The Nantucket Select Board convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Easy Street Flood Mitigation Project, which aims to address ongoing flooding issues in the downtown area. The meeting began with an overview of the project, which is funded by a Coastal Zone Management (CZM) grant of nearly $500,000, intended to advance the design to 30% completion.

Project manager Leah introduced the agenda, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the need for initial feedback from the Select Board. The project team, including representatives from Arcadis, presented various design alternatives aimed at mitigating stormwater and coastal flood risks along Easy Street, a critical area vulnerable to flooding.

Trevor Johnson from Arcadis outlined the project's goals, which include developing feasible solutions to reduce flooding, engaging the community in the design process, and creating co-benefits such as improved access and environmental restoration. The project area encompasses key locations, including Easy Street Park and Steamboat Wharf, which are vital for the island's infrastructure.

The presentation detailed the project's timeline, emphasizing that it is the first major structural initiative stemming from the Coastal Resilience Plan established in 2021. The team shared findings from a flood risk assessment, indicating that flooding frequency and severity are expected to increase due to climate change and sea-level rise. The assessment estimated potential damages of up to $1.2 billion from flooding by 2070.

Four design alternatives were presented, focusing on different configurations of road elevation and bulkhead improvements. The team also acknowledged community feedback from a previous open house, which indicated strong support for addressing flooding while maintaining Nantucket's character. Concerns were raised about both coastal and stormwater flooding, with a desire for nature-based solutions integrated into the design.

The Select Board was informed of an upcoming virtual open house scheduled for March 18, where the public could engage further with the project team, ask questions, and provide feedback on the revised alternatives. This session aims to refine the proposals based on community input before a recommendation is presented to the Select Board for a vote later in the month.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the collaborative effort between the project team and the community to develop a comprehensive solution to the flooding challenges facing Easy Street, with a focus on sustainability and resilience for the future.