Developing the Town-owned lots on Waitt Drive into Town and School employee housing is an important step in supporting the Town’s workforce needs by providing stable, affordable housing options. The escalating housing costs on Nantucket have made it challenging for essential employees, such as teachers, public safety workers, and DPW staff, to find affordable year-round rentals or ownership opportunities. This project would provide stable housing options close to critical Town services, easing this burden and ensuring housing security.

In 2004, the Town acquired the 20-acre parcel known as “2 Fairgrounds” from Nantucket Electric Company. This parcel was later subdivided into 2, 4 and 6 Fairgrounds Road, as well as vacant lots and roadways on Waitt Drive and Ticcoma Way, which totals 4.47 acres. A 2004 site planning exercise
recommended that the site be used for municipal housing.

The Housing Department has explored the potential of creating housing on the lots on Waitt Drive. These lots offer sufficient space and zoning potential for various housing configurations that can address multiple family sizes and needs. Centralizing housing at Waitt Drive allows the Town to manage a single site more efficiently instead of handling the logistics of multiple scattered-site rentals. This centralized approach increases oversight and maintenance efficiency, helping to ensure the quality and availability of employee housing. Developing these lots aligns with broader goals under the Select Board’s Strategic Plan, reinforcing the Town’s commitment to municipal employee housing.

Scope

The Master Plan for the site is to develop five lots into Nantucket Public Schools and Town employee housing. Each of the five lots will contain two structures: one single-family home (SFH) and one duplex. Anticipated features include:

• Single Family Homes: 3-4 bedrooms.
• Duplexes: Each unit with 2-3 bedrooms.
• Finished Area: Approximately 3,200–4,000 sq. ft. per lot depending on configuration.
  The Master Plan illustrates the potential maximum buildout of all five lots along Waitt Drive.

FY27 Funding Request: Phase I Build Out of Town and School Employee Housing

The Housing Department is seeking funding for the construction of Town and School employee housing on one Town-owned lot on Waitt Drive. This will create three units of municipal employee housing and up to 7 bedrooms, spread out between one single family home and one duplex.

• The Housing Department is putting this project out to bid in order to obtain accurate cost estimates from builders.
• These estimates before Annual Town Meeting will help the Town and the community understand what the project would cost before decisions are made.

2025 Annual Town Meeting: Article 11: Appropriation: Town Employee Housing Design, Owner’s Project Manager and Construction Costs (Called) | NOT Adopted by 2/3rds Vote: Yes: 432 No: 317. For context, see Town Meeting Summary.