Tree committee opposes waiver for 43 Union Street; votes to send letter to ZBA

The Tree Committee of Nantucket voted unanimously to send a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals opposing the granting of a waiver for construction at 43/43A Union Street, saying construction activity at the subdivided property would risk irreparable damage to a large street tree that neighbors and committee members described as historic and critical for erosion and flood control.

Committee members said the primary concern is root damage and soil compaction from excavation, material storage and vehicle access in a very confined yard space adjacent to the tree. The committee discussed site plans submitted to the ZBA that show a driveway on 43A (not included in the Historic District Commission permit documents) and warned that placing dumpsters, roll-off trucks or construction equipment near the trunk and drip line would likely harm the root system.

Mary Longacre, Tree Committee member, presented proposed protective language she read at a previous…