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The Greater Tom Nevers
Area Plan
Submitted for Review & Approval by—
The Nantucket Planning & Economic
Development Commission
March 31, 2008
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The Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan –
INDEX
SECTION PAGE
Background 3
1. Goals and Objectives 6
2. Land Use 8
3. Housing 11
4. Economic Development 14
5. Natural and Cultural Resources 16
6. Open Space and Recreation 18
7. Services and Facilities 20
8. Circulation 24
9. Implementation 27
Appendices
I. Map of Greater Tom Nevers Area
II. Work Group Members
III. Focus Group Sessions
IV. Property-Owner Survey and Report
V. Tom Nevers Civic Association Summer 2006 Newsletter
VI. Tom Nevers Civic Association Winter 2007 Newsletter
VII. Tom Nevers Civic Association Summer 2007 Newsletter
VIII. Guidelines for Events at Tom Nevers Field
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The Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan –
Background
In late 2005, an article to change the zoning for a portion of the Tom Nevers area was submitted
for approval at the April 2006 annual Town Meeting. Discussions with the Planning Department
about this proposed zoning change revealed that other neighborhoods have undertaken, or were
considering, area plans for their areas—and that it is the policy of the Planning Department to
consider proposed zoning changes in the context of an overall plan for an area, which fully
reflects the desires of the residents of that area. The Planning Department then suggested that an
Area Plan for the Greater Tom Nevers Area be undertaken and that any zoning proposals be
included as part of that overall plan. The sponsor of the 2006 article agreed with this approach
and tabled the article at Town Meeting.
In 1976, the Tom Nevers Civic Association, Inc. (TNCA), a non-profit organization under I.R.S.
code 501(c) 4, was formed to represent the residents of the Greater Tom Nevers Area. According
to the bylaws of this association, each family that owns property in the area is automatically a
member of the association, regardless of whether they pay annual dues or not. As of this date,
there are nearly 600 TNCA members and all communications from the association are sent to all
members. The area covered by the association stretches from the eastern fence of the Nantucket
Memorial Airport to the western boundary of the village of Siasconset and from Milestone Road
on the north to the Atlantic Ocean on the south. Appendix I is a map of the Greater Tom Nevers
Area represented by this association. The TNCA is considered the official representative of this
neighborhood in the Nantucket Civic League.
To facilitate the development of the Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan, the TNCA board of
directors agreed to underwrite any reasonable costs associated with its development and to assist
in communicating details about the plan and its development to its full membership. To assure
objectivity, the TNCA board of directors also agreed that the Area Plan should be developed
independent of the board and not subject to its approval.
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In June 2006, a working group was formed to initiate the process of preparing the Area Plan. The
members were chosen in proportion to the number of lots in each of the local areas: Tom Nevers
East - 4, Tom Nevers West - 3, Tom Nevers South - 2, Wigwam - 1, Madequecham -1.
In addition, two members from the Nantucket Planning & Economic Development Commission
volunteered to be members of the group and several others served as support personnel and
advisors. Except for the president of the TNCA, no other member of the association’s board
served as a member of the work group. The work group met on a regular basis throughout the
development of the Area Plan. Through a series of TNCA newsletters, all property-owners in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area were kept fully informed of the Area Plan’s goals and development
process and were encouraged to actively participate. Appendix II is a list of the work group
members.
During the summer of 2006, eight moderated focus groups were conducted to define issues,
concerns, and probe weaknesses/strengths for each of the eight topic areas prescribed as elements
for inclusion in a master plan, under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, Section 81d. All
residents of the Tom Nevers Area were invited to participate, either in person or by submitting
comments to work group members orally or by email. In addition, work group members
personally contacted many people in the area to elicit their views. Appendix III is a compilation
of the results of these focus group sessions, which were then used to design a broader survey for
mailing to all residents.
In November 2006, a detailed property-owner survey was conducted by mail. The response to
this survey was 40.2%, an unusually high return for a survey of this type. A summary report was
issued on February 15, 2007 and Appendix IV is a copy of that report.
As the process was proceeding, TNCA communicated the results to all property owners through
its newsletters. The first, in the summer of 2006, outlined the essential elements of an area plan,
described the process that would be followed to develop the plan and introduced the work group
and its members. Appendix V is a copy of that newsletter. Once the survey was completed,
TNCA issued a second newsletter which provided a further update to all property owners and
summarized the results of the survey. Appendix VI is a copy of that newsletter. Once the draft
Plan had been written another newsletter was issued, in the summer of 2007, to describe the
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highlights of the plan and direct residents to the Town’s web site to read the full version of the
plan and record their comments. Appendix VII is a copy of that newsletter.
The work group also conducted a series of interviews and discussions with members of various
Town Departments and other groups that impact the Tom Nevers Area. The purpose of these
meetings was to gather information about ideas and recommendations that came to light during
the focus group sessions. For example, a strong interest was expressed in several of the focus
groups to extend NRTA bus service down Tom Nevers Road. This concept was later explored
with the NRTA director. The intent was to include, as part of this Area Plan, recommendations
that have been discussed with the responsible organizations and for which costs and/or other
potential obstacles have been identified.
Based on all of the above input, the work group then developed and refined the Greater Tom
Nevers Area Plan that follows. The numbered sections have been structured to conform to the
elements of the master plan outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 41, Section 81d. When approved by the
Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, it is intended that this Tom
Nevers Area Plan become an integral part of the overall Nantucket Master Plan and be used to
guide the Town’s planning agencies.
Equally important, this Area Plan will also provide the Greater Tom Nevers Area itself with an
agreed-upon, neighborhood-wide road map for ongoing improvements and continued sound
decision-making.
The Tom Nevers Civic Association has been charged with following-up on the implementation
of the recommendations contained in this Area Plan.
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The Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan –
1. Goals & Objectives
A. OVERVIEW
The Greater Tom Nevers Area holds a unique position in the Island’s history and state of
current development. Almost totally undeveloped until the 1970s, the Greater Tom Nevers
Area is now home to nearly 600 families—with their private houses nestled into a naturalistic
countryside preserve. More than 67-percent of the Greater Tom Nevers Area is under
conservation or government ownership. No other neighborhood on the Island has such a high
percentage of its land under conservation protection.
The entire Greater Tom Nevers Area is characterized by its naturalistic setting—with vast
areas of dense foliage teeming with wildlife, open grasslands marked with unique geological
features and rare plant species, and more than 5 ½ miles of open beaches. With the exception
of two Town-owned roads, all the roads in the Greater Tom Nevers area are private abutter’s
ways. The area has no commercial development, but it does boast one of the Island’s largest
recreational areas—Tom Nevers Field.
Historically, the Greater Tom Nevers Area was the Island’s most prized territory—home to
Sachem Wanackmamack and the Island’s Wampanoag Indian leadership. Sited at the highest
point on the Atlantic south shore, Tom Nevers Head boasted commanding views of the rising
and setting sun, uncommonly fertile soil, sweet fresh water springs and ponds, and an
abundance of sea life along its broad shoreline and migrating birds in its highlands. So
important did the Wampanoag consider this territory that they refused to sell any land rights
in it to the English until 1741—a full 82 years after the English settlers first came to the
Island and began their land acquisitions. In fact, it was the very last area of the Island
surrendered-for-sale by the native population.
Based on this and a series of other fortuitous historical factors, including the leasing of the
entire area by the U.S. Navy during World War II, no significant real estate development
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occurred in the Greater Tom Nevers area until the early 1970s—far later than in most other
sections of the Island. And even then, strict building standards were included in all new
deeds to assure a rural setting with low building density, well before the Historic District was
expanded to cover the whole Island.
In 1972, when zoning was passed into law for Nantucket, the entire Tom Nevers Area was
zoned Limited Use General–3 (LUG-3) -- which requires a minimum lot size of 120,000
square feet, or approximately 2.75 acres (this is commonly referred to “3 acre zoning”, even
though it is less than a full 3 acres). At the time this zoning was implemented in the Greater
Tom Nevers Area, there existed a number of smaller non-conforming lots, resulting from
subdivisions created in the early part of the 20th century. These smaller non-conforming lots
were “grandfathered” in.
By 1982, fewer than 110 homes existed in the entire Greater Tom Nevers Area—all but 4 of
them to the east or south of Tom Nevers Road. Since then, more than 450 homes have been
added—all with 3-acre zoning. And today, very few privately-owned building lots remain
available for development.
The housing stock in the Greater Tom Nevers Area ranges from modest vacation cottages
nestled in the scrub oak to grand oceanfront summer homes. But more than 70-percent are 3-
to-4 bedroom family homes. Only 14-percent of the developed residential properties have
secondary dwelling units, and nearly 2-out-of-3 of these are garages with guest facilities.
In 2005, an estimated 30-percent of the property owners in the Greater Tom Nevers Area
were year-round residents, many with children at home.
In a recent annual survey, residents of the Greater Tom Nevers Area cited these factors as the
things they “liked best” about the Tom Nevers Area – “Its peace, quiet, and privacy” (76.3%)
… “Its country setting” (28.8%) … “Its open vistas” (25.4%) …”Its friendly neighbors”
(23.8%).
In summary, the Greater Tom Nevers area can best be described as… “A unique, family-
oriented countryside preserve, away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the Island.”
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B. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In its current state of development, the Greater Tom Nevers Area should be considered “an
extremely successful neighborhood”—one that its residents like as it exists today. Continuing
to meet their needs, preferences, and aspirations is our principal challenge in this Area Plan.
In the January, 2007 property-owner survey, a combined 98.4 % of the respondents agreed
that they “love the Greater Tom Nevers area as it exists today”, strongly indicating that major
changes are not desired. All five sub-neighborhoods share this overwhelmingly positive
view, as do all categories of property owners – year-rounders, seasonal residents and
property owners who live elsewhere. It is strongly recommended that heavy and ongoing
emphasis should be given to protecting and preserving those elements that residents consider
to be the area’s principal assets—its open vistas…peace, quiet and privacy…and its country
setting as evidenced by our survey.
2. Land Use
A. OVERVIEW
The Greater Tom Nevers Area is composed of approximately 3,047 acres—of which
2,048 acres (or 67.2 %) are owned by various conservation agencies or the Town of
Nantucket. The remaining 33.8 % of the land is divided into 596 privately-owned
properties with valid owner addresses. The entire area is zoned Limited Use General-3
(LUG-3), which requires a minimum lot size of 120,000 sq. ft. and permits a cover ratio
of 3%, and is classified as part of the “country” zone of the island. (Please see Code of
the Town of Nantucket, Chapter 139 for a full description of Nantucket zoning.)
Approximately 85 % of the privately-owned properties have at least one dwelling unit on
them and about 1-in-7 of these have secondary dwellings, which are permitted in the
LUG-3 areas. Some acreage was subdivided before the zoning bylaws were enacted, so
there are a number of non-conforming lots which do not meet the minimum lot size.
These lots are “grandfathered” under Massachusetts General Law with respect to size, but
must conform to all other zoning requirements. There are no commercial enterprises in
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the area, although a few residents conduct a “home occupation” from their residences,
subject to the limitations contained in the Town bylaws. Approximately 31% of the
residents live here throughout the year, 61% are seasonal residents (many of whom live
here for six months each year) and 8% are “absentee-owners” who own property here but
live elsewhere. In short, Tom Nevers is a residential area with vast expanses of
conservation land and a mix of year-round and seasonal residents—all of whom prize the
area’s country setting, open vistas, and peace and quiet. 98.4% of the property-owners in
the area say that they love the area as it exists today and all five of Tom Nevers’ sub-
neighborhoods share this overwhelmingly positive view, as do all categories of property
owners – year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
B. FUTURE GROWTH
Over the course of the next 10 to 15 years, 75% of the residents in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area expect the area to approach full “build out”, with almost all available
building lots developed and with larger homes beginning to replace small older cottages.
60% of the residents believe that the area will become over-developed unless further
restrictions are placed on the addition of secondary dwellings, although there is a general
concern about the lack of affordable housing for working families.
C. PAPER ROADS
A majority of the residents support the idea of reviewing all the paper roads in the area
and retaining those that have a clear public benefit, such as access to the beaches and the
retention of roads for access in the event of fire. They also support the idea of disposing
of those roads that do not have a public benefit, so that the land can be returned to the tax
rolls.
D. BEACH ACCESS
A majority of the residents also support the concept of maintaining access to our beaches
by any means possible. Certainly, paper roads that provide beach access should be a
major factor in preserving this access indefinitely. Covenants in deeds that provide access
for the public—and properties owned by the Town of Nantucket or by various
conservation organizations—must also be part of the overall planning for beach access. A
comprehensive plan that includes all of these access possibilities should be developed for
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the area to insure that adequate access is preserved to all beach areas. These access
points, wherever possible, should be spread out along the entire stretch of beach in the
Tom Nevers Area. In addition, these access points must be clearly marked and any
attempt by adjoining neighbors to encroach on the access paths or limit public use of
these paths should be dealt with promptly by the appropriate Town enforcement agencies.
E. ZONING CHANGES
This subject is a difficult one because of the potential long-term impact that any zoning
change can have on the area. The desire to keep the Greater Tom Nevers Area as it is
now—as expressed overwhelming by the area’s residents—stands in sharp conflict with
the financial and sociological benefits that could accrue from zoning changes to create
smaller lots. This conflict has existed for some time and will undoubtedly continue as
long as property values remain high. Indeed, it is an island-wide problem. Nevertheless,
the recommendations contained in this section represent the will of the vast majority of
the area’s current residents.
In the January 2007 property-owners survey, 82.5% of all Tom Nevers residents said they
do not support changing the zoning in Tom Nevers West from LUG-3 to LUG-1 (40,000
sq. ft minimum size)—with only 10.3 % supporting the idea. Within Tom Nevers West,
only 23.1% said they support the down-zoning concept—while the remainder do not. On
a broader basis, 86.6% of all Tom Nevers residents believe that any down-zoning in Tom
Nevers West will have a ripple effect on the rest of the Greater Tom Nevers Area. These
findings are quite decisive and therefore should be reflected in the final Greater Tom
Nevers Area Plan. But in the future, if there is any significant change in the area’s
property-ownership composition, or if evolving economic or social events dictate, then an
updated survey should be conducted and the Area Plan modified accordingly.
F. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The overwhelming desire of the current residents of the Greater Tom Nevers area is
to keep the area as it is now. Therefore, no immediate actions should be taken that
would cause major changes to the area at this time.
2. The current LUG-3 zoning should not be changed.
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3. Existing paper roads should be reviewed as part of a comprehensive planning process
and those that have a clear public benefit, such as providing access to the beaches or
providing for fire protection, should be retained. The remaining roads should be
returned to the tax rolls after appropriate action by Town Meeting.
3. Housing
A. OVERVIEW
Like much of the Island, the Greater Tom Nevers Area has seen significant development in
recent years. But unlike many other areas, this growth has occurred over a long period of
time—through the gradual addition of custom-built homes, rather than from subdivisions
containing many homes. Widely-spaced single-family homes characterize the area. There are
no condo complexes or multi-unit rental properties in Tom Nevers. And while the housing
stock ranges from modest vacation cottages to grand oceanfront summer homes, more than
70% are 3-to-4 bedroom family homes.
The vast majority of the existing private lots in the Greater Tom Nevers Area have at least
one structure on them now and there are no large tracts in private ownership that could be
subdivided. Therefore, the potential for future growth lies mainly in the addition of
secondary dwellings and the enlargement of existing dwellings. There is an overall concern
about the lack of affordable homes for middle class working families, but there is no clear
solution to this economic problem. A public/private co-operative effort, similar to that
undertaken for the school employees, appears to offer the best hope at his point. The
residents feel, however, that this type of effort is best undertaken in less-remote parts of the
Island. If a financial incentive, such as a tax credit, could be developed for those willing to
rent a secondary dwelling to individuals with designated critical skills, then the problem may
be eased, but not solved. Home ownership should be our overall goal.
