The Nantucket Select Board meeting on June 4, 2025, focused on the review and selection of preferred alignment options for the Tom Nevers Road multiuse bike path. Transportation Program Manager Mike Burns presented revised alignment options following the approval of funding for easement acquisitions and construction at the recent town meeting.

The proposed bike path aims to enhance safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall of 2026 and potentially conclude by summer 2027. Burns outlined three options for the east side of Tom Nevers Road and two for the south side, each varying in width, buffer space, and property impact.

For the east side, Option 1 features a 10-foot wide path with no buffer, while Option 2 offers a straight 10-foot wide buffered path, requiring some property impacts. Option 3 proposes a path with a 4-foot buffer, balancing user safety and property impacts. On the south side, Option A includes two 5-foot bike lanes with minimal property impact, while Option B suggests a continuous 10-foot multiuse path, which would affect properties and landscaping.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of opinions. Some residents expressed concerns about safety, particularly regarding foggy conditions, advocating for a larger buffer to protect users. Others supported Option A due to its lower cost and reduced property impact, while some suggested a compromise that incorporates elements from both options.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the Planning Economic Development Commission (NPDC) recommended Options B and 3, but staff suggested Option A for its minimal impact on properties. The Select Board is expected to make a decision on the preferred option, which will guide the final plans and implementation of the bike path project.