[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6104340,"mediaKeyId","2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d","parentId",2791283,"title","Public commenter raises questions about Vineyard Wind mitigation and upcoming offshore drilling plans","audioSeconds",176,"startMs",874000,"endMs",1050000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d&start=874&end=1050","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d/thumbnail_874000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6104340/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/Public-commenter-raises-questions-about-Vineyard-Wind-mitigation-and-upcoming-offshore-drilling-plans","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104340-95c36d7e8acf124a1fe1943ef97998c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151171&Signature=Y8C~I4RlRpgE3uQER~02hiOFs5pmzOA49dHKw~xv3dzac~3yYpzHYtJBFjE-j~MTrfzi4E1nrX-WFZIas06s37iLfoA98ZIXtGABSvVIQP5RR9H3PMrMXLeH7YEB-4mt2U0iSY2tUcsNPlpP~DqDNztabLSu9zRKsE1IhP--vXO1gvDEKC47Ez6nTkQbmIBcB1Bpf2PV0wx9tZmKB4VYJFT4F7l0I98y61ZkAFUM6QvDSZzB2JStFfctQ~h4mw33d0QzHP2eEhC0LoidaJUnUlMXW3Zn3AzpiTX87Sbft~NnZ88eNMobU~wK0nvL495nX2cre3beyc4kExd6pbUxYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town-County of Nantucket, MA","date","2025-03-27T09:48:37.213Z","article","During the public comment period on March 26, resident George Ellis asked the Select Board for an update on the town’s negotiations with Vineyard Wind and raised concerns about upcoming offshore drilling.

Ellis said the town agreed in 2020 to accept $34.4 million over 45 years from Vineyard Wind as mitigation for the planned 84 offshore turbines and cited a February 2023 estimate from the town’s special legal counsel that the offshore wind project could cost the town $815 million in tourism losses over 30 years. He said that estimate did not include reductions in property values or inflation.

Ellis asked where the town stands on negotiating additional financial compensation in light of the 2024 turbine blade collapse and the ongoing environmental impacts he described. He also noted a news report stating new offshore drilling to assess water resources was set to begin May 1 and asked whether the Select Board had reviewed the permits to ensure there would be no additional harm to Nantucket beaches, marine life and endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale.

Town officials did not provide a substantive response during the public-comment slot recorded in the transcript; the comment concluded with the speaker thanking the board.

Ending: The public comment raises questions about mitigation and permitting that the transcript does not show the board addressing during that meeting; follow-up from staff or legal counsel would be required to report the town’s position or any permit review status.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Nantucket Select Board - March 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A public speaker asked the Select Board where the town stands on negotiating additional financial compensation from Vineyard Wind and raised concerns about planned offshore drilling and potential harm to marine life following a 2024 turbine blade collapse.","taxTitle","Nantucket County, Massachusetts","taxId",61456,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6104345,"Town counsel advises Select Board not to discuss pending short-term rental litigation publicly",458,2412000,2870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d&start=2412&end=2870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d/thumbnail_2412000.jpg","/articles/6104345/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/Town-counsel-advises-Select-Board-not-to-discuss-pending-short-term-rental-litigation-publicly","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104345-c1bde0cd5f3e587fece8197cbe17e537/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151171&Signature=BKUM8LxoMTnzqcC-YHMo8lQNKVNuHbZjcPpq~T9F5KilXj6ZM3K3G2t-~mCpS9Rkd2AiMrON1WW3vAeBzX5IpQdix0MFN9nvMvzL6BTd377APflnmd7WkpT1K3VdEwAbq2ulYUIqrY~6or8WoEZa3if-YpGpRjPrTHWefTwox6OyU7jdyBnLYL~OMTsX7rt7o4vdXrJH511xwfKGh8AXW3LVOmjruWr6xi~uQhHjgPBQB4RFMCSHEIBIoP7o1-8lW5nIfegjHhSLfoXQJvxfnuaR9pV7Wf29yGd8tNCZu7WA4~9fYAyvWiWlJowP5T~z8c8YdVzH~o6TVNRX1acaow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town counsel briefed the Select Board on March 26 about the procedural status of pending short-term rental litigation and advised members not to discuss the cases outside executive session.

