Nantucket Historical Commission votes to ask town manager to protect Fair Street meridian stone

The Nantucket Historical Commission voted Friday to ask the town manager to pursue protective measures for the town‑owned meridian stones, including moving or reinstalling bollards and studying a sidewalk widening or decorative low fence to keep vehicles away from the Fair Street marker.

The vote follows a presentation from Jason Finger, deputy director and curator of the Maria Mitchell Association, who said the markers “have bothered me for years” and that recent impacts make protection more urgent. “I have chunks of them, that I collect, unfortunately,” Finger said, describing pieces he has gathered from repeated damage.

Commission members reviewed photographs showing a bollard knocked down and vehicles parked close to the stone. Commissioners discussed several options: resetting the existing concrete‑filled bollards, installing additional bollards set closer to the curb or nearer the curve, placing decorative wrought‑iron fencing or bike‑bollard rack units a short distance away, or reconfiguring the curbline with a half‑moon sidewalk to provide a permanent buffer.

Town staff said recording the object in the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) would improve protection during future roadway projects and trigger Section 106 review when applicable. Commissioners also discussed grant or Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding as possible sources to pay for repairs or protective work, but agreed funding would need further research.

The motion, made by Abby Demelina and seconded by Angus McLeod, directed staff to draft a letter to the town manager outlining the two primary options discussed and to ask staff to consult the DPW director about feasibility and cost. The motion passed unanimously. The commission also requested that staff prepare a MACRIS Form C (object form) to document the meridian stone as a town‑owned historic resource.

Commissioners stressed historic‑sensitivity in any repair. Finger and staff recommended materials and placement that avoid permanently obscuring the stone’s inscription while providing structural protection against vehicle impacts. The commission will follow up as DPW and town administration respond.

Background: The meridian stones are listed among town‑owned historic resources and have been documented in local research; the commission noted spalling caused by water intrusion after impacts as a mechanism accelerating deterioration.

No specific funding or construction timetable was set at the meeting; staff were directed to initiate discussions with DPW and to return with options and recommendations.