The Nantucket Historical Commission voted to endorse a modified version of the town’s dark‑sky streetlight pilot, recommending the addition of a decorative “hurricane lamp” insert and — for the central commercial block only — permitting a globe if fixture output is limited to 1,000 lumens or less.

The commission met Dec. 19 and heard a presentation from Gail Wasser of Nantucket Lights and technical representatives from Spring City and the International Dark‑Sky community. Wasser reviewed the town’s 2023 outdoor lighting bylaw (Nantucket code chapter 102) and said the pilot on Lower Main Street now includes an internal hurricane‑lamp element that preserves a historic appearance without increasing uplight.

Spring City’s representative told the commission the hurricane lamp, as incorporated, appears to capture uplight rather than increasing it. Panelists and staff described the pilot fixture as dimmable; manufacturers gave differing efficiency figures (notes on file cited about 73–80 lumens per watt). With current dimming settings (reported between about 12–15 watts), the pilot fixture’s measured output was discussed in the meeting as being roughly in the 876–1,200 lumen range depending on which efficiency number is used — a point commissioners said affects whether a 1,000‑lumen cap is practical island‑wide.

Commissioners and members of the public debated appearance and historic fit. Some members said the hurricane lamp produced a warmer, more historic look and supported keeping the globes on a short, central stretch of Main Street; others described the globe option as visually heavy or “a white ball” in photographs. Multiple speakers pressed for more public outreach — noting that a town survey run last November had limited participation — and recommended gathering feedback during high season and at downtown events.

After discussion, Commissioner George moved that the commission endorse the hurricane‑lamp pilot and recommend that the block from the Pacific Club to the Pacific Bank be allowed hurricane‑lamp fixtures with a globe provided the fixtures are limited to 1,000 lumens. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote recorded in the meeting as 4 in favor, 2 opposed, with one member absent. Commissioners emphasized that the commission’s action is advisory and that DPW and town leadership will make final procurement and installation decisions.

Staff and technical presenters also discussed retrofit versus replacement approaches. Engineers cautioned that retrofitting existing historic heads with LED lamps and opaque lenses can be less efficient, may produce glare, and create labor costs that accumulate; a dedicated LED fixture offers improved optics and efficiency but at higher upfront cost. The panel advised DPW to weigh lifecycle costs, control (dimming) options, and installation logistics.

The commission asked staff to record its recommendation formally and to request that DPW pursue additional public outreach before any broader rollout. The town’s International Dark‑Sky designation efforts and the desire to limit uplight framed the discussion throughout the meeting.

The commission’s action is advisory; any bylaw amendment or formal exception to permit globes above the bylaw’s uplight limits would require further steps by town leadership and, if needed, an amendment to chapter 102 of the Nantucket code. The commission also requested that DPW report back with technical details and results from additional pilot tests before large‑scale purchases or installations.