Work group advances Francis Street Beach outreach, hears preservation feedback favoring ‘dune swoop’ design

WASHINGTON — The Washington Street Collaborative work group on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, agreed to finalize the virtual open-house materials and heard updates on the Francis Street Beach Improvement Project, including preliminary comments from the town preservation planner that she “felt the option 1, the Dune Swoop might be most appealing to the HTC,” the group was told.

The project team presented two alternatives for the Francis Street beachhead: a curvilinear “Dune Swoop” and a more angular “Beach Overlook” that echoes existing boardwalk geometry. Laura (staff member for the work group) summarized a recent meeting with Holly, the town preservation planner, saying Holly was “pleased with the progress” and liked the more natural appearance of the Dune Swoop while noting the Historic District Commission (HDC) would make the formal determination. Laura said Holly also asked questions about materials for the flood wall and boardwalk and that native plantings and a planting‑embedded wall were viewed positively.

Why it matters: Washington Street is a key access corridor and a known flood pathway on Nantucket. The Francis Street project is intended to create elevated, resilient public access adjacent to town and Land Bank property while exploring opportunities for future, voluntary collaboration with private property owners to reduce shared flood risk.

Discussion highlights

- Materials and durability: Staff and consultants discussed materials…