Nantucket Appeals Delay Baxter Road Project Progress

In a recent meeting of the Nantucket Select Board, critical discussions unfolded regarding the future of Baxter Road, a vital thoroughfare facing significant environmental challenges. As summer approaches, the board is contemplating a timeline that could see essential licensing terms finalized, potentially paving the way for construction to begin in the fall. However, the urgency of the situation is palpable, with board members expressing deep concerns over the road's deteriorating condition.

One board member highlighted alarming changes along Baxter Road, noting that certain sections have lost substantial ground, with one area now only 36 feet from the edge of the bluff. This erosion poses a serious risk, and the board is acutely aware that if the situation worsens, it could lead to dire consequences for the community. The discussion emphasized the need for immediate action, as the upcoming town meeting could determine the project's fate. If the proposal fails, alternative access plans would need to be considered, complicating the situation further.

Legal complexities also emerged during the meeting, as George Pucci from KP Law outlined the implications of ongoing appeals related to the project. Three appeals have been filed, including one from the Nantucket Land and Water Council and two from local property owners. These appeals have effectively put the project on hold, preventing any progress until resolved. Pucci explained that while the initial review by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) would be prompt, any subsequent appeals could extend the timeline significantly, potentially delaying the project for months or even years.

As the board navigates these challenges, the urgency to address Baxter Road's condition remains a top priority. The outcome of the upcoming town meeting will be crucial, not only for the road's future but also for the safety and accessibility of the community it serves. With residents returning to Nantucket for the summer, the stakes are high, and the board's decisions in the coming weeks will have lasting implications for the island's infrastructure and its residents.