Nantucket roads-and-rights committee seeks clearer role as staff reshuffle, takings list evolve

The Roads & Right of Way Committee met Feb. 18 by videoconference and pressed town staff to clarify whether the committee will remain an advisory body to the Select Board or be placed under Department of Public Works oversight, and reviewed a trimmed list of potential road takings and easement matters.

Committee members raised concerns after members said they were told informally that the committee’s responsibilities might be folded under DPW. “We serve at the pleasure of the Select Board. We don’t work under the auspices of town manager. We don’t work for any town departments,” member Bill (chair) said, urging that any change be directed by the Select Board. Tracy McDonald, identified at the meeting as a real estate specialist, said she had discussed the issue with staff that morning and that there is overlap among DPW enforcement, traffic-safety matters and the committee’s historic duties.

Why it matters: The committee has long reviewed paper roads, walking-path easements and historic encroachments and has previously recommended road takings to preserve access and…