Applicant at Ocean Avenue 'Summer House' seeks to legalize structures; commission continues hearing to April 3

The owner of the Summer House Bistro at 10 and 16 Ocean Avenue appeared before the Nantucket Conservation Commission on March 20 seeking an Order of Conditions to formalize existing structures and repairs, to relocate minor sheds and to restore a previously‑expanded deck. The commission continued the hearing to April 3 at the applicant’s request and asked the applicant to provide supplemental coastal‑geologic analysis.

Art Gasparo, representing the applicant, said the submission documents the property’s historical use as a restaurant with a pool and outdoor dining areas. Gasparo described three primary items on the application: restoring the deck to its earlier (pre‑unpermitted) footprint; relocating plastic storage sheds that currently intrude into the 50‑foot buffer outside the coastal dune; and documenting a preexisting bar area and flagstone patio that in some places lies within the regulated buffer.

Commission concerns and public comment centered on an open sand area immediately seaward of the patio that has been used for seasonal dining. Chair Seth Engelbart said the commission treats that open sand as coastal dune and expressed reluctance to permit seating in that location. Engelbart recommended restoring that sand area to coastal dune vegetation, preserving only a narrow pedestrian path to the beach. He also flagged the fence‑mounted lights at the patio edge and suggested any lighting be conditioned to comply with the town’s outdoor lighting bylaw.

Willa Arseneault, speaking for the Nantucket Land & Water Council, said the council supported moving the sheds and removing the unauthorized deck expansion but urged the commission not to “memorialize” existing adverse conditions without a full assessment of impacts on coastal resource areas. Valerie Moore, representing the property owner, asked for a continuance so the applicant’s coastal geologist can submit supplemental data addressing lateral dune migration, plant communities and the history shown in aerial photos. Moore’s request for a continuance was granted.

Gasparo had submitted aerial photos dating from 1973 through 2023 to show the history of the sand area; he said some images show open sand historically in that location. Commissioners noted the aerials but emphasized that long‑term lateral dune migration and current vegetation patterns are relevant to whether seasonal dining should be permitted. Several commissioners said tables and chairs meet the commission’s definition of “structures” for purposes of protecting resource areas.

Formal actions and next steps - The commission accepted the applicant’s request to continue the hearing to April 3; commissioners Williams and Turcotte recused from this item because of conflicts noted on the record. - The commission asked the applicant to supply supplemental coastal‑geologic analysis from a licensed coastal geologist and to address lighting so fixtures meet the Town of Nantucket lighting standards. - Commissioners signaled they are unlikely to permit seasonal dining on the open sand area and suggested restoration plantings be required if seating is removed.

Why it matters This property sits at the interface of the built environment and a coastal dune system; how the commission treats the open sand behind the beach could set precedent for other shoreline dining and seasonal‑use permits. The applicant is seeking to regularize unpermitted changes; the commission emphasized restoration and lighting standards while granting the short continuance to allow more technical information to be submitted.

Ending The commission will take the item up again on Apr. 3. The applicant was told to provide the coastal‑geologic report and any revised plans before that meeting so commissioners and staff can evaluate whether restoration conditions or restrictions on seating and lighting are necessary.