Select Board Chair Brooke (first name only in transcript) asked town counsel for guidance about the adjudication and appeals process. Town counsel (identified in the meeting as Giorgio Pucci and other counsel names were referenced) said there are at least two active cases — Ward and McDermott (case names used in the discussion) — and that litigation is ongoing. Counsel advised that any discussion about litigation strategy or case specifics should take place in executive session, not in public meetings, to avoid jeopardizing the town’s position or the court process. Counsel said the court had asked for follow-up information on the zoning bylaw history in one matter and that a written decision could issue within 30 to 90 days depending on filings and court scheduling.

Counsel further advised the board that, while the board can consider and take positions on warrant articles on their merits, it should avoid linking those public positions to litigation strategy or commenting on pending judicial rulings in a way that could affect litigation. Counsel said the town is optimistic the zoning board’s thorough proceedings will be upheld but cautioned that court outcomes are not entirely predictable. He recommended that any board questions about litigation be handled in executive session.

Board members asked clarifying questions about timing and the effect of appeals. Counsel responded that an appeal could stay certain effects of a decision in specific circumstances but emphasized that the procedural timeline is unpredictable and that it is better to treat warrant articles as separate policy decisions.

Ending: The Select Board accepted the procedural guidance and proceeded to discuss the warrant articles on their merits without addressing litigation strategy publicly; members indicated they would use executive session for any specific litigation questions.","Town counsel told the Select Board that two short-term rental cases under active litigation should not be discussed outside executive session and advised board members to focus on the merits of warrant articles rather than litigation strategy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6104348,"Select Board approves group land conveyance, drainage easements and proclaims International Dark Sky Week",0,1151000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d&start=1151&end=1151","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d/thumbnail_1151000.jpg","/articles/6104348/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/Select-Board-approves-group-land-conveyance-drainage-easements-and-proclaims-International-Dark-Sky-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104348-84159cf2c56e0349206a71283504801b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151171&Signature=elyOPOkwoXc~vhsDvU9nwvYLiy3Ptn8cDmlS7Hwb9EoH6yNhMUv6tT5eNP845JobCYGOVIJlQLOhYGHJZevNVyJkDB26XDcQhh6E~o5vjhEngvOoO-89E~f1ECIgluK1UCKuSJOmMsLrknajIPwvgPx-G8lk5xkrRU2qwrHlVTNQO2m23~YWrWJ4DSPoX-851HpXIN5IgfkRGqRH5qYDWD5zLuJZWCZDeHm3WTMhGmKUt7hriCBwYYyYWfKCzm5IHZyGoq94N8O72E4S687ufQPBvxcf2xf8GSJh86u-9HeYlZlVtBzAo1lnXHM3zDS95bFuovorjSS1gYgflJHYkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a March 26 meeting, the Nantucket Select Board voted unanimously to approve a series of real-estate actions and to adopt a proclamation supporting International Dark Sky Week.

Real-estate conveyance: The board approved the combined conveyance of six unconstructed Folger Road parcels under the town’s yard-sale program. Town staff said the six abutters engaged counsel to streamline the group conveyance; the conveyance had been authorized by the 2015 annual town meeting, the town took the paper roads in 2022, and the group’s attorney delivered deeds, easements and settlement statements for town council review. Select Board member Matt moved to approve the documents and the board voted in favor.

Surfside drainage and paper-road releases: As part of the Surfside Transportation Project, the board approved a memorandum of understanding and the acceptance of a permanent non-exclusive drainage easement at 88 R Skyline Drive. The town will, in exchange, release certain paper-road easements that run through the owner’s parcel; the easement and MOU were prepared by town council and reviewed by the owner’s counsel. The board also approved acceptance of a permanent drainage easement at 40 Lovers Lane that will provide construction and maintenance access for the larger drainage work in the area. Staff said the easements will allow necessary drainage infrastructure work to proceed as part of the broader Surfside transportation and stormwater improvements.

Dark Sky proclamation: Gail Walker, founder and president of Nantucket Lights, asked the board to adopt a proclamation recognizing April 21–28, 2025, as International Dark Sky Week on Nantucket. Walker described the initiative as aimed at reducing light pollution to preserve the island’s night sky and minimize harmful glare and light trespass. Select Board members unanimously adopted the proclamation.

