Commissioners approve eminent-domain order to secure easements for Surfside-area road improvements

The Nantucket County Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 29 to approve an order of taking by eminent domain to acquire permanent and temporary easements for roadway, drainage, slope and utility work in the Surfside area, including portions of Lovers Lane, Oakwater Avenue and Monahansett Road. The action clears a procedural step that officials said is needed to put the Surfside-area transportation enhancement project out to bid.

Real estate specialist Tracy McDonald told the commissioners the easements are shown on plans recorded at the Nantucket Registry of Deeds (plan number 2025-1) and that the town completed public information sessions and prior briefings to the Select Board and other notices before the hearing. “We have followed all the procedural steps and town council, Vicki Marsh, has prepared the order of taking before you tonight,” McDonald said.

The order of taking allows the project team to move forward with the bidding process for roadway improvements. Town officials emphasized the hearing’s purpose was limited to the legal acquisition of rights on specific parcels identified in the packet; detailed design and construction issues were presented separately during the public comment period.

At the public hearing, nearby residents raised questions about how the roadway shift might affect specific roadside features. Leanne Baker, who identified her address as 3 Webster Road, asked whether a cluster of boulders — which she said mark the site of a burial — would be disturbed. DPW Director Drew Patnode told the board he was still locating the exact sheet in the plan set but that “the roadway in that area of Monahansett is being shifted 4 or 5 feet to the north.” After locating the plan sheet for the intersection, Patnode clarified that “the boulders that are currently within the right of way are outside the limit of work. So anything under the boulders, behind the boulders won't be impacted as part of this project.”

Other speakers asked about a planned bike path and recently installed water lines. Patnode said the bike path will be on the airport (odd-numbered) side of Monahansett and that the project team had coordinated with the water department “and their engineer” when the water lines and hydrants were installed, adding that those utilities were surveyed and placed on the plans so the team did not believe conflicts exist.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Matt moved to approve the order of taking as presented; Commissioner Brooke seconded. The measure passed on a roll-call vote: Matt — aye; Malcolm — aye; Brooke — aye; Dawn — aye; Chair (Tom) — aye. The chair declared the motion unanimous.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the vote is a necessary legal step so that the town can secure the rights needed to build roadway, drainage and utility upgrades serving the Surfside neighborhood. Approval does not itself finalize design choices or construction contracts; it authorizes acquisition so the project can be advertised and bids solicited.

Next steps: Project staff said the action enables the team to proceed to the bidding phase. Additional public outreach, site visits and coordination with property owners were described as ongoing, and any construction will follow required permitting and procurement processes.