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Commission holds 2 Dukes Road case to give neighbors one month to find a new site for historic 'Daisy Hill'
Summary
After several speakers urged saving the early‑20th‑century cottage known as ‘Daisy Hill,’ the HDC voted unanimously to delay action and asked the owner to re‑advertise the house for 30 days while the commission weighs options.
The Nantucket Historic District Commission on March 11 agreed to postpone a decision on a demolition request for a contributing house at 2 Dukes Road — locally known as “Daisy Hill” — and asked the owner to allow one month of additional outreach to find a relocation or reuse option.
Why it matters: Several longtime residents and preservation advocates urged the commission to preserve the house, describing it as an intact cottage with historical character and community meaning. Commission members said they were sympathetic but also noted the economic realities: multiple potential movers have inspected the structure and declined for cost reasons.
What the commission heard: Kathy Kelm Cronin, who lives nearby, described the house as having “a spirit” and urged commissioners to find a way to keep it. Patron representatives said the owner had prepared the building for transport — including raising it and placing it on dollies — and had shown it to several possible takers but that none had proceeded because of the cost and lack of suitable receiving sites.
After discussion the commission voted unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Abby to hold the application for 30 days and to publicize the availability of the building more broadly, giving preservation‑minded buyers or institutions a final opportunity to step forward. The motion carried without dissent.
Background and context: The property’s proponents said the owner has taken steps to make the house movable but that earlier interested parties found the cost or logistics prohibitive. Commissioners and members of the public suggested several potential paths — expanded advertising, outreach to local preservation nonprofits and housing groups, and a short holding period for intensified recruitment — rather than an immediate demolition approval.
Next steps: The application will be held for 30 days while the owner and commissioners pursue additional outreach. If no viable relocation or reuse plan is identified within that time, the owner may return with an amended proposal; the commission left the door open to revisit the matter sooner if a taker appears.