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B. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In the 2007 property-owner survey, 63.4 % of the respondants do not feel that we need more
affordable housing - that the Tom Nevers Area is already providing its “fair share” of
affordable housing for the Island, particularly when contrasted with other neighborhoods that
have yet to begin. There is, however, support for gradually adding more individual
“affordable housing” units, provided that they are interspersed among existing lots, and
particularly if they are built by Habitat for Humanity. In addition, there is little support for
creating an “affordable housing” complex with multiple units in the same area.
According to the Nantucket Housing Authority, there are currently at least 7 homes in the
Tom Nevers Area that officially qualify as “affordable housing”, either as owned homes,
rental units or those included in the housing rehab program. It is also likely that a number of
individual property-owners in the Greater Tom Nevers Area rent units to individuals and
families who work on Nantucket. In addition, there is an undeveloped 17-acre parcel adjacent
to Tom Nevers Field that is owned by the Housing Authority. This property was originally
designated as a potential site for affordable housing, but several factors, in addition to costs,
have prevented implementation of that concept. Unfortunately, this parcel is located far from
Town and there is no year-round public transportation available. Even in the summer, when
there is transportation along Milestone Road, it would be a 2.5 mile walk from this site to the
nearest bus stop. A further deterrent is that the shoreline very close to this parcel is currently
subject to some of the Island’s greatest annual erosion, posing a threat to any building
project. Also, the area contains some endangered plant species. For all these reasons, this 17-
acre parcel is far from ideal for affordable housing. As such, the Housing Authority should
consider exchanging this parcel for another parcel held by one of the conservation groups—a
parcel that is nearer to Town and public transportation.
C. SECOND DWELLINGS
There is a general concern that the Tom Nevers Area may become over-developed through
the widespread addition of secondary dwelling units. In fact, 59.7% of the residents believe
that in order to preclude over-development in Tom Nevers, further restrictions should be
placed on the addition of secondary dwellings, while 23.8% believe that no further
restrictions are necessary. The large majority of property owners in TN South, TN East and
TN West share this concern about secondary dwellings potentially causing over-
development. Property owners on Tom Nevers Road and in Madequecham West indicated a
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far lesser concern…but they still outnumber those who are not concerned in their sub-
neighborhoods. Although no consensus has emerged on how to fairly limit secondary
dwellings, there was support for providing a financial incentive for voluntary compliance.
For example, a tax credit, a direct payment, or a charitable contribution deduction in
exchange for a restrictive covenant on the property, would be acceptable to many people. In
August 2006, a new law (HR 4) went into effect that increased the deduction a donor may
take for granting a conservation easement and that also extended the carry-forward period for
these deductions. It is possible that this change, particularly if it is extended indefinitely, will
help mitigate the growth potential of secondary dwellings in the area. Other forms of
limitation without compensation, such as a “cap”, were not supported by the residents.
D. ZONING ENFORCEMENT
A solid majority of the residents, 57.2%, believe that there is a growing problem with
negligent absentee-landlords who buy area properties for employee housing or rental income
and then allow these properties to deteriorate and become “eyesores”. There are several
employee housing properties in TN East and TN West where the tenants have left many cars,
motorbikes and even appliances in the yards. Trash has been strewn about and the lawns have
not been maintained.(There is a corollary problem, with some property owners running
disruptive private businesses, such as landscaping businesses, from their homes and storing
equipment and supplies in the yards) While the Town does have a mechanism to enforce the
zoning bylaws, this process is not well-understood by most residents.
E. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Most residents believe the Tom Nevers area will achieve near full “build-out” in the
next 10 – 15 years and that over-development will occur without further restrictions
on secondary dwelling units. As such, there is support to limit the development of
secondary dwellings through the use of financial incentives.
2. The Tom Nevers Area has successfully integrated some “affordable housing” into its
neighborhoods and there is some support for adding more “affordable housing” units,
provided that they are interspersed among existing lots.
3. In order to preserve the quality of the neighborhood, the existing zoning bylaws need
to be enforced, with feedback given to those who have filed complaints.
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4. Economic Development
A. OVERVIEW
The discussions relating to economic development in the Greater Tom Nevers Area were
limited, because no commercial retail, manufacturing or service industry businesses
operate in the area today—and because there was no desire among Tom Nevers property-
owners to create even a small area where commercial businesses could be established. The
entire Greater Tom Nevers Area is a residential area and the residents want to keep it that
way.
In an earlier study designed to recommend potential uses for the old Navy Base (now Tom
Nevers Field), there was a recommendation to build a community center and to include
space for a small convenience store. The economics for running a small store—open only
a few months of the year and at the end of what is essentially a dead end street—would
make it difficult for such an effort to succeed.
B. SMALL HOME-BASED BUSINESSES
There is general support for accommodating small home-based businesses, provided they
do not disturb the neighborhood with disruptions to the peace, beauty and tranquility we
all prize. Many year-round and seasonal property-owners in the Greater Tom Nevers Area
are self-employed and operate out of their homes. Most are good neighbors. But a few are
proving disruptive—contributing noise, odors, extra traffic and visual “eye-pollution”
from trucks, large construction equipment and associated materials, and storage of
miscellaneous items. As businesses grow, they outgrow the residential setting and should
be moved to commercially-zoned areas. Industrial-type uses are incompatible with any
residential areas. It is also possible that some home-based businesses are not in compliance
with existing zoning bylaws or health regulations. As noted in the “Housing Section”
(under “Zoning Enforcement”)—this is a serious problem which needs to be addressed if
the Tom Nevers Area is to remain as the vast majority of the residents want it to be.
C. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Greater Tom Nevers Area should protect its position in the country overlay district as
a residentially-zoned area which does not permit commercial-scale retail, manufacturing or
service industry businesses. While property-owners are open to self-employed residents
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operating small home-based businesses, steps should be taken to assure that these
businesses do not become disruptive or compromise the residential nature of the Tom
Nevers Area. Occasionally, some homes have been purchased for use as employee
housing, but the number of people residing in these dwellings do not comply, in some
instances, with Town bylaws. Similarly, home-based business such as camps, day care
centers and cooking or food smoking operations exist in the area and their compliance with
existing bylaws needs to be verified.
Therefore, it is recommended that—
1. A brochure be prepared that defines, in practical form, some of the regulations and
standards contained in existing Town bylaws. This information could serve to aid
those who are contemplating beginning a home-based business, and could also serve
as a reference for neighbors with existing home-based businesses. For example,
Chapter 139 of the Code of the Town of Nantucket permits home
occupations…”provided that excessive noise, traffic, odor…..are avoided.” The
proposed brochure would contain examples of what constitutes excessive noise,
traffic or odors, rather than leave the interpretation of those terms to each individual.
2. If a special zoning variance is granted to permit a home occupation that would not
normally be permitted, a covenant should be established that requires the owner to
restore the property to non-commercial status if the business is closed.
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5. Natural and Cultural Resources
A. OVERVIEW
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Nantucket Land Bank own vast
tracts of land in the Tom Nevers Area, which contribute greatly to the sense of open space
and natural vegetation. For the sake of clarity, recommendations pertaining to these
organizations will be contained in this section, while recommendations for the beaches and
Tom Nevers Field will be addressed in Section 6 – “Open Space and Recreation.”
B. NCF PROPERTIES
Consistent with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s stated mission of—“Conserving,
maintaining, and managing its natural areas and habitats…and encouraging an appreciation
and interest in the Island’s natural resources” … and also consistent with the NCF’s oft-
stated goal of making their properties more accessible to the public — the residents of the
Greater Tom Nevers Area strongly recommend that the NCF make a number of
enhancements to their Tom Nevers properties. Combined, these enhancements would make
the NCF properties in Tom Nevers more accessible to the public, reduce the danger of brush
fires, and restore more of the rare sand plain grasslands.
Specifically, we would encourage the NCF to open up a series of walking paths, horse trails
and bike paths. And where feasible, to add some small unpaved parking areas, so that visitors
could park near the start of these trails. Sanford Farm and Ram’s Pasture are excellent
examples of the type of natural property, with limited parking, that we would like to
encourage. In addition to the trails and parking areas, we would also like to suggest a
program of selective cutting and controlled burning of invasive species like scrub oak, which
is fast overtaking the rare sand plain grasslands in our area. The work done by the NCF on
the north side of Milestone Road, commonly known as the “Serengeti”, is a wonderful model
that we would like to see expanded to the south side of Milestone Road. In addition to
opening up broad vistas, brush cutting would reduce the fire danger in the area. The residents
of Tom Nevers West and Wigwam Road are particularly concerned about the danger of fire,
because dense underbrush in the conservation lands comes very close to their homes.
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At the far eastern end of the Tom Nevers Area, the NCF properties include the land adjacent
to Tom Nevers Pond and also an old dirt road, now overgrown, that goes from Milestone
Road to the Pond. We think brush cutting that road to reopen it up would provide an
additional source of water for firefighting and add to the options the Fire Department now
has to refill their tankers.
C. LAND BANK PROPERTIES
The Land Bank properties are not as extensive in our area as the NCF properties, but several
are strategically placed to provide access to the beaches and the ocean. Two of these
properties, Tom Nevers Beach and Madequecham Beach, are accessible to the public and
have parking areas. The property at Tom Nevers Head has not been accessible to the general
public because there is no space for parking. However, we would like to suggest that a
walking path be cut through to the beach so that residents in the immediate vicinity can have
an easier access to the beach. In addition, we encourage the Land Bank to install signs near
the beach that identify their property and list the appropriate uses for that property.
D. DEER HERD AND LYME DISEASE
There is an almost universal concern about the incidence of Lyme’s Disease in the area and
about the size of the deer herd. Almost 65% of the residents support the idea of actively
encouraging deer hunting in the conservation lands in Tom Nevers. And more than half of
the residents also support the idea of qualified bow hunters being invited to hunt on private
property. But since more than a third of the residents do not support this idea—particularly
those who live along Tom Nevers Road—the decision to authorize deer hunting on private
property should be left to the individual property-owner. If the NCF begins to clear some of
the invasive species south of Milestone Road, this may help to control the size of the deer
herd in the area.
E. CULTURAL RESOURCES
No historic structures exist in the Greater Tom Nevers Area. And no archeological traces
remain of the once great Sachem Wanackmamack. A shallow, overgrown gully is the only
reminder that the Nantucket Railroad once crossed over our lands.
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F. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The NCF should be encouraged to develop a plan for its properties in the Tom Nevers
Area that includes the clearing of walking paths, horse trails and bicycle paths. Limited
unpaved parking areas should be created to enable residents, other than those in the
immediate neighborhood, to come and enjoy the open spaces. A program of brush cutting
and controlled burns should be instituted to gradually reduce the dense invasive species
and reestablish the sand plain grasslands.
2. The Land Bank should be encouraged to establish a walking path from Tom Nevers Head
to the beach for the use of local residents. Signs should be erected and other markers
installed to insure that public access to the beaches over Land Bank and NCF properties
is maintained.
3. Deer hunting should be encouraged, where permitted, in order to reduce the size of the
herd in the area.
6. Open Space and Recreation
A. OVERVIEW
The Tom Nevers Area has two outstanding recreational assets—more than five miles of
beaches…and Tom Nevers Field, with approximately 19 acres of Town-owned land that is
used primarily for family recreation. The Field has a baseball diamond, a softball field, picnic
tables and grills, a children’s playground and permanent restroom facilities. Two open areas
are used for a variety of community events—ranging from the VFW carnival, to the
demolition derby, the Atheneum-sponsored Circus Flora, and the Island Fair. During warm
weather, the Field is host to many families and groups who use its amenities, while during
the cold weather, hardy individuals and their dogs enjoy the harsh winds, pounding surf,
deserted roads and beaches.
B. TOM NEVERS FIELD
The Nantucket Parks and Recreation Commission administers the Field on behalf of the
Town and is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of its facilities. Any request
for use of the Field must be approved by the Commission, as well as a number of other Town
19
departments, before the Board of Selectmen grant final approval. The Commission and the
Director of Parks and Recreation have gone out of their way to insure that any application for
use of the Field will not disturb those who live in the area, due to excessive crowds, noise,
traffic or any other unusual disturbance. Over the last decade, guidelines have been
developed by the Tom Nevers Civic Association and the Commission that establish
minimum criteria for one-time events at the Field. Adherence to these guidelines has led to a
number of excellent events at the Field and little or no problems with the residents. In fact,
every year the Tom Nevers neighborhood volunteers to collect entrance fees and park cars
for the Park and Recreation Commission’s Island Fair in September. Appendix VII is a copy
of those guidelines.
A number of things can be done to improve Tom Nevers Field still further. The residents
strongly support the removal of the concrete remains that erosion has caused to fall from the
bluff to the beach. The concrete and its exposed rebar represent a hazard to children and
animals and should be broken up and removed. In addition, the large numbers of old tires that
were once used to define a go-cart track should be removed also. Because Waste Options
charges a fee to dispose of old tires, the area has become a dumping ground for old tires that
people are too lazy or too cheap to take to the landfill. By removing the tires completely, it is
hoped that the area will not be a dumping ground in the future. We believe this destructive
behavior would be curtailed if the Town, or the Park and Recreation Commission, posted
signs warning dumpers of severe fines and possible loss of licenses.
A vast majority of the residents – 84.5% - believe that Tom Nevers Field is such an important
asset to the Island that a long-range plan should be developed to guide its future
improvements. Such a plan was developed shortly after the GSA sold the old Navy Base
property to the Town, but it has not been updated since then. Once the plan has been
completed and approved, we think the necessary funding for the improvements should be
brought before Town Meeting. It was also suggested that a portion of the revenue raised at
some of the events at the field should be used to fund ongoing improvements at the Field.
The residents support the efforts of the Parks and Recreation Commission to institute fees for
the use of the Field for major events. However, special events at the Field should not be
allowed to become so numerous that they usurp the major purpose of the Field – passive
family recreation.
20
Tom Nevers Field has been designated as the alternate site for the discharge of treated water
from the ‘Sconset wastewater treatment plant. However, the beach in front of the current
discharge beds is accreting while the beach area in front Tom Nevers Field is eroding.
Therefore, it is unlikely that this alternative plan will be used in the foreseeable future
C. BEACHES
The pristine beaches and open ocean vistas are some of the most attractive aspects of the
Tom Nevers Area. Erosion has become a major problem along this stretch of our coastline
for the last 20 or so years, with an average of 15-feet being lost each year in some places.
This erosion of the bluffs has made it difficult to access the beach from the vicinity of Tom
Nevers Field and people trying to reach the beach frequently contribute to the destruction of
the bluff by walking or jumping though the gullies. We recommend that removable steps be
installed from the Field to the beach to promote both the use of the beach and to protect the
bluff from additional erosion caused by pedestrian traffic. These steps can be drawn up on
the bluff during the off-season or before major storms. It is possible that private funding may
be available to pay for the steps. As noted in the preceding section, beach access also needs
to be improved near Tom Nevers Head.
D. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A long-range plan for improvements at Tom Nevers Field should be developed that
retains the family-oriented focus on passive recreation.
2. The Parks and Recreation Commission should continue to limit the number of large
events permitted at the Field so that use by the general public is not curtailed and the
nearby residents are not disturbed.
3. Removable steps should be installed at Tom Nevers Field to provide safer and easier
access to the beach and to avoid further breakdown of the banks by pedestrian traffic.
4. The concrete and rebar debris on the beach and the tires at the defunct go-cart rack
should be removed from Tom Nevers Field.
