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Committee weighs subdividing Lot G near 131 Surfside after abutter declines purchase
Summary
Town staff told the committee it has a signed declination from an abutter and an engineering estimate to subdivide Lot G; members urged staff to let neighboring owners negotiate before issuing an RFP and to check regularity-factor constraints affecting septic upgrades.
Town of Nantucket Real Estate Assessment Committee members discussed next steps for Lot G, an L-shaped parcel adjacent to 131 Surfside, after staff reported receiving a signed declination from an abutter and an engineering cost estimate for subdivision.
Tracy, the town staff member leading the program, told the committee she had obtained a formal declination letter from Barbara Osborne, and that Bracken Engineering estimated roughly $4,000 to subdivide the parcel. "We have a formal declination from her," Tracy said, noting those documents were included in the committee packet.
Committee members said the town should give adjacent owners a chance to negotiate a solution before the committee or staff unilaterally divides the property for an RFP. "I'd rather see them chat amongst themselves," the committee clerk said, arguing neighbors might be able to agree on sensible boundaries and save town engineering fees.
Susan McCarthy, speaking for the owners of 133 Surfside, urged the committee to consider how acquiring Lot G would affect septic planning. "The addition of Lot G would give them enough square footage that then they could upgrade their septic system," McCarthy said, adding her clients have been working with an advisor (Jeff Blackwell) to evaluate septic options and abutter impacts.
Members raised technical concerns about the lot's shape and potential "regularity-factor" issues that can make an acquired parcel less usable without additional relief. McCarthy said if a proposed division failed regularity-factor tests, the owners could pursue special-permit relief. Committee members agreed staff should reach out to the abutters and report back; no formal vote was taken on Lot G during the meeting.
The committee asked staff to include clear RFP criteria (including how price-factor and neighborhood factors will be weighed) if the town proceeds. The matter will remain on future agendas while staff and interested neighbors continue to discuss options.
