Nantucket Town Meeting Concludes

nantucket harborNANTUCKET – Town Meeting wrapped up last night on Nantucket with residents deciding the final nine warrant articles.

Voters rejected a selectmen-sponsored plan which would have leased part of the Mill Hill Parkland for a new hospital. Residents meanwhile approved leasing land for a funeral home and crematory on Sparks Avenue.

The second night of Town Meeting saw residents strike down proposed zoning changes that would have allowed more development in the mid-island area.

Multiple articles on the matter were defeated. Voters also approved a petitioner’s article that bans the sale of lighter-than-air balloons. Petitioners were concerned about the environmental damage and danger to sea creatures when the helium balloons fall to the earth on beaches and in the water.

On the first night of Town Meeting, residents approved a new $46 million elementary school. The move comes in response to continued population growth on the island. Over the last five years, Nantucket public schools have seen the number of students attending the school expand from 1,200 to 1,500.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released estimates showing that Nantucket’s population rose 2.7 percent from July of 2013 to July of 2014, by far the highest rate in the state over that time period.

Voters also approved a $15 million proposal for a new fire station.

The school and fire proposals now go before voters at town election next week.



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