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7. Services and Facilities
A. OVERVIEW
The Greater Tom Nevers Area is entirely contained in the Country Overlay District of
Nantucket, the purpose of which is to “to discourage development and preserve areas
characterized by traditional and historic rural land use patterns.” 1 There is no postal delivery
in the area; all residents get their mail at one of the post offices on the island. The main
electric, telephone and cable TV service feeds come from Milestone Road down Tom Nevers
Road, with these utility lines running above ground on poles. Distribution of these services to
properties on either side of Tom Nevers Road is underground—so that, with the exception of
Tom Nevers Road, there are no telephone poles in the area. All fresh drinking water in the
area comes from individual wells on each property and there are no plans to bring water
mains to the area. The sewer system does not serve Tom Nevers and the Comprehensive
Wastewater Management Plan said that “Conventional Title 5 septic systems are the
recommended long-term wastewater disposal solution for this area”.2 The Tom Nevers area
is not considered a “needs” area with respect to wastewater management planning. With the
exception of Tom Nevers Road, all roads in the area are private, and most are abutter’s ways.
Tom Nevers Road is paved and maintained by the Town. The roads in Tom Nevers East are
paved and maintained by the Property Owners Association of Tom Nevers East, Inc.
(P.O.A.T.N.E.). But most of the remainder of the roads in the Greater Tom Nevers Area are
unpaved, with maintenance left to the individual residents who live on them.
Tom Nevers East is unique in that the original developer installed paved roads and required
buyers to create a property-owners association (P.O.A.T.N.E.) to maintain them. Each deed
in Tom Nevers East contains a covenant that requires the owner to belong to the property-
owners association and pay annual dues for the maintenance of their roads. This system has
worked very well for more than 30 years.
Other sub-neighborhoods in the Tom Nevers Area would like to have a similar system for
maintaining their roads, but it has proven difficult, if not impossible, to get all property
owners to agree to establish such an association with the attendant deed covenants. What has
evolved is a loose confederation of property owners on a given street contributing to the
maintenance of that street. Unfortunately, not all owners contribute and other people in the
1 Code of the Town of Nantucket, Chapter 139 12(F)2 2 Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report, Vol.. I, page 1-17 Earth
Tech, Inc., 196 Baker Avenue, Concord, Massachusetts 01742-2167, September 2003
22
general area tend to use those roads that are well-maintained, leading to some bad feelings.
There are no sidewalks or bicycle paths in the Greater Tom Nevers Area and pedestrians
walk on the side of the road.
Fire protection is provided by the Nantucket Fire Department, with stations in Siasconset and
mid-Island. Water is brought to a fire scene by truck, with refills obtained from two special
wells in Tom Nevers East (which were installed by the property-owners association) and
from Tom Nevers Pond, the closest source of large amounts of fresh water. Fire insurance
rates are lower in some parts of Tom Nevers East, if those properties are in close proximity to
Tom Nevers Pond and the wells that were installed.
B. FIRE PROTECTION
Fire protection is a major concern for area residents. There are no fire hydrants in the area, as
there is no public water supply. In the event of a fire, the Fire Department has to respond
with equipment from the main fire station on Pleasant Street and possibly from ‘Sconset.
Tanker trucks must bring water with them and then shuttle back and forth to the nearest water
supply to replenish their supply of water. Tom Nevers Pond is the nearest large supply of
water to the area and the Fire Department and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation
maintain access to the Pond for the fire equipment. In addition, wells have been installed in
Tom Nevers East that can be used to re-supply the trucks.
Almost all residents in the Tom Nevers Area pay higher fire insurance premiums because
their homes are not located within a specified distance—usually 1,000 feet, of a hydrant or
water supply. Two possible plans to provide more water supplies for fire fighting have been
discussed. The first is to drill more shallow wells that could be used to provide water to fight
fires. These wells must have a sufficient flow of water near the surface because the pumps on
the tanker trucks cannot draw up a supply from a deep well. The second possibility is to bury
large tanks around the area and fill them with water that could be drawn out by the Fire
Department when an emergency occurs. Both options would have to be paid for and
maintained by the homeowners in the area.
Clearing of brush and the creation of fire lanes in conservation properties adjacent to homes
are other preventative measures that can and should be taken. Some homeowners and
landscapers have been known to dump brush and other cuttings adjacent to occupied areas
23
thereby increasing the fuel supply in the event of a fire. Every effort should be made to
prevent this type of dumping.
C. DIRT ROADS
Poor maintenance of dirt roads remains one of the greatest challenges in the area, not only for
the residents but also for emergency and delivery vehicles. Some people believe that poorly-
maintained roads discourage traffic and slow cars that do travel the road, while others are
concerned about emergency vehicle access and the wear-and-tear on their vehicles. There is
no clear support among residents living on dirt roads for a Town ordinance requiring
maintenance, nor is there general support to form an association to maintain the roads. At
best, there are pockets of interest along some roads which can be mobilized periodically to
grade or otherwise make-passable individual roads.
D. WATER QUALITY
The Wannacomet Water Company has indicated that their studies have shown there is an
ample supply of fresh water in the aquifer beneath the Tom Nevers Area. Although an ample
supply of water exists, most wells are shallow wells (50-feet or less) and therefore the threat
from contamination from surface sources remains, even though the deeper strata of water
remain pure. The residents support three initiatives to protect the purity of our drinking
water. First, more than 86% favor the exclusive use of non-contaminating lawn and garden
chemicals in the area. Second, 76% support encouraging property owners to have their septic
systems pumped out at least once every three years. Finally, a large number of residents
support the idea of regularly monitoring the quality of the water at shallow depths beneath
our area. The Director of the University of Massachusetts Field Station has agreed to provide
technical support for this monitoring effort.
E. OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES
The overhead pole line for all utilities serving the most populated areas in Tom Nevers
(excluding Wigwam and Madequecham) runs down the east side of Tom Nevers Road—the
same side chosen for the projected paved bicycle path (please see “Section 8 – Circulation”).
When that path is constructed, a large number of residents support the idea of placing those
utility lines underground and therefore eliminating the remaining telephone poles in the area.
24
Massachusetts General Law provides that the utility companies involved would pay for all or
part of the cost of relocating these facilities under these circumstances.3
F. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Those portions of the area that have dirt roads will be encouraged to form informal
groups to address road maintenance. Communication and education, including the cost of
regular grading if done for a large area, will be the prime means of forming these groups.
2. Information about non-contaminating lawn and garden chemicals should to be collected
and communicated to the area residents and landscapers.
3. Information about the benefits of regular septic pump outs should be gathered and
distributed to the property owners.
4. A program to systematically sample and analyze water samples from a number of
locations in the area should be instituted.
5. When the bicycle path is constructed, all the utilities along Tom Nevers Road should be
placed underground.
6. Additional supplies of water for fire fighting, such as wells or buried storage tanks,
should be investigated under the guidance of the Nantucket Fire Department.
8. Circulation
A. OVERVIEW
Because the Tom Nevers Area is several miles from Town and the mid-Island retail stores,
virtually all trips are made using personal vehicles. Traffic on Tom Nevers Road becomes
very heavy during the warm weather months not only from use by residents but also from
cars going to the Tom Nevers Field for recreation or events. The intersection of Tom
Nevers Road and Milestone Road has become increasingly congested and the NRTA bus
stop at that location and the bike path crossing add to the activity at this intersection. The
residents generally support improving the intersection to make it safer, but a clear concept
for improvement has not yet emerged, nor has the question of funding for such a change
3 M.G.L. Ch. 81, Sect 7 G
25
been addressed. There is support for creating a small park-and-ride lot near the intersection,
but there does not appear to be a suitable location that would not create additional traffic
problems near the intersection. Noise created by aircraft flying over the area is a constant
problem, particularly during the early morning hours. The Tom Nevers neighborhood has
consistently registered a significant number of noise complaints with the airport
administration, and residents from the area are members of the Noise Advisory Committee
that provides advice and recommendations about aircraft noise to the Nantucket Memorial
Airport Commission. Aircraft noise is a problem that can never be eliminated, but it can be
minimized.
B. AIRCRAFT NOISE
The F.A.A. has complete jurisdiction over the airspace above the island. Its overarching
concern is for the safety of aircraft and passengers, not the reduction of aircraft noise. Wind,
weather and traffic volumes dictate which runways will be used, how aircraft will approach
the runways and which direction planes will fly when they take off. Voluntary noise
abatement routes have been established, but adherence to those routes is not always possible
or desirable. The most effective action is to first increase resident awareness about airport
operations, so that they can differentiate between flights that have no option over which route
they take and those that could fly a different, less noisy route.
C. BICYCLE PATH
More than 75% of the residents support building a paved bike path from Milestone Road
down Tom Nevers Road to Tom Nevers Field. If built, the path would divert bicycle and
pedestrian traffic from a high-speed road with heavy vehicular traffic at certain times of the
year—and thereby reduce the risk of a serious or fatal accidents. Such a path has been
included in the overall Nantucket plan for bicycle paths and the cost has been estimated. In
January, 2007, construction costs for a hard-paved bicycle path were estimated at $250 per
linear foot. The entire length of the path would be 11,700 linear feet, yielding a projected
total cost, in 2007 dollars, of $2,923,000. This project is currently ranked 21 of 23 projects
on the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission’s (NP&EDC) priority
list, with lack of funding, the need to acquire easements from property owners and the
presence of endangered species in the area as the main factors contributing to the low
priority. Long-range plans have construction of the path scheduled between 2026 and 2030.
To provide some relief in the interim, an unpaved bike path through the NCF land along the
26
West side of Tom Nevers West should be considered. Although an unpaved path would not
attract as many users as a paved path, it would help to divert some of the pedestrian/bike
traffic from Tom Nevers Road and it would allow additional access to the NCF properties.
Many residents are not satisfied with the Town’s prioritization of the proposed bike path and
would like to see it undertaken sooner than the current plan.
D. BUS SERVICE
Many residents would like to see the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) extend
its bus line down Tom Nevers Road during the season. This would reduce, for many
residents, the near-to-total dependence on cars for travel to Siasconset, mid-Island and Town.
It would also reduce the pedestrian traffic along Tom Nevers Road, as people now have to
walk to and from the current bus stop at the corner of Milestone Road and Tom Nevers Road.
The Administrator of NRTA has estimated that, in 2007 dollars, it would cost about
$123,000 to provide service from mid May through the first week in October from 7 AM to
11:30 PM. and new equipment would have to be added to the fleet. Funding for the new
equipment has been requested from the State but it will not be known until later in 2007
whether the request has been approved. Additional obstacles will have to be overcome before
a new Tom Nevers route could be established, but service to the area is high on NRTA’s
priority list and may be realized within the next few years.
Consideration should also be given to relocating the N.R.T.A. bus stop at the corner of
Milestone and Tom Nevers roads to the top of Bean hill, the small hill to the East of the
intersection. This would give drivers inbound from ‘Sconset to town greater visibility and
permit them to see passengers crossing Milestone road.
E. PARK-AND- RIDE
There has been considerable discussion about creating a park-and-ride lot near the
intersection of Tom Nevers Road and Milestone Road. Such a lot would enable residents of
the area to drive to the NRTA stop (some from more than two miles away) and take public
transportation into Town. If walking trails are created in the NCF property, this lot could also
serve those who would like to hike in the area. The only land suitable for such a lot is on
NCF property on either side of Tom Nevers Road. Unfortunately, access to such a lot from
Tom Nevers Road would create an additional hazard of an entrance/exit near the intersection
27
of Milestone Road. This would increase congestion at the intersection and, depending on the
location of the lot, create the potential for an accident near the intersection. If the entire
intersection is reconfigured at some point in the future, then creation of a park and ride lot
adjacent to the NRTA stop should be considered.
F. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Greater Tom Nevers Area should continue to supply representatives to the Noise
Advisory Committee of the Airport Commission. Every effort should be made to educate
people about flight patterns, runway use and weather conditions, so that they can
understand when noise abatement routes can be flown.
2. The Town should be urged to move the Tom Nevers bike path up in its priority list.
Consideration should be given to undertaking the project in two parts—from Milestone
Road to Old Tom Nevers Road…and from Old Tom Nevers Road to Tom Nevers Field.
This would spread out the cost of the project, while providing some immediate relief to
the pedestrian/bike/vehicle congestion on the upper part of Tom Nevers Road.
3. Every effort should be made to obtain the necessary funds for NRTA to create a route
down Tom Nevers Road. Such an expansion is at the top of their priority list; all that is
lacking is the necessary State and Town funds.
9. IMPLEMENTATION
OVERVIEW
Implementation of many of the recommendations contained in this Area Plan will depend
on the approval and support of a number of private and governmental agencies. In
addition, some recommendations will require additional funding, which may involve a
separate approval process—for example, approval by Town Meeting. In short, the most
28
significant obstacle that will hinder the implementation of these recommendations is the
response -- “We think that’s a great idea, but we don’t have the money to do it now.”
Nevertheless, it is important to move forward with implementation even if the final steps
may take many years to complete.
To insure that the Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan is not placed on a shelf and forgotten,
the Board of the Tom Nevers Civic Association, Inc. has agreed to coordinate the
oversight of the implementation efforts on an ongoing basis. In most cases, small
committees will be formed to carry out the implementation steps in each area; and the
Association newsletter will be used both to solicit volunteers and to report on progress—
as well as to provide ongoing information to Tom Nevers Area residents on how they can
personally contribute to the Plan’s successful accomplishment (e.g. – the use of non-
contaminating lawn chemicals, fire safety, zoning compliance, etc.).
The following sections detail the initial action steps to be taken to implement the key
“Recommendations”—as reported in the “Conclusions and Recommendations” at the end
of each of the preceding Plan Sections. (While not included here because of their far
broader and more generalized application, the “Conclusions”—as reported in the above
“Conclusions and Recommendations” sections—will guide ongoing decisions, policies
and priorities at the local area level.)
1. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
“Heavy and ongoing emphasis should be given to protecting and preserving those
elements that residents consider to be the area’s principal assets—it open vistas…peace,
quiet and privacy…and its country setting”
Action Step—
Evaluate all current and planned initiatives impacting the Greater Tom
Nevers Area against the above criteria and provide or withhold support
accordingly.
29
2. LAND USE
Paper Roads - “Existing paper roads should be reviewed as part of a comprehensive
planning process and those that have a clear public benefit, such as providing access to
the beaches or providing for fire protection, should be retained.”
Action Step—
Approach the Town Roads and Right-of-Way Committee [current Chairperson
is Allen Reinhard] to determine how best to include the Tom Nevers effort in the
Nantucket Town and County Right-of-Way Improvement Plan. Volunteer the
Tom Nevers Area as a testing ground for the Town and County Plan.
3. HOUSING
Secondary Dwellings - “There is support to limit the development of secondary
dwellings through the use of financial incentives.”
Action Steps—
Explore the concept of restricting secondary development rights on a
voluntary basis through the use of a covenant with various conservation agencies,
consistent with the 2006 ballot initiative, and determine the process to value such
a “gifted” covenant.
Gather relevant Internal Revenue Service information about deducting the
value of development rights and share the information with other interested
neighborhoods.
Zoning Enforcement - “While the Town does have a mechanism to enforce the zoning
bylaws, this process is not well-understood by most residents.”
Action Steps—
Discuss the Tom Nevers perception of the problem with responsible Town
employees to see what suggestions they have.
Investigate establishing a local “clearing house” to report and track reported
zoning violations.
30
4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Home-Based Businesses - “A set of guidelines (should) be developed and published,
which define in practical form some of the regulations and standards contained in
existing Town bylaws.”
Action Steps—
Draft guidelines that include the following home-based businesses: camps,
day care centers, cooking or food smoking operations, landscaping, and
construction.
Meet with the responsible Town employees to obtain their input and
recommendations.
Communicate these guidelines and recommendations to Tom Nevers property-
owners through the TNCA newsletter.
