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Commission approves contentious dormer addition at 23 Ocean Avenue despite neighbors’ objections
Summary
After extended public comment and a split discussion, the HDC approved a two‑story dormer addition at 23 Ocean Avenue (Underhill cottage area) by a 3–2 vote. Neighbors and preservation advocates called the massing inappropriate; the commission approved the plan as submitted.
The Nantucket Historic District Commission narrowly approved a proposed dormer addition at 23 Ocean Avenue on March 18 by a 3–2 vote, after lengthy public comment from neighbors and preservation consultants who said the new mass would overwhelm an individually significant, 19th‑century house.
Applicant representative Angus presented the plan as an addition set back from the primary façade intended to preserve the existing eave lines; Marcia Fader, the project’s historical architect, submitted a multi‑page history showing the house predates Underhill’s subdivision and said the core retains post‑and‑beam construction. Neighbors and preservation advocates urged the commission to require additional revisions, saying earlier versions had already been returned twice for changes and that the current proposal still overwhelmed the south elevation.
Supporters of the application, including one advisory group that submitted a favorable report, said the addition used local forms and would not be visibly dominant in the neighborhood. After debate, Commissioner Veil moved to approve the application as submitted. The roll call was Veil (aye), Abby (no), Connie (aye), Joe (aye) and Angus (no). The motion carried 3–2.
Commissioners who opposed the design said the dormer’s height, the flush dormer treatment and the way the new ridge tied into the existing roof created an uncharacteristic, heavy second‑story mass; supporters argued the design reads as a composed single building consistent with the mix of house sizes on Ocean Avenue and that the proposal kept alterations limited and repairable. The commission recorded neighbors’ concerns and asked staff to document the decision and materials required for the approved work.
Speakers included the applicant’s team (Angus and historical architect Marcia Fader), preservation planner Holly, neighbors including Linda Williams and Sarah Alger, and outside counsel Arthur. The decision was limited to the submitted elevations; commissioners and staff said any future changes visible from public ways would return to the HDC for review.
