2026 Annual Town Meeting & Election

Article 15, Appropriation: Somerset Sewer Needs Area – Sewer Extension, passed at both Town Meeting and the Annual Town Election. The article authorizes a debt exclusion of $44,800,000 for the project.

At Town Meeting, the required two-thirds vote was achieved, with 304 in favor and 116 opposed. At the election, Question 5 passed with 1,790 yes votes and 1,108 no votes. The motion was amended at Town Meeting to remove language related to betterment assessments of up to 25% on benefitted properties.

The Town’s Project Management Office and Sewer Department are working collaboratively with our consultants to advance the project toward final design and approval. Stay tuned for additional informational updates throughout the summer and early fall.

Background

The Somerset Needs Area Sewer Extension & Roadway Improvement Project involves the design and implementation of wastewater, water main, drainage, and roadway improvements to expand sewer service and enhance infrastructure in the Somerset Needs Area. This project, undertaken in collaboration with the Town of Nantucket Sewer Department, Apex Co., Weston & Sampson, supports current and future community needs while promoting environmental sustainability and public safety.

Project Overview

The Somerset Needs Area Sewer Extension & Roadway Improvement Project is a comprehensive infrastructure initiative aimed at addressing the growing wastewater and water service demands in Nantucket’s Somerset area. The project encompasses the design and installation of 15,200 linear feet of gravity sewers, 8,100 linear feet of low-pressure sewers, 4,700 linear feet of force main, a new wastewater pump station, and 7,000 linear feet of water main, and drainage improvements along Raceway Drive. In addition to upgrading the underground infrastructure, the project includes significant surface enhancements, such as roadway safety enhancements/improvements and the construction of a multi-use path on Raceway Drive and Somerset Lane, ensuring safer and more accessible transportation options for pedestrians and cyclists.

This effort is part of a larger plan to align with the Town’s 2020 Sewer Master Plan and 2014 CWMP Update, extending service to the Somerset Needs Area while providing capacity for future connections to the Hummock North and Hummock South Needs Areas. Beyond its utility benefits, the project underscores the Town’s commitment to long-term environmental stewardship, public health, and infrastructure resilience. By leveraging a partnership between the Town of Nantucket Sewer Department, Apex Co., and Weston & Sampson, the project ensures a coordinated approach to delivering critical community benefits and meeting the needs of a growing population.

Streets within the Project Area

• Austin Farm Drive
• Catherine Lane
• Clara Drive
• Doc Ryder Drive
• Farmview Drive
• Finback Lane
• Golfview Drive
• Hatch Circle
• Hendersons Drive
• High Brush Path
• Marble Way
• Mioxes Way
• New Hummock Circle
• Sleepy Hollow Road
• Smooth Hummocks Way
• Swayze Drive
• Todd Circle
• Bartlett Farm Road
• Bartlett Road
• Raceway Drive
• Somerset Lane
• Somerset Road
• West Miacomet Road

Budget Overview (As of January 2025)

• Total Project Budget for OPM/Design/Surveying Services: $2,869,705.00
• Construction Activity Budget: TBD

Owners Project Manager: Apex Companies, LLC
Design Engineering: Weston & Sampson