NantucketEelgrass

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1 month ago

Nantucket planning commission adopts 13‑member compromise on governance; asks petitioners to confirm support After hours of debate, the Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission voted to present a 13‑member compromise for special‑act legislation to Finance Committee, with one at‑large seat designated for the business community and a single elected at‑large seat. The vote is contingent on written support from proponents of the rival petition.

Nantucket's Planning & Economic Development Commission has just approved a groundbreaking 13-member governance model, aiming to balance community representation and business interests amid intense debate.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #RegionalPlanning #CivicParticipation #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Board keeps PFAS‑sensitive regulation hearing open, schedules follow‑up and invites affordable‑housing stakeholders The Board of Health continued public hearings on proposed Hammock Pond and Wellhead Protection District regulations to March 19, citing alignment of protections across water districts and a desire to meet with affordable‑housing organizations before finalizing hardship waiver language tied to the Nantucket Affordable Housing Trust.

Nantucket's Board of Health is taking bold steps to standardize water protections while engaging affordable housing stakeholders—find out what’s next for the island's water and housing future!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing

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1 month ago

Nantucket Board of Health approves variance allowing up to 19 bedrooms for proposed 55+ cottage community, with conditions The Board approved a variance permitting up to 19 bedrooms (capped by unit count and age restriction) for a proposed 10‑building 55+ cottage community, requiring IA septic systems, a maximum of 12 dwelling units, walkthrough verification and elder‑housing restrictions. Vote recorded as 3–1 with an abstention noted.

The Nantucket Board of Health just greenlit a 55-and-older cottage community, allowing for 19 bedrooms under strict environmental conditions!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #WaterResourceProtection #InnovativeSepticSolutions #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #NantucketElderHousing

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1 month ago

MassDEP detects PFAS above imminent‑hazard levels in Fulling Mill area; Board maps more than 550 tested properties MassDEP sampling in the Fulling Mill/Falling Veil area found one untreated well at 347 parts per trillion for PFAS‑6 (above the state's imminent‑hazard threshold); MassDEP will provide a POET treatment system to that property. The Board’s map shows varied results islandwide and staff reported over 550 properties with test results in the Health Department data set.

MassDEP's alarming discovery of PFAS levels soaring to 347 parts per trillion in Nantucket's Fulling Mill area raises serious health concerns and prompts immediate action.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #EnvironmentalContamination #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #WaterSafety

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1 month ago

Nantucket finance panel backs bylaw to create stormwater utility, estimates $7–$10 monthly ERU fee The Nantucket Finance Committee voted to recommend Article 71, a bylaw to create a stormwater utility and enterprise fund to fund operations, permitting, and maintenance. Consultants said an equivalent residential unit (ERU) approach would likely average $7–$10 per month, and the utility aims to replace a current general-fund transfer projected at roughly $538,000 for FY27.

Nantucket's Finance Committee just backed a groundbreaking stormwater utility that could transform water management with a monthly fee as low as $7—are you ready to learn how this could affect your community?

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #FloodPrevention

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1 month ago

Nantucket commissioners weigh on‑island biochar production to improve clay soils The commission discussed partnering with American Farmland Trust and local farms to produce biochar on‑island, prioritize local production before field trials, and visit existing operations to choose equipment and sites; a preliminary AFT budget of about $300,000 over five years was cited.

Nantucket is taking a bold step towards sustainability by exploring local biochar production to revitalize its clay soils and manage woody debris.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #NantucketBiochar #LocalProduction #SustainableAgriculture #SoilImprovement

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1 month ago

Nantucket Affordable Housing Trust approves $540,000 rental-preservation pilot to cover 30 units The Trust approved a three-year, $540,000 pilot to preserve rental units, establishing program rules, administration and a mechanism to revisit funding if demand changes. Officials emphasized the pilot nature and restrictions on renting to immediate family.

Nantucket's Affordable Housing Trust has just launched a groundbreaking $540,000 pilot program aimed at preserving rental units, but can it meet the community's needs?

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #NantucketHousing

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1 month ago

Community Preservation Committee approves agenda and six fund requisitions At its Feb. 17 meeting, the Community Preservation Committee adopted the meeting agenda and approved six fund requisitions by roll call. Members noted a possible payment issue on one Folger item and said they will follow up with finance.

The Community Preservation Committee just approved six vital fund requisitions, but one payment issue could change everything!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CivicParticipation #CitizenPortal #CommunityFunding #FinanceTransparency

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1 month ago

Nantucket finance committee backs Planning Board on broad zoning package ahead of Town Meeting At its Feb. 12 meeting the Nantucket Finance Committee unanimously supported the Planning Board's recommendations on a package of zoning articles, including a FEMA-driven floodplain update to preserve flood-insurance eligibility, state-aligned accessory-dwelling rule changes and several rezonings; the articles now move to Town Meeting.

The Nantucket Finance Committee has taken a bold step by unanimously backing a comprehensive zoning overhaul that could reshape the town's landscape and preserve vital flood insurance eligibility.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing

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1 month ago

Council prepares $1M request for FY28 and seeks grant-process changes after needs-assessment briefing Council members reviewed a draft grant-recommendation report to finance, discussed Warrant Article 69 language changes for CRC appointments, and signaled a $1,000,000 request to raise town human-services funding for fiscal 2028, alongside proposed process improvements (letter of intent, reporting dashboard).

The Council for Human Services is pushing for a $1 million funding increase for town human services in FY28, while also seeking significant improvements to the grant process!

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#NantucketCounty #MA #GrantProcessImprovements #CitizenPortal #CommunityNeedAssessment

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1 month ago

Preliminary needs-assessment: consultants report 219 responses, highlight awareness gap and health-care needs Consultants presenting preliminary findings from a town-funded needs assessment reported 219 survey responses so far and warned the sample undercounts seasonal workers; they urged expanded outreach after finding 26% of respondents unaware of available human services and health-care needs (dental, primary, specialty) ranking highest.

A recent needs assessment in Nantucket reveals that 26% of residents are unaware of available human services, highlighting a crucial outreach gap for seasonal workers.

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#NantucketCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #HealthCareAccess #ServiceAwareness #CommunityOutreach