The Nantucket Conservation Commission convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding erosion and the preservation of Baxter Road, a vital access route to the Sanketi Lighthouse. The meeting featured public comments from local residents and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of the commission's decisions on the future of the area.

The session began with remarks from a resident, Mr. Webb, who expressed gratitude to the commission for their year-long review of proposals aimed at protecting Baxter Road from erosion. He highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in addressing rising sea levels and the potential benefits for the entire island community. Webb underscored the positive impact of the commission's decision to move forward with the project, which he believes could serve as a model for other areas facing similar challenges.

Following Webb, Mr. Robert Burke, a long-time Nantucket resident, shared his appreciation for the commission's efforts while voicing concerns about property values amid ongoing erosion issues. He noted that the decisions made by the commission could influence perceptions of Nantucket as a desirable vacation destination, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to protect investments in the area.

Bill Holding, chairman of the Sconset Trust and a significant property owner on Baxter Road, also addressed the commission. He stressed the cultural and historical importance of the Sanketi Lighthouse, which attracts numerous visitors each year. Holding recounted the trust's previous efforts to relocate the lighthouse and the challenges of doing so again, should erosion continue to threaten its stability. He advocated for the use of geotubes, which have reportedly been effective in stabilizing the bluff, and encouraged the commission to explore further solutions to safeguard both Baxter Road and the lighthouse.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to develop effective strategies for erosion control and community preservation. The commission's ongoing deliberations will be crucial in shaping the future of Baxter Road and the surrounding areas, as Nantucket faces the pressing realities of climate change and rising sea levels.