Land Bank approves boat-served 40th Pole event, stresses public-access limits and permits

The Nantucket Land Bank Commission approved a property-use request for an August event at 40th Pole Beach submitted on behalf of a client, after questioning from commissioners about precedent, access and alcohol permits.

Applicant representative Lindsay told the commission the event would use boat access (clients arrive by boats and dinghies) and that organizers would avoid blocking pathways: “we just basically, when we arrive, we just drive down the beach and see where we can fit our space, you know, as to not disrupt people who are already there.” She also said the organizer typically applies for the town permits used for similar events and confirmed the town application provides a one-day pouring license that covers beer and wine.

Commissioners expressed concerns about setting a precedent for frequent large events on public beaches, potential impacts on public access and vehicle circulation, and whether approving one event could invite repeated requests: “If the market shall change…we can just set as a precedent that, you know, it’s a guarantee,” one commissioner said. The commission emphasized that approvals must preserve public access and that events cannot reserve public beach areas.

After staff clarified that applicants must obtain required town permits and that access must remain available, a motion to approve the property-use request was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor.

Staff will advise the applicant to secure any town permits (including a one-day pouring license for alcohol) and to provide any requested diagrams or maps showing intended set-up. The meeting record includes no additional conditions beyond preserving public access and following town permit rules.