Nantucket pilots cliff stabilizer project to combat beach erosion

The Advisory Committee of Non-Voting Taxpayers convened on April 5, 2025, to discuss several key coastal resilience projects aimed at addressing erosion and flooding in Nantucket. The meeting highlighted the implementation of a pilot project utilizing cliff stabilizers, the Easy Street Flood Mitigation project, and the Francis Street Beach Improvement project.

The first agenda item focused on the pilot project involving cliff stabilizers, which are temporary devices designed to help stabilize coastal banks. These devices, resembling green honeycombs, are anchored into the coastal bank and allow for the planting of dune grass. This initiative is being tested in two locations: at the end of Madaket Road and at Dionys. The project aims to assess the feasibility of these stabilizers in Nantucket's unique geological conditions, with data collection planned to evaluate sediment accretion and plant health.

Next, the committee discussed the Easy Street Flood Mitigation project, identified as a top priority in the coastal resilience plan. This project aims to create a neighborhood flood barrier to mitigate flooding in downtown Nantucket. Proposed solutions include elevating roads and bulkheads and implementing nature-based solutions, such as enhancing dunes at Children's Beach. The project is designed to address sunny day flooding and protect against storm events, although it cannot eliminate flooding entirely.

The Francis Street Beach Improvement project was also presented, focusing on reducing flooding at a critical intersection in downtown Nantucket. This project includes two design concepts: the "dune swoop," which integrates a flood structure within a dune system, and the "Beach Overlook," which features a geometric design with similar flood mitigation elements. Both designs aim to improve water quality by diverting runoff into rain gardens and enhancing public access to the beach.

The committee emphasized the importance of community feedback in refining these projects and noted that further discussions with residents are planned for the summer. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue evaluating these initiatives and their potential impact on Nantucket's coastal resilience.