Speakers

2018: 

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• Lauren Sinatra, Nantucket Energy Coordinator, reviewed energy efficiency initiatives, including solar, and the Massachusetts Heat Smart program, which helps individual homeowners save money by reducing energy usage.

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• Margaretta Andrews, Executive Director, summarized the growth and accomplishments of the Community Foundation for Nantucket, which awarded more than $2.5 million in grants in 2017 to Nantucket non-profit organizations.

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2017: 

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• Rob Ranney, Nantucket Representative and Vice Chairman of the Steamship Authority Board, and Nat Lowell, Nantucket Representative and Vice Chairman of the Port Council

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• Tom Rafter, Airport Manager

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• Artell Crowley, Assistant Health Director, and Jeff Carlson, Natural Resources Coordinator for the Town of Nantucket.

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• Patty Roggeveen, Director of Community Relations, Richmond Great Point Development, detailed the planned subdivision located off Old South Road of 225 apartments and 94 house lots, including some affordable units.

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• Fire Chief Paul Rhude presented the current plan for a new fire station to be located adjacent to the Police Station on Fairgrounds Road.

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• Dave Fredericks on initial plans for the Harbor Square waterfront development project.

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2016:

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• Town Manager Libby Gibson and Transportation Planner Mike Burns.

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• Nantucket Chief of Police William Pittman and Amy Baxter, Business License Inspector for the Town of Nantucket.

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• Transportation Planner Mike Burns summarized traffic and parking issues and how they have been addressed.

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• Town Manager Libby Gibson presented the warrant for the Special Town Meeting held October 17, 2016.

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• Melissa Murphy, Director of Culture and Tourism, summarized the newly reorganized and re-focused department, including the office at 25 Federal Street and information booths at Straight Wharf and the airport.

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• Bill Ferrall, Executive Director of the Nantucket Arts Council, gave an overview of the recently designated Nantucket Cultural District.

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• Dr. Margot Hartmann, President and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital, gave us details of the proposed new hospital. 

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• Transportation Planner Mike Burns provided an overview of island bike paths and the proposed in-town bike path scheduled to begin in spring 2015.

• NTA Secretary Lee Saperstein, who is on the Roads-and-Rights-of-Way Committee, discussed their inventory of sidewalks, walking and biking paths, the Nantucket Railroad and road takings, and the committee’s plan to address issues.

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• Margaretta Andrews, Executive Director of the Community Foundation For Nantucket, discussed its coordination of island non-profit endeavors.

• Dave Fronzuto, Emergency Management Coordinator for Nantucket, detailed the island’s storm readiness, as well as the reconstruction of the Jetties to be undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers.

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• Lauren Sinatra, Energy Project and Outreach Coordinator, summarized energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. 

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• Fire Chief Mark McDougall outlined current issues and the need for a new fire station. 

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• Jeff Carlson, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Tara Riley, the town’s shellfish biologist, reported on Nantucket harbor’s water quality and efforts to improve the scallop population.

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• Allan Bell, founder of the Downtown Business Association, introduced this new organization whose goal is to keep downtown vital.

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• Ken Beaugrand, Chair of the Community Preservation Committee, recapped efforts to preserve the island’s land and buildings and provide affordable housing.