The island, like much of the rest of the world, has had to make some significant sacrifices in the face of this virus. It’s really about self-preservation. Which got us to thinking: “What if Nantucket took to solving over-development and year-round housing as seriously as it has COVID-19?”
Over the long-run, is one kind of self-preservation different from another?
In the last 20 years, over 7 million square feet have been added to our neighborhoods. That’s equivalent to roughly 3,000 houses if we assume they average 2,400 sq. feet of living space. If you think 3,000 additional houses are too high – it’s an average of 150 per year – consider this: from 2017 to 2019 we averaged an additional 158 single-family homes per year. And so, no doubt enough houses have been built. But to what end?
Most of us acknowledge and can see the exponential growth that’s occurred on the island. So, similar to how we’ve come together as a community to manage the growth and spread of COVID, together let’s approach future development to get the desired outcome.
We’re committed to collaborating with experts and local organizations and getting input from the community. The goal is to craft a collective vision without sacrificing the future of the island. It’s an opportunity to take a step back, adjust our sails and set a new course.
Have a great Easter Sunday.
Julia Lindner
Executive Director
