In a recent meeting of the Capital Program Committee in Nantucket, discussions centered around the airport's proposed noise mitigation project, specifically the construction of a noise wall at the South Ramp expansion. The meeting, held on January 14, 2025, provided a platform for airport representatives to present updates and seek reconsideration for funding a project that had previously been voted down.

Noah, a representative from the airport, addressed the committee, emphasizing the importance of the noise wall as a response to community concerns raised during earlier discussions about a proposed berm. The airport had received significant public feedback, leading to a joint meeting with the select board to reassess the project's direction. The outcome was a commitment to pursue a noise wall, which is now in the final design stages.

The proposed wall, designed to be approximately 20 feet tall with a three-foot angled extension, aims to reflect noise back towards the ramp, addressing the sound concerns of nearby residents. Noah highlighted that the wall's design was informed by acoustical modeling, which indicated a potential reduction in noise levels for homes adjacent to the ramp by as much as 12 decibels during peak noise events.

The estimated cost for the construction of the wall is around $5 million, a figure that Noah attributed to the unique challenges of building on the island. He reassured the committee that funding would come from airport revenue, which does not compete with town funds, and expressed hope that the project could be financed through retained earnings once certified.

Committee members expressed mixed feelings about the project. While some appreciated the wall's location and potential effectiveness, others remained skeptical about its long-term impact and the precedent it might set for future developments at the airport. Questions about maintenance and the possibility of extending the wall further south were also raised, reflecting the community's divided opinions on the issue.

As the meeting concluded, the airport's commitment to addressing noise concerns through this project remained clear. The committee's decision on whether to reconsider funding for the noise wall will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the airport's expansion and its relationship with the surrounding community.