Votes at a glance: The board recorded unanimous approval for (1) conveyance of six Folger Road parcels; (2) execution of the MOU and acceptance of drainage easement and release of paper roads for 88 R Skyline Drive; (3) execution and acceptance of the permanent drainage easement for 40 Lovers Lane; and (4) adoption of the International Dark Sky Week proclamation.

Ending: Board members said the approved easements and conveyances will clear title issues related to paper roads, facilitate the Surfside Transportation Project’s drainage work, and the dark-sky proclamation will support outreach about outdoor lighting and night-sky preservation.","The Select Board approved conveyance of six Folger Road parcels under the yard-sale program, accepted drainage easements tied to the Surfside Transportation Project and unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring April 21–28 International Dark Sky Week on Nantucket.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6104353,"County commissioners approve 6-month extension as work advances on Sheep Pond Road alternate access",308,80000,388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d&start=80&end=388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2791283-034ce010fd403e2b4d89c25c93c7e05d/thumbnail_80000.jpg","/articles/6104353/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/County-commissioners-approve-6-month-extension-as-work-advances-on-Sheep-Pond-Road-alternate-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104353-ed5df886ecfc0f031b269a1421332d87/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151171&Signature=eneobTG0VpB63Wjyoxdkb1VLbfuowpvSAUZ-X2XlZEgRrTO4hOwKlf~WI8JHKFVAPaUptzC6xbXxHAu-FANYKjx7y5Nt0xxZH36YlmYwfwv6ynnAgAT58gOlhPqUnLr3msUbWQ0t-3rUJJl~HqC6eajDs39fHYAv3joWdp8o2yxw0bt6zskN8gUAOIJUffugBkYJtNurQcr5iC5LkuWNCETHOfOSC8jQOS41c2MGRqZ0AXeXNZi-U1KPN1Ks6ODigcz~~TG8coj5lKxP5boEGaqw795DZTr3SmUaTie7FPDybT5wMOj-MzDxFlzbog0zVgurfbk5zpFL10a~MXqkag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nantucket County commissioners on March 26 approved a six-month extension of a temporary easement and heard a progress report on plans to build an alternate access road serving Sheep Pond Road, which residents have used while coastal erosion has affected the original route.

County staff said the town is negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation to allow the new road to cross Foundation land in exchange for conveyance of property to the Foundation. Real estate specialist Tracy (last name not specified) told the board the foundation preferred the least expensive, lowest-impact roadway design. The town also is finalizing a permanent easement between the Sheep Pond residents and the Foundation that the MOU would require to be executed within 30 days of the MOU’s execution.

Tracy said staff have secured a six-month extension of the temporary easement being used on Head of Plains Road and asked the commission to execute that extension because it expires at the end of the month. She said the town is working with a surveyor on a final easement plan now that the roadway design has been chosen and that the town will need Natural Heritage/State agency permitting before construction can begin.

Commissioners discussed the difficulties of addressing roads threatened by sea-level rise and erosion. Commissioner Mike (first name only in transcript) said state rules have not kept pace with the reality of sea-level rise and noted the town cannot simply abandon a road if people rely on it for access and utilities. The board approved the temporary easement extension on a voice vote; a motion to approve was moved by Commissioner Matt and seconded by Commissioner Don.

What happens next: staff said that once the MOU is fully executed the town will update its Natural Heritage application, pursue permitting approvals, and initiate the betterment process — a municipal procedure that includes hearings, notifications and potential assessments to abutters — to fund and build the permanent access.

Commissioners and staff repeated that several documents remain to be completed, including the MOU, a final permit plan, and the permanent easement language. Tracy said those items are being worked concurrently so permitting and construction can proceed as quickly as possible after approvals.

Ending: Commissioners approved the six-month temporary easement extension unanimously and directed staff to continue negotiating the MOU and pursue the permitting and betterment steps needed to build the alternate access road.","The Nantucket County commissioners approved a six-month extension of a temporary easement and heard updates on an MOU with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and permitting steps needed to build a new alternate access road for Sheep Pond Road, which has been affected by erosion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenter raises questions about Vineyard Wind mitigation and upcoming offshore drilling plans

Town counsel advises Select Board not to discuss pending short-term rental litigation publicly

Select Board approves group land conveyance, drainage easements and proclaims International Dark Sky Week

County commissioners approve 6-month extension as work advances on Sheep Pond Road alternate access