Review existing Town bylaws to determine if, when a special zoning variance
is granted for a business, that variance expires when the business is closed. If the
existing bylaw is unclear, prepare an article for a future Town meeting to have the
variance expire either when the business is closed or the property is sold.
5. NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
NCF Properties - “The NCF should be encouraged to develop a plan for its properties
in the Tom Nevers area that includes the clearing of walking paths, horse trails and
bicycle paths.”
Action Step—
Meet with Nantucket Conservation Foundation executives to discuss the Area
Plan in general and the following recommendations in particular—clearing of
walking paths, horse trails and unpaved bicycle paths; creation of limited unpaved
parking areas; a program of brush cutting and controlled burns to reduce invasive
species, reestablish sand plains grasslands and reduce fire hazards.
31
Land Bank Properties - “The Land Bank should be encouraged to establish a walking
path from Tom Nevers Head to the beach for the use of local residents.”
Action Step—
Meet with the Land Bank executives to discuss the Area Plan and this
recommendation.
6. OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
Tom Nevers Field - “A long-range plan for improvements at Tom Nevers Field should
be developed that retains the family-oriented focus on passive recreation. In addition,
the number of large events permitted at the Field should be limited; removable steps
should be installed for easier access to the beach; and the concrete and rebar debris on
the beach and the tires should be removed.”
Action Steps—
Meet with the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Parks and Recreation
Commission to discuss the Area Plan and its recommendations.
Present the updated version of the TNCA Position Paper on the Use of Tom
Nevers Field (Appendix VIII) to the Parks and Recreation Commission for their
consideration.
7. SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Maintenance of Dirt Roads – “Those portions of the area that have dirt roads will
be encouraged to form informal groups to address road maintenance.”
Action Steps—
Contact island contractors to obtain rough estimates to grade the Tom Nevers
West roads.
Publish the contractor’s information in the TNCA newsletter to facilitate the
formation of local committees to deal with road maintenance.
32
Groundwater Protection - “Information about non-contaminating lawn and garden
chemicals and about the benefits of regular septic system pump outs should be collected
and distributed to property owners.”
Action Steps—
Collect the information related to groundwater protection and provide it
to property owners through the TNCA newsletter.
Contact the Nantucket Landscapers association and request that they provide
similar information and recommendations to their customers in the Tom Nevers
Area.
Water Testing - “A program to systematically sample and analyze water samples
from a number of locations in the area should be instituted.”
Action Steps—
Contact the University of Massachusetts field station to develop a detailed
plan for testing water quality in the Greater Tom Nevers Area and coordinate this
plan with the appropriate Town agencies.
Solicit volunteers to participate in the plan and to collect and process the
samples.
Publicize the results of the sampling efforts regularly in the TNCA
newsletter.
Fire Protection (Water Supply) - “Additional supplies of water for fire fighting, such
as wells or buried storage tanks, should be investigated under the guidance of the
Nantucket Fire Department.”
Action Steps—
Contact the Fire Department and request that they review the existing sources
of water for fire protection and recommend additional supplies, where needed, in
the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Solicit volunteers in each local area to publicize the recommendations from
the Fire Department, examine possible sources of funding, and implement those
recommendations for which funding is available.
______________________________________________________________________________
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8. CIRCULATION
Aircraft Noise - “The Greater Tom Nevers Area should continue to supply
representatives to the Noise Advisory Committee of the Airport Commission.”
Action Steps—
Publish information frequently in the newsletter about how to report aircraft
noise complaints, the weather and traffic conditions that affect traffic patterns,
and trends in compliance with the voluntary noise abatement routes.
Encourage residents to attend Noise Advisory Committee meetings and
Airport Commission meetings.
Bicycle Path - “The Town should be urged to move the Tom Nevers bike path up in
its priority list.”
Action Steps—
Formally request that the Town move up the Tom Nevers Road bicycle path
on its priority list and that construction be divided in to two phases -- Milestone
Road to Old Tom Nevers Road, and Old Tom Nevers Road to Tom Nevers Field.
Request that the overhead utility lines along the East side of Tom Nevers
Road be placed underground as part of the bicycle path project.
NRTA Bus Route - “Every effort should be made to obtain the necessary funds for
NRTA to create a route down Tom Nevers Road.”
Action Step—
Formally request that a bus route down Tom Nevers Road be established as
soon as funds are available.
Appendices
I. Map of the Greater Tom Nevers Area
II. Work Group Members
III. Focus Group Sessions
IV. Property-Owner Survey & Report
V. Tom Nevers Civic Association Summer 2006 Newsletter
VI. Tom Nevers Civic Association Winter 2007 Newsletter
VII. Tom Nevers Civic Association Summer 2007 Newsletter
VIII. Guidelines for Events at Tom Nevers Field
Appendix I --
Map of the Greater Tom Nevers Area
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Tom Nevers Civic
Association 8May, 2006
Appendix II --
Work Group Members
Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan Work Group Name Address Phone email Island Mailing Address 1. Pam Bartlett 15 Arlington 257-4229 pambart@nantucket.net Box 2248, Nantucket 02584 2. Kate Damsgaard 9 Whitetail Circle 257-9138 kate1091@aol.com 3. Dick Eldridge 22 Longwood 257-4475 lilacrobi@yahoo.com Box 1, ‘Sconset, 02564 4. Peter Hoey 61 Wanoma Way 257-4367 phoey63@comcast.net Box 787, ‘Sconset, 02564 (cell) 508 654-3963 5. Michael Kopko michael@nantucket.net 20 Sparks Avenue, Nantucket, 02554 6. Charles Kymer 21 Exeter 257-4141 ckymer@comcast.net 2 Greglen Ave, PMB 7, Nantucket, 02554 7. Dual Macintyre 2 Green Hollow 257-4447 dualmacintyre@comcast.net Box 2926, Nantucket, 02584 8. Anne McAndrew 14 Longwood 257-7944 acm1@nantucket.net Box 515, ‘Sconset, 02564 9. The Rev. Nancy Nelson 48 Madequecham 228-2864 revnancy@nantucket.net 2 Greglen Ave. PMB 208, Nantucket, 02554 Valley Road 10. Eric Savetsky 33 Norwood 257-4183 erics@comcast.net Box 985, Nantucket, 02554 11. Susan Shepherd 11 Wigwam (cell) 508 221-1433 susan@nantucket.net Box 292, Nantucket, 02554 12. Dale Stoodley 5 Hollister 257-4433 cliffiest@aol.com Box 33, ‘Sconset, 02564 13. Linda Williams lwilliams@nantucket-ma.gov Box 1446, Nantucket, 02554 czarinalinda@nantucket.net Supporting Players 1. Andrew Vorce 2 Fairgrounds 228-7237 avorce@nantucket-ma.gov 2. Mike Burns “ 228-7238 mburns@nantucket-ma.gov 3. Jack Warner 4 Longwood 257-9878 jawarner@optonline.net 8/9/06
Appendix III --
Focus Group Sessions
1
Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan
Focus Group Sessions
August 25th – 31st, 2006
As a step in the development of the Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan, a series of focus group
sessions were held with area residents in late August 2006. These sessions…which averaged
about 90-minutes in duration…focused on seven of the basic elements that will be included in
the final Area Plan. This document summarizes some of the key findings from these focus group
sessions, and tape recordings of the full sessions are available for more in-depth study.
Additional focus group sessions are planned for September and their findings will be added to
this document, once they are completed.
About the Participants -- Residents from across the entire Greater Tom Nevers Area were invited
to participate in the session(s) of their choice. All those who volunteered were scheduled for
participation and were sent email or phone reminders of the date, time and location. Last minute
conflicts prevented a number of residents from attending. But in all, there were 40 participants in
the 8 focus group sessions that were held. The tables below list the participants.
Focus Group Sessions held to date –
Session #1 – Topic: Housing / August 25th…9:00AM
Participant Address
Chris Maury 13 Whitetail Circle
Ron Fesco 17 Ipswich Street
Jack McFarland 10 Whitetail Circe
Beth Maury 13 Whitetail Circle
José Trillos 8 Parson Lane
Session #2 – Topic: Circulation / August 25th…4:00PM
Participant Address
Ron Fesco 17 Ipswich Street
Brenda Davis 5 Old Tom Nevers Rd.
Anne Warner 4 Longwood Drive
Connie Johnson 23 Longwood Drive
Dauna Coffin 10 Longwood Drive
Claire Seaquist 10 Jonathan way
Session #3 – Topic: Open Space/Recreation / August 29th…9:00AM
Participant Address
Ron Fesco 17 Ipswich Street
Pam Bartlett 15 Arlington Street
Gretchen Cooney 16 Lyons Lane
Neville Richen 57 Tom Nevers Road
Lucas Fischer 101 Tom Nevers Road
2
Session #4* – Topic: Economic Development / August 30th…5:00PM
Participant Address
Edith Berthen 9 Sandpiper Way
Bob Pearson 14 Flintlock Road
Pam Bartlett 15 Arlington Street
Session #5 – Topic: Land Use / August 30th…9:00AM
Participant Address
Dix Shevalier 21 Chuck Hollow Road
Joe Paul 4 Dartmouth Street
Ron Fesco 17 Ipswich Street
Pam Bartlett 15 Arlington Street
Marlys Horodyski 13 Wood Hollow Road
Joe Horodyski 13 Wood Hollow Road
Jeff Lockhart 24 Lyons Lane
Donna Lockhart 24 Lyons Lane
Carl Palitti 21 Lyons Lane
Session #6 – Topic: Services & Facilities / August 30th…4:00PM
Participant Address
Edith Berthen 9 Sandpiper Way
Bob Pearson 14 Flintlock Road
Pam Bartlett 15 Arlington Street
Session #7 –Topic: Natural & Cultural Resources /August 31… 9AM
Participant Address
Lucas Fischer 101 Tom Nevers Road
Pam Bartlett 15 Arlington Street
Tom Albani 39 Wanoma way
Anne Kaminsky 18 Lyons Lane
Liz Trillos 8 Parson Lane
Session #8 – Topic: Land Use / August 31st…4:00PM
Participant Address
Dix Shevalier 21 Chuck Hollow Road
Anne Shevalier 21 Chuck Hollow Road
Anne Warner 4 Longwood Drive
Ron Fesco 17 Ipswich Street
Lucas Fischer 101 Tom Nevers Road
Ann Fischer 101 Tom Nevers Road
Liz Trillos 8 Parson Lane
* Originally scheduled for August 29th at 3:30PM, but due to participant “no-shows” it
was combined with Session # 6 on August 30th.
Focus Group Leaders –
Jack Warner-Facilitator / Dual Macintyre-Secretary / Kate Damsgaard-Work Group Observer
3
Focus Group Findings
Overall Observations—
While the individual Focus Group Sessions covered a range of different topics, there were a
number of recurring themes expressed by most all of the participants. These represented such a
consensus point-of-view that they are reported here, rather than simply being repeated again and
again under the summary reports for each of the individual sessions.
1. Tom Nevers residents truly love the Greater Tom Nevers Area as it exists today—
The open vistas, peace and quiet, privacy, country setting, and friendly neighbors are they
reasons they came to Tom Nevers and the reasons they want to stay.
2. They believe strongly that the Tom Nevers Area is on an economic upswing—
They see Tom Nevers as “at last being discovered”, and that its lingering “second class
image” is increasingly behind us. They see a trend to higher property values and larger
and better maintained homes.
3. They anticipate continued growth in the Area…but they want that growth managed in a
way that respects the general character of the existing neighborhood—
They expect close to full build out over the course of the next decade…but fear that
without proactive growth management, the “fast money crowd” will attempt to exploit
the still favorable property values in Tom Nevers, to the detriment of the Area’s bright
future.
4. They see “Tom Nevers West” at a possible cross-roads…with a priority need for its own
“property owners association” to help its residents more effectively cope with a number
of current and potential problems—
Property owners…both in “Tom Nevers West” and elsewhere in Tom Nevers…agree that
some new organizational mechanism is needed to help this area turn-around such local
problems as—badly maintained roads, negligent absentee landlords, building and zoning
code violators, and commercial businesses operating out of residential properties..
5. They are very enthusiastic about possible enhancements to the NCF’s vast conservation
land holdings in the Area—
The addition of walking trails and horse trails throughout the NCF property, the
restoration of the “sand plain grasslands” areas through selective cutting and controlled
burning, greater access to the newly-acquired Mellon property and other interior
areas…all were unanimously endorsed.
6. They see Tom Nevers Field as an important community asset that deserves better long-
term planning—
While many improvements have been made, current leasing and budgeting practices by
the Town appear to stand as obstacles to comprehensive master planning and more
effective management of this important community resource.
4
7. They have major concerns about car, bike and pedestrian safety on Tom Nevers
Road…believe that a bike path extending to Tom Nevers Field deserves priority
attention…and call for enhanced bus service for Tom Nevers—
Tom Nevers is now a large residential area with more than 525 residences…many of
which are owned by year-round working families with children. As such—car, bike and
walking safety is a major concern. Aggravating the problem, the Area will remain almost
totally car dependent, until bike and bus improvements are made,
8. They are committed to adding more “affordable housing” throughout the Tom Nevers
Area…especially for middle class working families and those in essential services—
The Tom Nevers Area has made a good start in building affordable housing and its
residents want to do more…with a strong preference that these be single family homes
spread throughout the area, rather than being concentrated in just one or two locations.
# # #
Highlight reports for each of the eight Focus Group sessions conducted in
August 2006 appear on the pages that follow.
# # #
The Appendix contains the Discussion Guides that were used in conducting
the eight Focus Group sessions.
# # #
5
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #1 –
Friday 8/25/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “HOUSING—Existing and Forecasted Housing Needs. / Affordable Housing Plans.”
(Setting preservation, improvement and development standards to fulfill the needs of all our
property owners…be they year-round or seasonal…young working families or retirees…high
income or low.)
Expected Housing Growth in next 5 to 10 years –
Most of the empty lots will be built out.
Secondary dwellings will increase heavily because of their potential to…provide extra
income, provide homes for children, provide affordable housing, provide a means for
new owners to “move up”, and just to protect against future loss of the privilege through
by-law changes.
Depletion of buildable lots will lead to most everything being built upon.
How much growth is ideal?
A balanced “managed growth”
The island’s economy will not adjust to no growth because construction is such a
mainstay of the island’s economic base.
What kind of growth do you expect?
Depends on the location-- the waterfront area will be big…other areas more moderate.
Rising land prices will drive larger homes…but don’t see McMansions because of
ground cover limitations.
Economic factors will drive up the cost of entry.
Nantucket is loosing its middle class…more wealthy and more low wage workers…with
a shrinking middle class.
More Tom Nevers properties will be bought up, houses enlarged, second dwellings
added.
Thoughts on other Tom Nevers areas (other than your own) –
Overall, trending upward.
In TN West, business owners buying up properties for employee housing.
Down-zoning in TN West would result in a lot more low end properties being built there.
Diversity of housing in Tom Nevers –
Like it.
6
Affordable Housing –
Currently have at least 7 “affordable housing” single family homes in Tom Nevers…plus
the 17-acre affordable housing set-aside next to Tom Nevers Field. (Under State
guidelines, our “fair share” goal is 20 units.)
Current Affordable Housing initiatives on the island use family income as the sole
measure of eligibility. No provision is made for critical industries or skills (police, fire,
EMS, nurses, teachers, etc.)
A Public/Private co-operative effort is needed to build affordable housing for critical skill
families. (e.g. - the units built for school staff, across from NHS. This should be
explored.)
Home ownership should be our goal…rentals provide no pride of ownership…but…
Provide incentive program for renting secondary dwellings to critical skills
individuals…possibly receiving credit for a charitable contribution to the hospital, etc.
Setting Housing Standards –
Need mechanism to keep roads and properties better maintained…homeowners
association in TN West.
Aspen, San Jose and other places have regulation models that we should look into.
