NLWC News

Vote NO on Article 59

May 20, 2024

The NLWC has observed that the rise of the commercial short-term rental (STR) industry contributes to and incentivizes an intense (re)development of properties on Nantucket designed to deliver the highest rate of return. This is often accomplished by maximizing properties with buildings, bedrooms and amenities intended to meet the expectations of prospective occupants. This decreases open space and habitat in neighborhoods, escalates the intensity of use, and puts increasing pressure on the island’s resources jeopardizing the health of our drinking water, ponds and harbors, and our shared infrastructure such as solid waste and storm-water management, water and sewer.


Article 59 is identical to the previously-defeated Article 42 at the 2022 ATM and Article 2 at the 2023 STM. This article MUST BE DEFEATED because it would legalize unlimited commercial STRs as a primary use for houses in all our residential districts across the island. If this right is granted under zoning it cannot be taken away and could open up the floodgates for STR investment. Allowing commercial STRs in residential districts would have long-term adverse, and potentially irreversible impacts on our environment and the health of our community. Moreover, recent court rulings have confirmed that STRs are a commercial use that is not legal in residential districts.


NLWC supports allowing STRs as an accessory use in residential districts protecting residents’ ability to rent their homes so long as they are using it primarily as a residence. NLWC would support balanced By-Law proposals that reasonably limit STRs to Nantucket residents, ensure effective regulation by our Town government, and are consistent with our local traditions. NLWC opposes STRs for commercial or investment purposes.


The commercial short-term rental industry, if unchecked, threatens to irreparably harm our Island’s environment and therefore our community’s vitality, health and quality of life. Obviously, this is an outcome that we all want to prevent.


If maintaining a healthy environment, community and quality of life on Nantucketis important to you, please attend Town Meeting and vote a resounding NO on Article 59.

NLWC Comments on Vineyard Wind Response Plan

June 26, 2026
As a part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Nantucket and Vineyard Wind 1 , public comments were due on the Debris Infrastructure Failure Incident Response Plan Summary on Monday June 15th. The Nantucket Land & Water Council (NLWC) submitted a comment letter outlining the inappropriateness of providing a four page summary instead of the plan itself for the community to see, as well as deficiencies in the language provided and suggestions for improving it . That comment letter can be found here: NLWC VW1 Incident Plan Summary Comment Letter

Help Protect Nantucket's Waters: Concerns with the Mass Ready Act

June 12, 2026
The Massachusetts Senate recently passed S.3064 , known as the Mass Ready Act, a sweeping environmental bond bill that would invest over 3 billion dollars in climate resilience, water infrastructure, flood protection, PFAS remediation, conservation, and municipal environmental projects. Many of these investments align closely with priorities long championed by the Nantucket Land & Water Council, including funding for clean water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and the protection of natural resources. However, several amendments added to the bill during the Senate process have raised serious concerns among environmental organizations, municipalities, conservation commissions, and clean water advocates across Massachusetts. These provisions would weaken local municipal authority to protect wetlands and water resources and would disadvantage communities like ours that have adopted stronger environmental safeguards than just those required by state law. 

Nantucket is in a drought. What does that mean for you as a resident?

June 12, 2026
Nantucket has officially been designated as being in a Level 2 Drought Condition, triggering mandatory water conservation measures for properties served by Wannacomet Water. Although the current green lawns and foggy mornings of June may not make the island feel particularly dry right now, drought determinations are based on more than appearance alone . State officials evaluate long-term precipitation trends , groundwater conditions , and other indicators of water availability .
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