Select Board Splits Over Housing Funding Plan

Select Board · Meeting of October 6, 2026

Nantucket Select Board debated funding a second phase of Wait Drive employee housing at its annual strategic retreat. Housing Director Christy said the town's subsidized-housing list has grown from 136 units in 2019 to 512 today, with 15 more pending, while warning the town loses 10 leased units at Richmond, costing $480,000 a year, in 2029. Member Bob DeCosta pushed back, citing a 15 percent debt ratio against a former 11 percent policy cap and arguing housing "is not my number one." The board took no formal votes but named Matt Fee as its liaison to a subcommittee reviving a 15-year-old paid-parking study, after member Jill Vieth said she wanted enforcement and revenue tools "explored again." Staff also reported 60 job vacancies, about 15 percent of the workforce, and said final cost estimates for a new Department of Public Works facility are due in November.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,732 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.