Land Bank approves partial fence removal and temporary boardwalk to increase ADA access at 1 Jefferson property

The Nantucket Land Bank Commission approved a conditional drawing to remove portions of the seasonal fence at the 1 Jefferson property and to install a temporary boardwalk and platform to improve access and ADA usability.

Why it matters: commissioners said increasing beach access for people with limited mobility is a priority; staff warned that the seasonal fence helps hold sand on Land Bank property and that full removal may increase sand movement.

Staff said the fence currently traps sand and that the plan under consideration would remove limited sections (opening up the property while keeping much of the fence to control sand migration). The proposal includes a short extension of boardwalk on Land Bank property and a small turnaround platform if the town’s existing boardwalk is not extended. Commissioner Alan emphasized accessibility as the project’s primary goal and favored the full project; other commissioners favored a phased, low-budget summer test with removable boardwalk sections. One commissioner asked for the fence to be painted or signed temporarily to signal public access while the commission tests usage.

The commission voted to approve the drawing with flexibility for staff to alter details as the town’s boardwalk permitting and extension options are clarified; the motion was seconded and carried with recorded aye votes from commissioners present.

Staff said the boardwalk sections are seasonal and can be removed in winter; the Land Bank will monitor sand movement and can reinstate more fencing if dune migration requires it.