# # #
7
8
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #2 –
Friday 8/25/2006 4:00pm
FOCUS: “CIRCULATION—Mapping the transportation needs of our area…in terms of new
and improved access roads, bike paths, walking trails, enhanced bus service and parking areas.
Also, exploring new ways to better maintain our private ways.”
Should we add other access roads off Milestone Road?
Russell’s Way…No…would become a drag strip
More access would prompt more traffic
Like privacy on our beaches.
Do we need more internal connector roads?
What we have now is fine.
Surrey is used as a cut-through, which is fine and should not be paved.
Can we use ACKmap to document paper roads?
Problems with current roadways --
Intersection of Tom Nevers & Milestone Roads is dangerous…need to do something.
Many avoid that intersection by looping around to use Chuck Hollow as their main
exit/entry point.
Strong approval of the idea to have a parking area on NCF land at the junction of Tom
Nevers & Milestone Roads. Would also provide Park-n-Ride potential re NRTA.
Like idea of a “circle” for NRTA…through NCF land and adjacent to TN West.
Tom Nevers Road is very dangerous for TN West residents. Brush along road obstructs
visual sighting of traffic. For proper safety, it would have to be cut back to provide at
least an 8-foot wide verge.
Some of the dirt roads in TN West are at times impassible. Some standards need to be
established. (One resident has their section of road re-graded 2-to-3 times a year, at a cost
of $180-$200 per re-grading. Believes that most people would support some kind of
organization to maintain the roads.)
Problem is that renters and other non-owners (1/3 of total) won’t participate.
Bike path—
Very important for the safety of residents and their children on Tom Nevers Road.
If along Tom Nevers Road, it should be on the East side of the road (too many streets
entering on the West side) and should be of the paved separate path type now along
Milestone Road.
If a Tom Nevers Road bike path has to be deferred until well in the future due to
budgetary reasons, perhaps a dirt bike path can be constructed along the edge of
conservation land bordering the west and south edges of Tom Nevers East…then turning
south to the shore.
9
Enhanced NRTA Service—
The current schedule mainly serves tourists, not residents. For many workers, it doesn’t
start early enough or run late enough to be a practical alternative to commuting by car.
Once an hour to Tom Nevers isn’t adequate…twice an hour would be.
A park-n-ride stop at Tom Nevers Road …with parking spaces and bike racks… would
result in a significant increase in NRTA usage by Tom Nevers residents.
Better yet would be a NRTA loop inside Tom Nevers, but most recognize that this may
be well into the future based on budgetary constraints.
Walking trails and better access to nature –
Residents would welcome more walking trails in the area.
Also like the idea of cutting back some of the scrub oak on conservation land…a la the
Serengeti.
Would like better access to Tom Nevers Pond…too overgrown. Who owns what?
Maintenance of walking trails important…need standards.
# # #
10
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #3 –
Tuesday 8/29/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “OPEN SPACE & RECREATION— Enhancing the potential of Tom Nevers
Field… Pebble Beach and Madequecham Beach…and other areas in our neighborhood, as
community resources; public events at Tom Nevers Field”
Tom Nevers Field as a community resource –
Very important and widely used.
Past improvements are appreciated…but still more are needed.
Old tires, concrete wreckage and derelict wires on the beach should be removed.
Abandoned roller hockey rink should be removed.
Still needed—tennis courts, more benches and pocket parks, picnic facilities, a pavilion
for group functions, trash cans, designated parking areas, etc.
Add signage at entrance.
A Master Plan for Tom Nevers Field is needed –
Currently, Tom Nevers Field is owned by the Town and leased to the Parks & Rec
department for day-to-day operations and management.
All revenues generated by Tom Nevers Field from special events now go directly into the
Town’s general revenue. There is no longer-term plan for Tom Nevers Field’s
development…and no capital improvement budget.
Improvements today come largely from organizations proposing and funding specific
installations that their members want. This results in hit or miss improvements and
hodge-podge development. And when an organization no longer wants an installation, it
becomes derelict…with no set-aside funds to remove it.
The Town needs to rethink its financial management of Tom Nevers Field. At the very
least, revenues generated by Tom Nevers Field should be used to fund maintenance and
improvements to Tom Nevers Field. (A revolving account.)
Perhaps ownership of Tom Nevers Field should be shifted to Park & Rec. But either way,
a Master Plan…with budgets…needs to be developed. Tom Nevers Field is too important
an asset to leave adrift.
Possibly rethink the facility’s official name, based on its mission statement…
(e.g.-“Tom Nevers Field” vs. “Tom Nevers Park”)
Add signage to entrance.
Pebble Beach –
Very popular with residents.
May need public/private partnership to improve it.
Better beach access is needed…difficult for older folks.
If not stairs, perhaps a Bobcat-cut dog-leg access ramp would help.
11
Madequecham Beach –
Extremely popular.
Add picnic tables and trash cans.
Other Tom Nevers Beaches –
Clarify ownership of our various beach areas (NCF, Land Bank, Town, private property,
etc.) Create a dialog with public sector owners to understand their plans.
Identify paper roads that provide beach access…along with their current ownership/use
status. Resolve the issue through either re-establishing some as public rights-of-way…or
selling to abutters.
Goal should be to have continued access in perpetuity.
Investigate recently blocked access points…east end of Wanoma Way connecting to Low
Beach Road, Dorset Road access to beach, etc.
Other Recreational Areas –
Shooting range, motorcycle track…Town needs to step in and police the area.
Establish a better ongoing dialog with the Town, NCF, Land Bank, etc. to understand
their problems and priorities…and to make them more aware of our needs and
preferences.
Special Events at Tom Nevers Field –
Current use level is about right.
TNCA has excellent working relationship with Parks & Rec.
Current TNCA position paper re Tom Nevers Field special events is on-target.
# # #
12
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #4 –
Wednesday 8/30/2006 5:00pm
FOCUS: “ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT—Keeping our neighborhood strictly residential
and fully non-commercial, while remaining friendly to small home-based businesses.”
Possible zoning set-aside for a community center with limited commercial operations (e.g.-
coffee shop, convenience store, etc.) –
No desire for this.
Would like a limited set-aside for future post office boxes.
Home-based businesses –
We encourage them as long as they don’t disturb the neighborhood…with disruptions to
the peace, beauty and tranquility we all prize. (Obvious disruptions include noise, odors,
extra traffic, and visual “eye-pollution” from equipment, supplies and inventory…among
other factors.)
Need clear guidelines as to what is and isn’t allowed under current zoning regs.
Many abuses seem to exist…especially in TN West (a commercial fish smoking
operation, a day care center, a marine storage and repair business, a massage business,
etc.)
Enforcement is a major problem.
An area-wide wireless service would enhance home-based businesses.
Home-based businesses with heavy equipment and supplies –
Need guidelines as to when a home based business becomes a commercial business.
Need guidelines on how to enforce the regs.
If heavy equipment and/or supplies are stored on the property long-term, the use of a
shed, garage or barn to conceal them should be required. Quonset huts and other make-
shift structures should not be allowed.
When special zoning variances are granted to permit a semi-commercial home business
(e.g.- a baking business on Chuck Hollow Road)…a covenant should be established that
requires the owner to restore the property to non-commercial status if the business is
closed.
# # #
13
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #5 –
Wednesday 8/30/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “LAND USE—Preserving what we like, changing what we don’t like…in terms of
open land, building density, zoning.”
Should our Area Plan recommend any zoning changes in Tom Nevers?
Consensus view –
Down-zoning in Tom Nevers West could be either a positive force or a negative
force…both for TN West and for the Area as a whole. As such, any down-zoning
initiative should be considered only after a series of special covenants are established for
TN West to assure its positive development.
Without these covenants, down-zoning could thrust TN West into an accelerating
downward spiral…with lower cost building lots attracting “fast money” developers and
significantly increasing the number of properties owned by businesses for use as transient
employee housing. This increases the number of absentee landlords and reverses the
area’s trend as a neighborhood of working families with children.
With covenants established, the area could become even more conducive as a home to
year-round working families with children…enriching TN West and Tom Nevers as a
whole.
The entire group became very excited about the potential of re-imaging Tom Nevers
West as a village (or settlement) within the Greater Tom Nevers Area. This does not
imply any type of commercial area, but does suggest a close-knit community with its
own property owners association and locally agreed upon improvements.
With its own property owners association, Tom Nevers West could find a solution to its
current and growing problems…poorly maintained roads, building and zoning code
violations, slum landlords, etc.
Specific comments from the panel about zoning –
Keep the whole area LUG-3. We’re a countryside area. Down-zoning would increase
density and create sewer and water problems.
Smaller lots would allow more big homes. A 1-acre lot would allow a 3-bedroom house
plus a 1-bedroom cottage. If you take away the cottage, then you could build a bigger
home. Smaller lots don’t mean smaller homes.
If down-zoning were to occur, the minimum lot size should be 1.5-acres.
Leave the whole area LUG-3. Down-zoning, if allowed to go through in any one part of
our area, would open the door to a rush of down-zoning elsewhere. It’s a very slippery
slope.
We came here for peace and quiet and we all knew it was 3-acre zoning for new
properties. Don’t change that.
14
We currently have different size spaces for the different needs of various families. That
has worked well.
Some smaller lots were grandfathered in; don’t change things after the fact.
Keep LUG-3 to maintain our vistas and country-like setting.
I’m for change…we need to provide more housing for middle income families. We need
“managed growth” to provide more opportunities for the middle class.
I’m in favor of zoning changes as long as other restrictions are in place. Maybe we
should have a design review board to improve the quality of our neighborhood. I agree
with town and country planning. Maybe there should be a third category…”village”…
between town and country. If every lot in TN West was 3-acres, I wouldn’t propose a
change. It’s a mixed-size neighborhood now, with a different character from the rest of
Tom Nevers.
I’d like to see more affordable housing…that is, smaller, lower cost places that small
families and older folks can live in.
Second dwellings are opportunities for lowering the cost of housing. You get income to
help pay the mortgage and can keep an eye on your property to make sure it’s used
properly.
Let’s worry about zoning after we fix our other problems in TN West.
Specific comments from panel about problems in Tom Nevers west that need fixing –
We have little control over our neighborhood. There is no pressure from the Town to
follow the code. We have Quonset huts, slum landlords who trash their properties, etc.
We need standards to have a tolerable “village.” We need affordable housing in TN
West. I’m open to changes in zoning if the Town enforced all the codes. And if we had
our own codes re road maintenance, etc.
Affordable Housing –
Should be integrated into the neighborhoods, not segregated or concentrated into one
area.
Should be home ownership.
# # #
15
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #6 –
Wednesday 8/30/2006 4:00pm
FOCUS: “SERVICES & FACILITIES—Assuring that our private septic systems and potable
water wells provide the highest standards of health & safety and that we have the necessary
resources for fire safety; postal delivery.”
Water quality –
A real concern longer-term.
We should have a professional outside firm assess the data on the aquifer underlying the
Tom Nevers Area, our current and future state of development…and make
recommendations.
We should have an ongoing program to measure and monitor the water quality at key
spots across our entire area…and sponsor a program of private well testing by
homeowners.
We should sponsor an effort to have landscapers and homeowners in our area use only
“safe” lawn and garden products.
Wastewater –
A real concern longer-term.
We should have a professional assess the septic system situation the Tom Nevers Area…
and make recommendations for the future.
We should sponsor an educational program for homeowners on the proper use and
maintenance of their septic systems…and their options for the future.
Fire Safety –
Of general, but not overwhelming concern.
Discussed locations of fire hydrants and other water sources for FD pumpers.
Discussed potential problem of fireworks.
Post Office Local Delivery –
Not a priority concern.
# # #
16
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #7 –
Thursday 8/31/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES—Protecting and managing our vast
conservation lands and more than 5 miles of beaches.”
Conservation Land –
A wonderful asset. We should work closely with the NCF to understand their plans and
to share our ideas.
Add walking trails, do some burning and clearing.
Conduct more walking tours in throughout our Area.
NCF needs to pay more attention to beach access.
Consider adding unpaved biking trails too.
Add small parking areas off New South Road and at the start of new walking trails (a la
Sanford Farms/Ram Pasture.)
Swap Housing Authority land near Tom Nevers Field with the NCF for a nicely
maintained dirt road (and bike path) from Milestone Road into the TN interior (possibly
cut through conservation land to Norwood and on to Lancashire and then south to the
beach.)
Tom Nevers Pond area needs clearing for recreational use…plus need to restore walking
access to Low Beach.
Our Beaches –
Widely used by residents.
Would be nice to have greater access to all our beaches.
Determine beach ownerships by various organizations…and assess their beach care and
maintenance policies. Ongoing co-ordination might be desirable.
Inventory paper roads that lead to our beaches and recommend their disposition…
purchase by abutters to add to the tax rolls…or use for public beach access. While we’re
at it, inventory all public rights-of-way and paper roads across our entire Area and
recommend their disposition.
Deer Hunting –
Strong support for deer hunting on conservation land.
# # #
17
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #8 –
Thursday 8/31/2006 4:00pm
(Note: This is our second Focus Group” session on the “Land Use” topic, with a different panel.
The first session was # 5, held on 8/30 at 9:00AM.
FOCUS: “LAND USE—Preserving what we like, changing what we don’t like…in terms of
open land, building density, zoning.”
Should our Area Plan recommend any zoning changes in Tom Nevers?
Consensus view –
No. Would prompt too many problems.
Should be considered only if other positive changes in Tom Nevers West were made
first.
Receptive to “village” concept for TN West.
Up-zoning elsewhere not practical or desired.
Specific comments –
Road problems in TN West argue against down-zoning.
Once you down-zone in one place, it opens up a real danger in adjacent areas.
We’re a country area now; don’t change the character of our neighborhood.
If down-zoning occurs, lots should be a minimum of 2-acres.
Roads in TN West are terrible. More cars a risk to children.
No change in zoning, period.
I’m opposed to any down-zoning.
Would increase the number of cars on Tom Nevers Road and at the Chuck Hollow
entrance.
Too much density if new lots were smaller than 2-acres.
We’re losing our middle class on the island. Families need a place to move up to after
their starter home. Down-zoning in TN West would give them an attractive option. But
the danger is that the fast-buck crowd would try to exploit that change for short term
gain. As such, any zoning change should be coupled with other creative initiatives and
good planning to assure that we upgrade, not downgrade, the area. By the way, LUG-1 is
still allowed in a countryside zone.
We have a country feeling. Increased density would detract from it.
Affordable Housing –
We should continue to add it.
Private housing preferred over rentals.
Should be spread across all of Tom Nevers, not concentrated in just one or two areas.
18
# # #
19
Appendix
This Appendix contains the Discussion Guides that were used in conducting
the eight Focus Group sessions summarized in this report.
# # #
20
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #1 –
Friday 8/25/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “HOUSING—Existing and Forecasted Housing Needs. / Affordable Housing Plans.”
(Setting preservation, improvement and development standards to fulfill the needs of all our
property owners…be they year-round or seasonal…young working families or retirees…high
income or low.)
Session Outline—
A. Preliminaries…
1. Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
2. Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B. Current State of Development…
3. Future Growth…
We now have about 520 developed properties in the Greater Tom Nevers Area…etc.
How much growth do you expect? (5-10 years)
How much growth do you consider ideal?
What kind of growth do you expect? (Where, size, density, etc.)
What kind of growth do you consider ideal?
If you were king…what would you do to see that your ideal is achieved?
4. Your Immediate TN Neighborhood…
What are your thoughts on the current state of development in that section of Tom Nevers
where you live?
5. Other TN Neighborhoods…
Going beyond your own TN section, what are your thoughts on the current state of
development in other parts of the Greater Tom Nevers Area?
21
C. Type of Housing…
6. Housing…
Currently, we have a pretty fair range of house sizes and types (from modest vacation
cottages…to year-round family homes…to grand oceanfront summer homes)
How do you feel about that diversity?
