Concerns over parking and neighborhood suitability dominated the Nantucket Select Board meeting on December 9, 2024, as residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed brew pub at 1 Cherry Street. The public hearing revealed significant apprehension regarding the potential impact on local traffic and the residential character of the area.

Residents expressed worries about limited parking availability, with one attendee highlighting that the proposed establishment would attract patrons who might linger longer than previous customers at the former dog wash, which had a quick turnover. "This is a different use," the resident stated, emphasizing the potential for a parking bottleneck in an already congested area.

Public comments underscored fears that the brew pub would disrupt the quiet residential neighborhood. One resident noted that the street is narrow and lacks off-street parking, raising concerns about increased traffic and safety, especially for children walking home from school. Another resident, living directly across from the proposed outdoor seating area, described the noise and disruption they already experience from nearby establishments, fearing that the addition of a brew pub would exacerbate these issues.

Several speakers questioned the appropriateness of serving alcohol in a primarily residential area, with one resident predicting complaints about noise and behavior. "We do not want this on Cherry Street," another resident declared, stressing that the community had not been adequately informed about the proposal until recently.

The discussion also touched on the potential for the establishment to evolve into a larger venue, raising alarms about future expansions that could further alter the neighborhood's character. Residents urged the Select Board to consider the long-term implications of granting a liquor license, with many advocating for maintaining the area's historical use as a quiet, residential space.

As the meeting concluded, the sentiment among residents was clear: they are united in their opposition to the brew pub, fearing it would disrupt their community and diminish property values. The Select Board now faces the challenge of balancing business interests with the concerns of local residents as they deliberate on the proposal.