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HDC holds decision on 2 Dukes Road after applicant reports unsuccessful efforts to relocate historic house
Summary
The commission agreed April 8 to hold a demolition/move matter for 2 Dukes Road to allow the applicant more time after reporting multiple unsuccessful attempts to find a recipient for the contributing c.1940 Colonial Revival structure; the board confirmed an existing move‑off approval remains in place.
At its April 8 meeting, the Nantucket Historic Commission agreed to hold action on the demolition application for a contributing circa‑1940 Colonial Revival at 2 Dukes Road after the applicant reported repeated unsuccessful attempts to secure a taker to move the structure.
Pat (last name not recorded), the applicant’s agent, said the team aggressively advertised the house and met or talked with dozens of potential takers but ran into physical constraints and neighborhood objections on likely routes. He described bridges and street berms that would require tree removal and other damage to neighboring properties to effect a move.
Holly, the preservation planner, reminded the commission that the HDC had previously labeled the building as contributing in the National Register/NHL database and that the Special Act and the HDC’s guidelines give the commission authority to deny demolition. She also noted that the applicant already has an approval for a move‑off (a “move only” approval) and that the application now before the commission sought demolition.
Commissioners expressed reluctance to approve demolition without further effort to relocate the structure. Commissioner Joe said the board preferred on‑site retention or incorporation where possible, but would accept a move‑off if a legitimate taker emerged. Several commissioners urged the applicant to keep options open rather than withdraw the application with prejudice; the applicant said he would not withdraw and asked to hold the application while exploring moves or possible interim locations.
The commission moved — and voted unanimously — to hold the demolition application for additional information, including whether an interim placement or closer relocation is possible and to monitor the existing move‑off extension (the application’s deadline was noted as July 7). The applicant was given options: sign a 60‑day extension, hold the application while pursuing other options, or reapply later. Staff said the applicant had sufficient time under the current extension and that the HDC could allow a future withdrawal without prejudice if the applicant found a move‑off opportunity.
No demolition approval was granted; the item remains on the HDC docket for follow‑up.