Where do you see it heading? (5-10 years)
What kind of diversity would you consider ideal?
If you were king, what would you do to see that your ideal was achieved?
D. Affordable Housing…
7. Do you think we should have more or less affordable housing in the Greater Tom Nevers
Area? (Probe)
8. What kind of affordable housing should it be…private homes, rental homes, apartments?
(Probe)
9. Where should it be located? (Probe)
E. Setting Standards…
We have a number of rules & regs here in Nantucket that we all live by (HDC, Bldg. Dept.,
ground cover, setbacks, septics, etc.). But like any neighborhood, we have a few properties
that are neglected by their owners…and gone to seed. And we have a few other properties
that are seemingly not in compliance with the HDC and building regs. And we have a few
other properties where things are just unsightly…with vehicles, trailers, building products,
etc. left around for long periods of time.
10. Do you see this as a problem? Is it a problem we can do something about? And if so,
what? (Probe)
22
F. Other Areas…
11. Do you see any other issues about “Housing” that we should focus on today? If so, what
are they? (Probe)
G. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
23
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #2 –
Friday 8/25/2006 4:00pm
FOCUS: “CIRCULATION—Mapping the transportation needs of our area…in terms of new
and improved access roads, bike paths, walking trails, enhanced bus service and parking areas.
Also, exploring new ways to better maintain our private ways.”
Session Outline—
A. Preliminaries…
Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B. Current Road System…
We’re connected to the outside world by a single State Road (Milestone Road)…a single
Town Road (Tom Nevers Road)…a paved private road (Chuck Hollow Road)…and a few
lesser used partially dirt roads (Russell’s Way and Madequecham Valley Road.)
1. Is this access to Milestone Road adequate to meet our current and future needs? (Probe)
Should we consider adding other Tom Nevers access roads?
Where? Type? Why? (Probe)
C. Interior Road System Improvements…
Our principal internal connector roads are Tom Nevers Road…and the paved private roads in
Tom Nevers East.
2. Are these internal connector roads adequate to meet our current and future needs?
Should we consider any improvements and/or additions?
What kind? Where? Why? (Probe…especially re road around TN Field)
D. Private & Unimproved Roads…
Many of the roads in our area (with the exception of Tom Nevers East) are unimproved dirt
roads, many in a poor state of maintenance.
24
Is maintenance of these roads an issue that should be left to the individual
neighbors on each street, or should there be some overall policy, regulations or
structure to mitigate the road maintenance problem? What kind? How? (Probe)
E. Tom Nevers Road…
3. What improvements, if any, do you think are needed for Tom Nevers Road?
(Probe)
F. Bike Paths…
4. Do we need any? Who’ll use them? Where should they be located? (Probe)
G. Enhanced Bus Service…
5. What level of service do we need? If available, how extensively would it be
used? Would a Park-n-Ride lot at the junction of Tom Nevers and Milestone
Roads be of any significant value? (Probe)
H. Walking Trails…
6. Do we need any? Who’ll use them? Where should they be located? (Probe)
I. Other Areas…
7. Do you see any other issues about “Circulation” that we should focus on today?
If so, what are they? (Probe)
J. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
25
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #3 –
Tuesday 8/29/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “OPEN SPACE & RECREATION— Enhancing the potential of Tom Nevers
Field… Pebble Beach and Madequecham Beach…and other areas in our neighborhood, as
community resources; public events at Tom Nevers Field”
Session Outline—
A Preliminaries…
1. Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
2. Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B Tom Nevers Field as a Community Resource…
Many enhancements have been made to Tom Nevers Field in recent years (playground,
ball fields, rest rooms, etc.) And perhaps more are planned.
3. How extensively is Tom Nevers Field used now by our Tom Nevers residents?
(Probe)
What more can and should be done to make it even more of a community
asset? (Probe…tennis courts, community center/pavilion, etc.)
C. Pebble Beach…
Some improvements have been made to the Pebble Beach parking area in recent years,
and perhaps more are planned.
4. How extensively is Pebble Beach used now by our Tom Nevers residents? (Probe)
What more can and should be done to make it even more of a community
asset?
(Probe…improved road access, improved parking, improved beach access)
D. Madequecham Beach…
5. What about Madequecham Beach? And how extensively is it used now by our
Tom Nevers residents? (Probe)
26
What more can and should be done to make it even more of a community asset?
(Probe…improved road access, improved parking, improved beach access)
E. Other Beach Areas & Other Recreational Areas…
6. Are there any other beach areas in Tom Nevers that we should address? (Probe)
7. Are there any other recreational areas in Tom Nevers that we should address?
(Probe…shooting range, ATV areas, etc.)
F. Tom Nevers Field Public Events…
8. Current uses? Successes / Problems? Current policies? Anticipating future changes?
(Probe)
G. Other Areas…
9. Do you see any other issues about “Open Space & Recreation” that we should focus
on today? If so, what are they? (Probe)
H. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
27
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #4 –
Wednesday 8/30/2006 5:00pm
FOCUS: “ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT—Keeping our neighborhood strictly residential
and fully non-commercial, while remaining friendly to small home-based businesses.”
Session Outline—
A. Preliminaries…
1. Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
2. Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B. Current Zoning…
Our entire area is LUG-3 “limited general use” zoning, with no commercial area set-
asides.
3. Is this as it should be…or do we need/want a commercial area set-aside of some
limited size? (Probe)
4. Should we consider adding a future provision for a “community center” with
possibly a coffee shop, convenience store, recreational/meeting facilities, etc.?
Where? Type? Why? (Probe)
C. Home-Based Small Businesses…
A number of our property owners conduct small businesses from their home.
5. Are there any problems caused by this practice? Are there any problems that we
can anticipate in the future?
6. Should we consider any new policies or procedures to mitigate against these
problems? (Probe)
7. Are there any area enhancements that would make us even more “home-business
friendly”? (Probe…wi-fi, etc.)
28
D. Home-Based Businesses with heavy equipment…
A number of our property owners operate contracting, or landscaping, or other
commercial businesses from their home…requiring heavy equipment and/or supplies to
be stored on their properties.
8. Are there any problems caused by this practice? Are there any problems that we
can anticipate in the future?
9. Should we consider any new policies or procedures to mitigate these problems?
(Probe…especially need for screened areas, garages, barns, etc.)
E. Other Areas…
10. Do you see any other issues about “Economic Development” that we should
focus on today? If so, what are they? (Probe)
F. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
29
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #5 –
Wednesday 8/30/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “LAND USE—Preserving what we like, changing what we don’t like…in terms of
open land, building density, zoning.”
Session Outline—
A. Preliminaries…
Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B. Current Land Use…
One of the things that makes our neighborhood truly unique is the peace, quiet and privacy
that our country setting and open vistas provide. Officially designated as a “Countryside”
area, we have LUG-3 “limited general use” 3-acre zoning across our entire neighborhood…
and 80-percent of our total area is under conservation or government ownership.
When LUG-3 (3-acre) zoning was passed into law for Nantucket’s countryside areas, fewer
than 110 homes existed in the entire Greater Tom Nevers Area—all but 4 of them to the east
and south of Tom Nevers Road. Since then, 415 more homes have been added—all with 3-
acre zoning. And today, very few privately-owned building lots remain available for
development.
Should we consider recommending any zoning changes in our Greater Tom
Nevers Area Plan? And, if so, what kind of changes…and where? (Probe…
scope, other places)
What are the benefits to be derived from making these changes…for the specific
area where they are made…and for our community overall? (Probe)
What are the drawbacks that might result from making these changes…for the
specific area where they are made…and for our community overall? (Probe)
C. Affordable Housing…
Overall, State guidelines suggest that 10-percent of a community’s housing stock be
affordable housing (as defined in HUD economic standards).
30
If we were to build more affordable housing in the Greater Tom Nevers Area,
where should it be located? What type of housing would be best? (Probe)
D. Other Areas…
Do you see any other issues about “Land Use” that we should focus on today? If
so, what are they? (Probe)
E. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
31
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #6 –
Wednesday 8/30/2006 4:00pm
FOCUS: “SERVICES & FACILITIES—Assuring that our private septic systems and potable
water wells provide the highest standards of health & safety and that we have the necessary
resources for fire safety; postal delivery.”
Session Outline—
A. Preliminaries…
Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B. Our Drinking Water…
We’ve often heard that Nantucket’s single source aquifer is large enough in size and high
enough in quality to meet all the Island’s current and future potable water needs.
As the Greater Tom Nevers Area continues to grow…with more and larger houses,
more secondary dwellings, etc…. all served by private water wells… how
concerned are you about the continued health & safety of our drinking water?
(Probe)
Should we consider any type of organized well water quality testing and/or
monitoring program? (Probe)
C. Our Wastewater…
It is very unlikely, in the long foreseeable future, that the Greater Tom Nevers Area will
ever be serviced by a community-wide sewer system. On a long-term basis, our Area will
continue to be serviced exclusively by private septic systems.
As the Greater Tom Nevers Area continues to grow…with more and larger houses,
more secondary dwellings, etc…. all served by private septic systems… how
concerned are you about the continued health & safety of our properties and our
drinking water? (Probe)
Should we consider any type of organized septic system testing and/or maintenance
program? (Probe)
32
D. Fire Safety…
Many of our properties are surrounded by dense foliage and the winds in our area can be
strong.
How concerned are you about the potential threat of fire in our Area? (Probe)
Are current resources adequate to meet our fire safety needs? What else could, and
perhaps should, be done? (Probe)
E. Postal Delivery…
It is very unlikely that home postal delivery will be available in our Area anytime
soon…if ever. Short of that, what would you consider to be the most desirable
alternative? (Probe)
F. Other Areas…
Do you see any other issues about “Services & Facilities” that we should focus on
today? If so, what are they? (Probe… underground utility wires along Tom
Nevers Road, etc. )
G. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
33
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #7 –
Thursday 8/31/2006 9:00am
FOCUS: “NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES—Protecting and managing our vast
conservation lands and more than 5 miles of beaches.”
Session Outline—
A. Preliminaries…
Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B. Conservation Land…
More than 80-percent of the Greater Tom Nevers Area is now under conservation or is
Government owned.
If you had a direct say in how this land was to be utilized or managed, what would
you recommend? (Probe)
C. Conservation Land-Management Options …
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation has expressed a willingness to establish a
series of walking…and possibly horse trails…in their Greater Tom Nevers Area
properties.
What is your reaction to this idea? (Probe)
The NCF has also expressed a possible interest in restoring some of their holdings
in the Greater Tom Nevers Area to their “original” outland grass plains
status…through a several year program of cutting and controlled burning that
would “open up” the area…in a sense, extending the Serengeti into our side of the
Milestone Road.
What is your reaction to this idea? (Probe)
D. Our Beaches…
We have more than 5-miles of beaches in the Greater Tom Nevers Area…with only Pebble
Beach and Madequecham Beach being used to any real extent.
34
If you had a direct say in how our 5-miles of beaches were to be utilized or
managed, what would you recommend? (Probe)
Is our beach access adequate, as it exists now? Should there be more access
points…and if so, where? (Probe…explain paper road status)
E. Other Areas…
Do you see any other issues about “Natural & Cultural Resources” that we should
focus on today? If so, what are they? (Probe)
F. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
35
Tom Nevers Area Plan – Focus Group #8 –
Thursday 8/31/2006 4:00pm
FOCUS: “LAND USE—Preserving what we like, changing what we don’t like…in terms of
open land, building density, zoning.”
Session Outline—
A. Preliminaries…
Getting acquainted … who you are, where you live in TN, how long?
Worksheet… (distribute sheet) … (Loves/Concerns/Hopes?)
B. Current Land Use…
One of the things that makes our neighborhood truly unique is the peace, quiet and privacy
that our country setting and open vistas provide. Officially designated as a “Countryside”
area, we have LUG-3 “limited general use” 3-acre zoning across our entire neighborhood…
and 80-percent of our total area is under conservation or government ownership.
When LUG-3 (3-acre) zoning was passed into law for Nantucket’s countryside areas, fewer
than 110 homes existed in the entire Greater Tom Nevers Area—all but 4 of them to the east
and south of Tom Nevers Road. Since then, 415 more homes have been added—all with 3-
acre zoning. And today, very few privately-owned building lots remain available for
development.
Should we consider recommending any zoning changes in our Greater Tom Nevers
Area Plan? And, if so, what kind of changes…and where? (Probe… scope, other
places)
What are the benefits to be derived from making these changes…for the specific
area where they are made…and for our community overall? (Probe)
What are the drawbacks that might result from making these changes…for the
specific area where they are made…and for our community overall? (Probe)
C. Affordable Housing…
Overall, State guidelines suggest that 10-percent of a community’s housing stock be
affordable housing (as defined in HUD economic standards).
36
If we were to build more affordable housing in the Greater Tom Nevers Area,
where should it be located? What type of housing would be best? (Probe)
D. Other Areas…
Do you see any other issues about “Land Use” that we should focus on today? If
so, what are they? (Probe)
E. Thanks for coming, etc…..
# # #
Appendix IV --
Property-Owner Survey and Report
Article #1
will force you
to subsidize
those in the
sewer district
with your
money.
TOM NEVERS CIVIC ASSOCATION
November 2006 Update
Facts About the
“Greater Tom Nevers
Area Plan” ...
It will become part of the “Nantucket
Master Plan”… as required under
State Law # 41-81D.
■
It will let us set our own priorities…
based on the unique character and
potential of our neighborhood.
■
It will also serve as a working
blueprint… to guide all future
improvements in our neighborhood.
■
It’s being developed by our own
people...in a way that invites the full
participation of all our residents.
■
We’ve already completed 5 of the 8
stages in developing our Area Plan.
After this survey, the detailed Plan
will be drafted for final approval.
Please Complete and Return The Enclosed Survey Form!
A fter an entire summer of
Work Group planning meet-
ings (11 to date), briefings from
outside experts (7 to date), and a
series of focus group sessions (8 to
date)…we’re now ready to get
your views and opinions on a full
range of topics that will have a big
impact on our final Area Plan.
Guided by your
survey answers, the
Work Group will then
draft our detailed
Area Plan for submis-
sion to the Nantucket
Planning Department,
as required, for their
review and comment.
After their changes
have been made, the
near-to-finalized plan
will then be posted on
the Planning Depart-
ment’s website for
your review and comment. An ex-
ecutive summary of the draft Plan
will also be published in an up-
coming TNCA Newsletter.
Following this public display,
any final changes will be made to
our Area Plan...and it will be pre-
sented to the Planning Board with
our recommendations for its adop-
tion as part of the Nantucket Mas-
ter Plan. From that point on, it will
become our official “blueprint” for
building the future of the Greater
Tom Nevers Area.
As you can see, devel-
oping our Area Plan is
a lengthy and work-
intensive process, but
fairness and openness
to everyone’s ideas
require it. We may not
all agree on every is-
sue or every solution,
but by involving as
many of our people as
possible in the Plan’s
development and ap-
proval, we will have a
sound Area Plan that
represents the views and wishes of
the vast majority of our people.
Thanks for participating,
Dual Macintyre, TNCA President
Your input will
directly shape our
Area Plan for the
Greater Tom Nevers
Neighborhood.
Make sure that your
voice is heard!
The Work Group who’ll be writing our Area Plan...
From Madequecham West-
Rev. Nancy Nelson
Susan Shepherd
From the Planning Commission-
Michael Kopko
Linda Williams
Providing Assistance-
Andrew Vorce
Leslie Woodson
Mike Burns
Jeri Hicks
Jack Warner
From Tom Nevers East-
Kate Damsgaard
Dick Eldridge
Dual Macintyre
Anne McAndrew
From Tom Nevers West-
Pam Bartlett
Charles Kymer
Eric Savetsky
From Tom Nevers South-
Peter Hoey
Dale Stoodley
FAQs about our Area Plan...
