Land Bank authorizes staff study on feasibility of indoor recreation after sustained public demand

The Nantucket Land Bank Commission voted to authorize staff research into whether the Land Bank may host indoor recreation facilities, following a lengthy public comment period in which island residents urged the commission to pursue weatherproof space for sports, fitness and intergenerational activity.

The request asked staff to examine statutory and regulatory constraints — including Article 97, the Public Lands Protection Act and the Land Bank Act — and local commissioner policies, and return to the commission with findings and recommendations.

Why it matters: Residents told the commission a year‑round, weatherproof facility would address gaps in youth programming, senior activity and community gathering space, and supporters said the Land Bank is a logical steward given its land holdings and prior recreational projects on Land Bank property.

Commission staff member Rachel asked the…