Historical Panel Rejects Coast Guard Light Options
The Nantucket Historical Commission voted to reject the Coast Guard's mitigation offers for replacing the historic Brant Point range lights.
Other Committee · Meeting of August 21, 2026
NANTUCKET — The Nantucket Historical Commission voted to reject the Coast Guard's mitigation offers for replacing the historic Brant Point range lights. Chair Rita Carr will draft letters to Coast Guard engineering officer Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, the state historic preservation office and the congressional delegation after the panel voted 6-0 that none of the agency's four options, including a $15,000 donation, adequately protects the island's National Historic Landmark status held since 1966. Members said the Coast Guard has not explored Community Preservation Committee or federal funding mechanisms, estimating a custom replica tower could cost roughly $1 million.
The commission also voted 6-0 to oppose proposed federal changes to Section 106 review, with member Abby DeMolina noting she had already sent her own opposition letter as chair of the Planning and Economic Development Commission. "No one else on the island is exempt from maintaining the integrity of the historic landmark," one member said. The panel also voted 6-0 to support a renewed historic tax credit application for 17 North Water Street.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
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- The complete report — 2,317 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 21, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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