Our Focus Groups explored the full range of issues...
Q. How big is the Greater Tom
Nevers Area?
A. It includes all of the land be-
tween ‘Sconset and the Airport,
including the oceanfront section to
the south of the Airport. On the
north it’s bordered by the Mile-
stone Road, and on the south by
the ocean. Our Area is now home
to more than 500 families.
Q. What “outside experts” did
the Work Group consult?
A. A number of Town and other
officials have already briefed us on
all these key areas— 41-81D legal
considerations, our wells and sep-
tic systems, roads and bike paths,
rights-of-way and paper roads,
plans for the conservation land
holdings in our area, fire safety,
future plans for Tom Nevers Field,
affordable housing programs and
plans. More briefings are planned.
Plus, more than a dozen prior stud-
ies and plans have been consulted.
Q. When will our Area Plan be
completed?
A. Currently, we’re right on sched-
ule to have a first draft Plan in
early 2007. How long the review
and final approval process will
take is impossible to gauge at this
point. But completing the Plan in a
timely fashion is a priority.
Q. What if our Plan covers
things beyond the scope of the
Nantucket Master Plan?
A. It’s a strong likelihood that it
will…in which case, we’ll also
draft a more inclusive “Tom
Nevers Master Plan” for your re-
view and approval. While not part
of the Official 41-81D Nantucket
Master Plan, it will still guide us in
charting our future policies and
activities.
D uring August, we held 8 in-
dividual Focus Group Ses-
sions…averaging 90-minutes in
duration. In all, 40 Tom Nevers
property-owners participated. Here
are the issues that were explored—
Housing— Our current and fore-
casted housing needs...and also our
plans for affordable housing. (This
discussion centered on setting and
maintaining standards for the pres-
ervation, improvement and devel-
opment of our residential areas and
housing—in a way that best meets
the needs of all our property-
owners…be they year-round or
seasonal…young working families
or retirees…high income or low.)
Land Use— Preserving what we
like and changing what we don’t
like…in terms of open land, build-
ing density, and zoning.
Note—because of the importance
of this topic, two Focus Groups
were held to explore it.
Circulation— Mapping the trans-
portation needs of our area…in
terms of new and/or improved
roads, bike paths, walking trails,
bus service and parking areas.
Also, exploring new ways to better
maintain our private roadways.
Open Space & Recreation—
Enhancing the potential of Tom
Nevers Field…Pebble Beach and
Madequecham Beach…and other
areas in our neighborhood that are
important community resources.
Natural & Cultural Resources—
Protecting and managing our vast
conservation lands and more than 5
miles of beaches.
Economic Development— Keep-
ing our neighborhood residential
and non-commercial…while also
remaining friendly to small home-
based businesses.
Services & Facilities— Assuring
that our private septic systems and
potable water wells provide the
highest standards of health and
safety…and that we have the nec-
essary resources for fire safety.
(Other topics we explored included
local postal delivery.)
Have you paid your 2006 Dues yet?
Yes 5 No
We probably should have reminded you of that fact much earlier…
but if you can possibly still send us your 2006 dues check for $15, it
would be greatly appreciated. And you can help out even more by
pre-paying your 2007 dues now …for a 2-year total of just $30.
Make your $15 or $30 check payable to— Tom Nevers Civic Association…
and mail it to: TNCA, PO Box 2926, Nantucket, MA 02584
But please be advised…you do not have to become a dues-paying
TNCA Member to participate in our enclosed Tom Nevers Area
Plan Survey. Your “vote” counts fully, either way!
FAQs about our Area Plan...
Our Focus Groups explored the full range of issues...
Q. How big is the Greater Tom
Nevers Area?
A. It includes all of the land be-
tween ‘Sconset and the Airport,
including the oceanfront section to
the south of the Airport. On the
north it’s bordered by the Mile-
stone Road, and on the south by
the ocean. Our Area is now home
to more than 500 families.
Q. What “outside experts” did
the Work Group consult?
A. A number of Town and other
officials have already briefed us on
all these key areas— 41-81D legal
considerations, our wells and sep-
tic systems, roads and bike paths,
rights-of-way and paper roads,
plans for the conservation land
holdings in our area, fire safety,
future plans for Tom Nevers Field,
affordable housing programs and
plans. More briefings are planned.
Plus, more than a dozen prior stud-
ies and plans have been consulted.
Q. When will our Area Plan be
completed?
A. Currently, we’re right on sched-
ule to have a first draft Plan in
early 2007. How long the review
and final approval process will
take is impossible to gauge at this
point. But completing the Plan in a
timely fashion is a priority.
Q. What if our Plan covers
things beyond the scope of the
Nantucket Master Plan?
A. It’s a strong likelihood that it
will…in which case, we’ll also
draft a more inclusive “Tom
Nevers Master Plan” for your re-
view and approval. While not part
of the Official 41-81D Nantucket
Master Plan, it will still guide us in
charting our future policies and
activities.
D uring August, we held 8 in-
dividual Focus Group Ses-
sions…averaging 90-minutes in
duration. In all, 40 Tom Nevers
property-owners participated. Here
are the issues that were explored—
Housing— Our current and fore-
casted housing needs...and also our
plans for affordable housing. (This
discussion centered on setting and
maintaining standards for the pres-
ervation, improvement and devel-
opment of our residential areas and
housing—in a way that best meets
the needs of all our property-
owners…be they year-round or
seasonal…young working families
or retirees…high income or low.)
Land Use— Preserving what we
like and changing what we don’t
like…in terms of open land, build-
ing density, and zoning.
Note—because of the importance
of this topic, two Focus Groups
were held to explore it.
Circulation— Mapping the trans-
portation needs of our area…in
terms of new and/or improved
roads, bike paths, walking trails,
bus service and parking areas.
Also, exploring new ways to better
maintain our private roadways.
Open Space & Recreation—
Enhancing the potential of Tom
Nevers Field…Pebble Beach and
Madequecham Beach…and other
areas in our neighborhood that are
important community resources.
Natural & Cultural Resources—
Protecting and managing our vast
conservation lands and more than 5
miles of beaches.
Economic Development— Keep-
ing our neighborhood residential
and non-commercial…while also
remaining friendly to small home-
based businesses.
Services & Facilities— Assuring
that our private septic systems and
potable water wells provide the
highest standards of health and
safety…and that we have the nec-
essary resources for fire safety.
(Other topics we explored included
local postal delivery.)
Tom Nevers Area Plan Survey
Your response to this important Survey will directly shape our Area Plan for the Greater
Tom Nevers Neighborhood. Make sure that your voice is heard!
Please complete and return to—Jack Warner, 706 Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
For each of the statements listed below, please indicate your degree of AGREEMENT or DISAGREEMENT.
(Also feel free to add any comments you’d like to make.) And in the space provided at the end of the Survey,
please give us your suggestions for what you’d most like to see included in our Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan.
1. I love the Greater Tom Nevers Area as it exists today…with its open vistas, peace and quiet, privacy and
country setting.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
2. The Greater Tom Nevers Area will continue to grow in terms of popularity…and enjoy above average
growth in property values.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
3. Over the course of the next 10 to 15 years, we can expect near to full “build-out” in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area…with almost all available building lots developed and with larger homes beginning to replace
small older cottages.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
4. Without further restrictions on the addition of secondary dwelling units, the Greater Tom Nevers Area will
become over-developed.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
5. We need more “affordable housing” for lower-income families in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
6. We should do more to keep young working families in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
7. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) should be encouraged to add walking trails, horse trails,
and bike trails to its vast conservation holdings in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
8. The NCF should be encouraged to protect the rare “sand plain grasslands” in the interior of their Greater
Tom Nevers Area holdings…through a program of selective cutting and controlled burning of invasive
species like scrub oak.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
9. The NCF properties in the Greater Tom Nevers Area should be left alone and kept much as they are today.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
10. Tom Nevers Field is such an important recreational asset for our community, that the Town should be
asked to develop a long-range plan (with budgets) to guide its future improvements and ongoing
maintenance.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
11. Tom Nevers Field should be used for more major events…such as the Boston Pops…with rental revenues
dedicated to ongoing improvements at the Field.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
12. We need improved public access to the 5-miles of open beaches in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
13. For safety and convenience, seasonal steps should be installed to make it easier to access the beach from
Tom Nevers Field.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
14. The concrete remains from the old Navy base should be removed from the beach at Tom Nevers Field.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
15. Legal ownership of the paper roads leading to our beaches and through our other areas should be
determined, so that proper usage can then result…either as public rights-of-way…or added to the tax rolls
by being offered for sale to abutting property owners.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
16. To permit greater utilization of NRTA by Tom Nevers residents, a small park-n-ride area…with bike
racks…should be built near the junction of Tom Nevers Road and Milestone Road.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
17. A paved bike path should be built along Tom Nevers Road, extending from Milestone Road to Tom Nevers
Field.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
18. If funds are unavailable to build a paved bike path along Tom Nevers Road, an unpaved bike path should
be built adjacent to conservation land to the west of Tom Nevers West.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
19. For safety reasons, the foliage along Tom Nevers Road should be cut back at least 6-feet on each side.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
20. The intersection at Tom Nevers Road and Milestone Road is dangerous and needs improvement.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
21. Many of the private dirt roads in the Greater Tom Nevers Area are in very poor condition and an ordinance
should be passed to require that the abutter-owners of these roads keep them in passable condition…either
personally or through a cooperative property-owners association.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
22. There is a growing problem with some negligent absentee-landlords buying Tom Nevers properties for
employee housing or rental income…and then allowing these properties to deteriorate and become
eyesores.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
23. There is a growing problem with some Tom Nevers property owners who run disruptive commercial
businesses from their homes.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
24. We need to do a better job in Tom Nevers of enforcing existing regulations and bylaws that cover building
code and zoning code violations, light and noise pollution, etc.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
25. Tom Nevers West would benefit greatly if it had its own property-owners association to help manage its
neighborhood improvements and growth.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
26. Through a zoning change, we should reduce the minimum size for a building lot in Tom Nevers West from
its current 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre size (LUG-1).
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
27. If at least two-thirds of all the property-owners in Tom Nevers West favored reducing the minimum size for
a building lot in their area from its current 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre size (LUG-1)…we should support
their request for a zoning change at Town Meeting.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
28. If building lots in Tom Nevers West are down-zoned from 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre size (LUG-1)…it
will have little-to-no effect on the rest of the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
29. To assure the continued safety of our well water, we should encourage the exclusive use of non-
contaminating lawn and garden chemicals in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
30. To assure the continued safety of our well water, we should encourage property owners in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area to have their septic systems pumped out at least once every three years.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
31. To reduce the incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, we should actively encourage deer
hunting in the conservation lands of the greater Tom Nevers Area.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
32. To further thin out the deer herd in our Area, we should encourage private property owners to authorize
qualified bow hunters to hunt on their property.
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
33. What would you most like to see included in our Area Plan for the Greater Tom Nevers Area?
(attach extra pages if needed)
IMPORTANT – For tabulation purposes only, please tell us…
A. Your Tom Nevers Street
B. Whether you are a year-round or seasonal Tom Nevers resident
Year-round (6+ months/year)
Seasonal (Less than 6-months/year)
Other (Own property in Tom Nevers, but live elsewhere)
Please mail your completed questionnaire to–
Jack Warner, 706 Hillcrest Rd, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
2007
Greater Tom Nevers
Area Plan
Property-Owner Survey Report
February 15, 2007
2007 Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan
Property-Owner Survey Report -- February 15, 2007
s p
w
art of the Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan development process, a property-owner survey
as conducted by mail in November 2006. This report analyzes all the responses received by
the survey cut-off date of February 15, 2007.
A
In all, 230 property-owners returned completed questionnaires, representing an impressive 40.2%
response. All five of Tom Nevers sub-neighborhoods are proportionally represented, as are both
year-round and seasonal residents. As such, the survey’s findings can be considered to be reliably
projectable to the Greater Tom Nevers Area as a whole.
The survey questionnaire itself consisted of 32 statements, developed after a series of eight Focus
Group Sessions established potential key initiatives or areas of concern to be addressed in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan. For each of these statements, the respondents were asked to
indicate their degree of AGREEMENT or DISAGREEMENT, using a 5-point scale. Space was
provided to let respondents elaborate on their ratings. And following Statement #32, respondents
were asked to detail “What would you most like to see included in our Area Plan for the Greater
Tom Nevers Area?” More than 165 respondees provided detailed statements, all of which are
reported verbatim in Section 3 of this Survey Report.
Section 1 -- Summary Findings— pages 4 - 8
In the first section that follows…top-line “summary findings” are reported, using a combined
3-point scale of…Agree / Disagree / Unsure…for each of the 32 statements in the survey. This
section provides a good overview of property-owner sentiments.
Section 2 -- Detailed Findings— pages 9 - 41
In the second section that follows…“detailed findings” are reported, using the full 5-point scale
of…Strongly Agree / Somewhat Agree / Unsure / Somewhat Disagree / Strongly Disagree…for
each of the 32 statements in the survey. These ratings are detailed not only for the group as a
whole, but for each of the five Tom Nevers sub-neighborhoods (Tom Nevers East, Tom Nevers
West, Tom Nevers South, Tom Nevers Road and Madequecham West)…and for the property-
owner’s category of residency (Year-round, Seasonal, or “Own Property in TN but Live
Elsewhere”). In addition to the data tables, analytical observations are included under each of the
32 statements.
Section 3 -- Verbatim Comments— pages 42 - 53
In the third section that follows…verbatim comments from 165 of the survey’s respondents are
reported…organized by sub-neighborhood and type of residency.
2
About the survey’s response rate –
According to the Nantucket Tax Assessors Office, there are a total of 773 properties in the Greater
Tom Nevers Area. Of these, 591 are privately-owned properties with valid owner addresses. (The
remaining 182 are owned by the Town, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, the Land Bank or
other organizations, or have owners “unknown or unreachable”.) In this survey, the owners-of-
record for all 591 privately-owned properties were mailed questionnaires… representing a “sample
size” of 100%. (Even those 7 property-owners with overseas addresses were included.) Of the 591
questionnaires mailed, 19 were returned by the US Postal Service as “undeliverable”, resulting in a
net survey base of 572 questionnaires actually delivered to Tom Nevers property-owners.
By the survey’s cut-off date, a total of 230 completed questionnaires were returned…representing a
response rate of 40.2%. This level of response is considered extremely strong and, as such, the
survey’s findings are reliably projectable to the full Tom Nevers property-owner base.
When analyzed by sub-neighborhood, the response levels also properly reflect the differing sizes of
the five Tom Nevers areas…with the sole exception of Madequecham West, which had about half
the average response rate. (The overall response rate excluding Madequecham West was 42.3 %.)
When analyzed by type of residency, the response levels also properly reflect the composition of
the Tom Nevers Area, overall and by sub-neighborhood…with an overall composition of 31%
year-rounders…61% seasonal residents...and 8% “absentee-owners” who own property in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area but live elsewhere. (The results also properly reflect the fact that there is
a larger percentage of year-rounders in Tom Nevers West than in the other sub-
neighborhoods…with 41% of the respondees from Tom Nevers West identifying themselves as
year-rounders…46% as seasonal residents…and 13% as absentee owners.)
.
3
Section 1 -- Summary Findings—
n
of
prov
this section, top-line “summary findings” are reported, using a combined 3-point scale
…Agree / Disagree / Unsure…for each of the 32 statements in the survey. This section
ides a good overview of property-owner sentiments.
