HomeMy WebLinkAbout07022014 Nantucket Cultural Council Minutes
Minutes of the Nantucket Historical Commission
July 2, 2014
Attending: Deborah Timmermann, chair; Dianne Combs; Phil Gallagher; Ian Golding; Kevin Kuester;
Michael May.
Ms. Timmermann called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
The agenda was unanimously approved.
Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting was postponed.
Guest: Mike Burns was introduced to discuss the In-Town Bike Path Project and specifically the material
for the path. Copies of the Memorandum dated June 11, 2014 that included the consultant’s response to the
NHC letter were distributed along with 11x17 copies of sheets 8 and 9 of the project.
Ms. Timmermann noted that there are no baseline drawings showing existing conditions. Mr. Burns said
there were baseline drawings, but Ms. Timmermann said the NHC had not seen them and that having a
copy would be good to asset the current conditions and the project. Only drawings with the new bike path
have been supplied.
Mr. Kuester also had questions about the experience of the consultant VHB. Mr. Burns noted their past
work on island. Concern was raised that the consultant and staff did not know or disclose the state
standards for ADA, which have been relaxed to allow for sensitive materials especially in historic and
natural areas. No mention had been provided to the NHC even though there was concern at the previous
meeting. Mr. Kuester provided copies of the Mass Central Rail Trail and link to Mass DOT Project
Development Design Guide. He noted the information was easy to find and wondered if the consultant was
aware. Mr. Kuester also asked if there was any historical documentation on this project including review of
the Sanborn Maps. Mr. Burns said a 1980’s Inquirer and Mirror article on the subject was used.
Mr. Golding noted that he was also concerned that this information was not provided during the ConCom
review where he served and raised the issue.
After a general review by Mr. Burns and his noting of the asphalt chip seal product concerns raised by
NHC members included the material; seating pull off enhancement and its need for inclusion; the 2 -rail
fence; granite curbing; and width of the path of 10 feet; and the width of the base. The inclusion of a 3-D
artist’s rendering was asked for to give residents a better feel/understanding of the proposal. Remove
Belgium block and substitute for concrete rumble strips was suggested. In general the NHC members
stressed the need for natural and historic materials and a sensitive/soft approach more appropriate to the
historic area and to limit the impact of new materials and over building of the path in this area.
Polpis Road
Mr. Burns also noted the Polpis Road paving project. He said that the comment letter had noted 3 foot
shoulders but noted it was in error and alerted MassDOT. Only in small areas due to drop off will
shoulders be installed. In general it will be the size of the current roadway with reflectors added. Mr.
Kuester asked if the reflectors were mandatory and they are not according to Burns.
The Commission voted unanimously to have the Chair direct a letter to the BOS requesting time for a
thorough review with complete information, and suggest other that boards do the same.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55.
Respectfully submitted: Michael May