This year Nantucket’s Annual Town Meeting had record attendance of 1,040 people on the opening night, out of a total of 8,618 registered voters. Three articles in particular, each of which passed, likely drew the high attendance: the re-zoning article for Nantucket Cottage Hospital so that it can be built anew in the current location, the new elementary school ($46 million) and the new fire station ($15 million). All three articles passed without much discussion and the school and the fire station funding were also approved by a ballot vote at the annual Town election the following week. The ballot vote approved the exemption to Proposition 2 ½, the state law that limits the amount a town can increase the tax levy annually. Members of the community overwhelmingly supported funding both the school and fire department. Nantucket is the fastest growing county in the state of Massachusetts and it is clear that all three projects are overdue for our community.
The second night of the Town Meeting dealt almost exclusively with zoning articles, many of which were denied. Proposed zoning changes intended to increase development density in several Mid-Island neighborhoods went down in defeat. Voters were concerned about additional stresses to existing infrastructure and the impact of more growth on the environment. In an effort to help with the lack of year-round housing, Article 62, that allows a third, or tertiary, dwelling unit on some lots was approved. The size of the dwelling unit must be less than 550 s.f., it must be in the same ownership as an existing dwelling on the lot and it is only permitted in some zoning districts. Additionally, the number of tertiary dwelling units will be limited to 120 building permits within a calendar year.
Voters also approved two articles related to bringing a funeral home back to the island. One article approved the lease of Town-owned land for facilities including a crematorium.
Article 53 would have re-zoned property owned by a private developer off of Old South Road that would have permitted the construction of 60 new homes on 15 acres. Although the article had a majority of votes, it failed to garner the 2/3 required for passage. The developer will now likely explore a 40b development – which requires a less rigorous permitting process in exchange for keeping a percentage of units being affordable.
Lastly, an article banning the sale and use of helium balloons on Nantucket was passed. The article was intended to educate islanders and visitors on the potentially detrimental effects that balloons have on our environment.