Select Board agrees to advance NPDC enabling legislation to Annual Town Meeting after debate; motion carries 3‑2

The Select Board on Oct. 22 voted to put a revised Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission (NPDC) enabling‑legislation article on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant after debate about a competing citizen petition the board described as having previously failed at Town Meeting and having proceeded through the legislature to a study status.

Select Board members discussed whether the NPDC‑sponsored version and the earlier citizen petition could be reconciled through additional public engagement. Several members said they preferred a broader consensus process before advancing competing or materially different articles to voters; others said the commission had repeatedly asked the board to place the NPDC’s version on the warrant so the public could consider a single local proposal.

The motion — described on the record as a formal Select Board endorsement to place the NPDC drafting on the warrant — passed by roll call: Matt Fay — No; Brooke Moore — Aye; Tom Dixon — Aye; Malcolm McNabb — No; Chair — Aye. The chair announced the motion carried by a 3‑2 vote. Minutes show the NPDC will proceed with public outreach and a draft final article for the board and public to review before the warrant is finalized.

Board members emphasized public forums and outreach are planned; staff said the NPDC intends additional public information and a forum in early December. The board’s action does not by itself change zoning — it only places the commission’s enabling act on the town meeting warrant for voter consideration.