I
In the next section (Section 2)…“detailed findings” are reported, using the full 5-point scale
of…Strongly Agree / Somewhat Agree / Unsure / Somewhat Disagree / Strongly Disagree…for
each of the 32 statements in the survey. These ratings are detailed not only for the group as a
whole, but for each of the five Tom Nevers sub-neighborhoods (Tom Nevers East, Tom Nevers
West, Tom Nevers South, Tom Nevers Road and Madequecham West)…and for the property-
owner’s category of residency (Year-round, Seasonal, or “Own Property in TN but Live
Elsewhere”). In addition to the data tables, analytical observations are included under each of the
32 statements.
1. I love the Greater Tom Nevers Area as it exists today…with its open vistas, peace
and quiet, privacy and country setting.
Agree… 98.4% Disagree… 0.6% Unsure… 1.0%
2. The Greater Tom Nevers Area will continue to grow in terms of popularity…and enjoy
above average growth in property values.
Agree… 82.5% Disagree… 2.6% Unsure… 14.9%
3. Over the course of the next 10 to 15 years, we can expect near to full “build-out” in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area…with almost all available building lots developed and with
larger homes beginning to replace small older cottages.
Agree… 75.3% Disagree… 4.6% Unsure… 20.1%
4. Without further restrictions on the addition of secondary dwelling units, the Greater
Tom Nevers Area will become over-developed.
Agree… 59.7% Disagree… 23.8% Unsure… 16.5%
4
5. We need more “affordable housing” for lower-income families in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area.
Agree… 18.5% Disagree… 63.4% Unsure… 18.1%
6. We should do more to keep young working families in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Agree… 46.9% Disagree… 29.9% Unsure… 23.2%
7. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) should be encouraged to add walking
trails, horse trails, and bike trails to its vast conservation holdings in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area.
Agree… 70.1% Disagree… 21.7% Unsure… 8.2%
8. The NCF should be encouraged to protect the rare “sand plain grasslands” in the
interior of their Greater Tom Nevers Area holdings…through a program of selective
cutting and controlled burning of invasive species like scrub oak.
Agree… 78.3% Disagree… 9.8% Unsure… 11.9%
9. The NCF properties in the Greater Tom Nevers Area should be left alone and kept
much as they are today.
Agree… 53.1% Disagree… 28.3% Unsure… 18.6%
10. Tom Nevers Field is such an important recreational asset for our community, that the
Town should be asked to develop a long-range plan (with budgets) to guide its future
improvements and ongoing maintenance.
Agree… 84.5% Disagree… 8.8% Unsure… 6.7%
11. Tom Nevers Field should be used for more major events…such as the Boston Pops…
with rental revenues dedicated to ongoing improvements at the Field.
Agree… 52.6% Disagree… 35.0% Unsure… 12.4%
5
12. We need improved public access to the 5-miles of open beaches in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area.
Agree… 50.5% Disagree… 41.8% Unsure… 7.7%
13. For safety and convenience, seasonal steps should be installed to make it easier to
access the beach from Tom Nevers Field.
Agree… 66.0% Disagree… 23.7% Unsure… 10.3%
14. The concrete remains from the old Navy base should be removed from the beach at
Tom Nevers Field.
Agree… 80.4% Disagree… 9.3% Unsure… 10.3%
15. Legal ownership of the paper roads leading to our beaches and through our other areas
should be determined, so that proper usage can then result…either as public rights-of-
way…or added to the tax rolls by being offered for sale to abutting property owners.
Agree… 61.9% Disagree… 13.9% Unsure… 24.2%
16. To permit greater utilization of NRTA by Tom Nevers residents, a small park-n-ride
area …with bike racks…should be built near the junction of Tom Nevers Road and
Milestone Road.
Agree… 68.0% Disagree… 20.6% Unsure… 11.4%
17. A paved bike path should be built along Tom Nevers Road, extending from Milestone
Road to Tom Nevers Field.
Agree… 76.3% Disagree… 16.0% Unsure… 7.7%
18. If funds are unavailable to build a paved bike path along Tom Nevers Road, an
unpaved bike path should be built adjacent to conservation land to the west of Tom
Nevers West.
Agree… 44.3% Disagree… 29.4% Unsure… 26.3%
6
19. For safety reasons, the foliage along Tom Nevers Road should be cut back at least 6-
feet on each side.
Agree… 67.6% Disagree… 22.1% Unsure… 10.3%
20. The intersection at Tom Nevers Road and Milestone Road is dangerous and needs
improvement.
Agree… 48.5% Disagree… 38.6% Unsure… 12.9%
21. Many of the private dirt roads in the Greater Tom Nevers Area are in very poor
condition and an ordinance should be passed to require that the abutter-owners of these
roads keep them in passable condition…either personally or through a cooperative
property-owners association.
Agree… 52.6% Disagree… 32.5% Unsure… 14.9%
22. There is a growing problem with some negligent absentee-landlords buying Tom
Nevers properties for employee housing or rental income…and then allowing these
properties to deteriorate and become eyesores.
Agree… 57.2% Disagree… 6.7% Unsure… 36.1%
23. There is a growing problem with some Tom Nevers property owners who run
disruptive commercial businesses from their homes.
Agree… 43.3% Disagree… 11.9% Unsure… 44.8%
24. We need to do a better job in Tom Nevers of enforcing existing regulations and bylaws
that cover building code and zoning code violations, light and noise pollution, etc.
Agree… 72.2% Disagree… 10.3% Unsure… 17.5%
25. Tom Nevers West would benefit greatly if it had its own property-owners association
to help manage its neighborhood improvements and growth.
Agree… 56.7% Disagree… 9.3% Unsure… 34.0%
7
26. Through a zoning change, we should reduce the minimum size for a building lot in
Tom Nevers West from its current 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre size (LUG-1).
Agree… 10.3% Disagree… 82.5% Unsure… 7.2%
27. If at least two-thirds of all the property-owners in Tom Nevers West favored reducing
the minimum size for a building lot in their area from its current 3-acre size (LUG-3)
to 1-acre size (LUG-1)…we should support their request for a zoning change at Town
Meeting.
Agree… 16.5% Disagree… 72.7% Unsure… 10.8%
28. If building lots in Tom Nevers West are down-zoned from 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-
acre size (LUG-1)…it will have little-to-no effect on the rest of the Greater Tom
Nevers Area.
Agree… 8.8% Disagree… 86.6% Unsure… 4.6%
29. To assure the continued safety of our well water, we should encourage the exclusive
use of non-contaminating lawn and garden chemicals in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Agree… 85.6% Disagree… 5.6% Unsure… 8.8%
30. To assure the continued safety of our well water, we should encourage property owners
in the Greater Tom Nevers Area to have their septic systems pumped out at least once
every three years.
Agree… 76.3% Disagree… 11.3% Unsure… 12.4%
31. To reduce the incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, we should
actively encourage deer hunting in the conservation lands of the greater Tom Nevers
Area.
Agree… 64.4% Disagree… 23.7% Unsure… 11.9%
32. To further thin out the deer herd in our Area, we should encourage private property
owners to authorize qualified bow hunters to hunt on their property.
Agree… 51.5% Disagree… 36.6% Unsure… 11.9%
8
Section 2 -- Detailed Findings—
n
So
state
this section, “detailed findings” are reported, using the full 5-point scale of…Strongly Agree /
mewhat Agree / Unsure / Somewhat Disagree / Strongly Disagree…for each of the 32
ments in the survey. These ratings are detailed not only for the group as a whole, but for each
of the five Tom Nevers sub-neighborhoods (Tom Nevers East, Tom Nevers West, Tom Nevers
South, Tom Nevers Road and Madequecham West)…and for the property-owner’s category of
residency (Year-round, Seasonal, or “Own Property in TN but Live Elsewhere”). In addition to the
data tables, analytical observations are included under each of the 32 statements.
I
9
Statement #1…
“I love the Greater Tom Nevers Area as it exists today…with its open vistas, peace and
quiet, privacy and country setting.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 87.1% 11.3% 1.0% 0.6% 0.0%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 91.6% 5.4% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0%
TN West 69.2% 28.2% 2.6% 0.0% 0.0%
TN South 85.7% 14.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
TN Road 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 90.9% 9.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 83.1% 15.2% 0.0% 1.7% 0.0%
Seasonal 89.1% 10.1% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0%
Live elsewhere 87.4% 6.3% 6.3% 0.0% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined* 98.4% AGREE that they love the Greater Tom Nevers Area as it exists today…
suggesting that major changes are not desired…and that the Area Plans’ emphasis should focus
heavily on preserving those elements that residents consider to be the area’s principal assets—its
open vistas, peace and quiet, privacy and country setting.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this overwhelmingly positive view…as do all
categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live
elsewhere.
* NOTE-- The “strongly agree” and “somewhat agree” percentages are combined here to facilitate
analyzing the more fully detailed data reported in the tables themselves. This technique of using
“combined data” is used in the “Observations” sections throughout this report.
10
Statement #2…
“The Greater Tom Nevers Area will continue to grow in terms of popularity…and enjoy
above average growth in property values.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 42.3% 40.2% 14.9% 1.5% 1.1%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 49.5% 32.6% 14.7% 2.1% 1.1%
TN West 30.8% 53.8% 15.4% 0.0% 0.0%
TN South 40.0% 40.0% 17.1% 0.0% 2.9%
TN Road 33.3% 41.7% 25.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 63.6% 0.0% 9.1% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 32.2% 54.2% 10.2% 3.4% 0.0%
Seasonal 47.9% 33.6% 16.0% 0.8% 1.7%
Live elsewhere 37.5% 37.5% 25.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 82.5% AGREE that the area will grow in both popularity and property values…an
indication of their strong long-term confidence in the future outlook for the Greater Tom Nevers
Area.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this overwhelmingly positive view…as do all
categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live
elsewhere.
11
Statement #3…
“Over the course of the next 10 to 15 years, we can expect near to full “build-out” in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area…with almost all available building lots developed and with
larger homes beginning to replace small older cottages.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 36.6% 38.7% 20.1% 1.5% 3.1%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 35.8% 38.9% 21.1% 0.0% 4.2%
TN West 28.2% 43.6% 20.5% 5.1% 2.6%
TN South 42.9% 31.4% 22.8% 2.9% 0.0%
TN Road 58.3% 41.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 45.5% 18.1% 0.0% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 30.5% 50.8% 10.2% 5.1% 3.4%
Seasonal 39.5% 34.5% 23.5% 0.0% 2.5%
Live elsewhere 37.5% 25.0% 31.2% 0.0% 6.3%
Observations –
• A combined 75.3% AGREE that we will approach near “build-out” over the next 10 to 15 years.
This level of increased development greatly concerns many—as expressed by their write-in
comments that appear in the Verbatim Comments Section of this survey report.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this view…as do all categories of property
owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
12
Statement #4…
“Without further restrictions on the addition of secondary dwelling units, the Greater
Tom Nevers Area will become over-developed.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 41.7% 18.0% 16.5% 11.9% 11.9%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 45.3% 16.8% 15.8% 10.5% 11.6%
TN West 35.9% 23.1% 12.8% 17.9% 10.3%
TN South 48.6% 20.0% 14.2% 8.6% 8.6%
TN Road 33.4% 8.3% 25.0% 8.3% 25.0%
Madeqchm West 18.2% 18.2% 36.3% 18.2% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 35.6% 13.6% 15.2% 13.6% 22.0%
Seasonal 45.4% 19.3% 17.7% 9.2% 8.4%
Live elsewhere 37.5% 25.0% 12.5% 25.0% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 59.7% AGREE that the area will become over-developed—unless further restrictions
are placed on the addition of secondary dwellings. This compares to a combined 23.8% who
DISAGREE that over-development will occur without further restrictions on secondary dwellings.
(16.5% more say they are “Not Sure.”)
• The large majority of property owners in TN South, TN East and TN West share this concern
about secondary dwellings potentially causing over-development. Property owners on Tom
Nevers Road and in Madequecham West indicate a far lesser concern…but they still outnumber
those who are not concerned in those sub-neighborhoods. Year-rounders are less concerned than
seasonal and absentee property owners…but the percent of year-rounders concerned does exceed
the number who are not concerned.
13
Statement #5…
“We need more “affordable housing” for lower-income families in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 3.6% 14.9% 18.1% 17.5% 45.9%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 3.2% 10.5% 20.0% 18.9% 47.4%
TN West 5.1% 17.9% 17.9% 17.9% 41.2%
TN South 5.7% 25.7% 17.2% 11.4% 40.0%
TN Road 0.0% 0.0% 8.3% 16.7% 75.0%
Madeqchm West 0.0% 27.3% 18.1% 27.3% 27.3%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 6.8% 11.9% 15.2% 13.6% 52.5%
Seasonal 1.7% 14.3% 20.1% 18.5% 45.4%
Live elsewhere 6.3% 31.3% 12.4% 25.0% 25.0%
Observations –
• A combined 63.4% DISAGREE with this statement…as do the majority in all sub-neighborhoods
and categories of property owners.
• As expressed in the Verbatim Comments Section, many believe that our relatively far distance
from Town, from shopping and from schools make the Tom Nevers Area less than ideal for
lower-income families.
14
Statement #6…
“We should do more to keep young working families in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 13.4% 33.5% 23.2% 13.4% 16.5%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 9.5% 36.8% 22.1% 15.8% 15.8%
TN West 25.6% 25.6% 30.8% 7.7% 10.3%
TN South 14.3% 37.1% 17.1% 14.4% 17.1%
TN Road 0.0% 25.0% 25.0% 8.3% 41.7%
Madeqchm West 18.2% 36.4% 27.2% 9.1% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 22.0% 18.6% 18.8% 20.3% 20.3%
Seasonal 9.2% 37.8% 25.3% 10.9% 16.8%
Live elsewhere 12.5% 56.3% 24.9% 6.3% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 46.9% AGREE with this statement…as compared with a combined 29.9% who
DISAGREE.
• Property owners on Tom Nevers Road are the sole exception to this pattern…with a combined
25% in agreement and a combined 50% in disagreement.
• Year-rounders are evenly split in their opinion…with 40.6% in agreement and 40.6% in
disagreement.
15
Statement #7…
“The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) should be encouraged to add walking
trails, horse trails, and bike trails to its vast conservation holdings in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 47.4% 22.7% 8.2% 7.3% 14.4%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 36.8% 20.0% 13.7% 9.5% 20.0%
TN West 66.7% 15.4% 2.5% 7.7% 7.7%
TN South 57.1% 28.6% 2.8% 2.9% 8.6%
TN Road 41.7% 33.3% 0.0% 8.3% 16.7%
Madeqchm West 45.5% 36.3% 9.1% 0.0% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 55.9% 11.9% 10.2% 3.4% 18.6%
Seasonal 42.9% 26.9% 7.5% 8.4% 14.3%
Live elsewhere 50.0% 31.3% 6.2% 12.5% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 70.1% AGREE with this initiative…and only a combined 21.7% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this view…as do all categories of property
owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
16
Statement #8…
“The NCF should be encouraged to protect the rare “sand plain grasslands” in the interior
of their Greater Tom Nevers Area holdings…through a program of selective cutting and
controlled burning of invasive species like scrub oak.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 54.6% 23.7% 11.9% 6.2% 3.6%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 50.5% 28.4% 11.6% 6.3% 3.2%
TN West 64.1% 10.3% 17.9% 5.1% 2.6%
TN South 60.0% 20.0% 11.4% 8.6% 0.0%
TN Road 41.7% 41.7% 0.0% 0.0% 16.6%
Madeqchm West 63.6% 27.3% 0.0% 9.1% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 55.9% 22.0% 10.2% 5.1% 6.8%
Seasonal 54.6% 24.4% 10.9% 7.6% 2.5%
Live elsewhere 50.0% 25.0% 25.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 78.3% AGREE with this initiative…and only a combined 9.8% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this view…as do all categories of property
owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
17
Statement #9…
“The NCF properties in the Greater Tom Nevers Area should be left alone and kept much as
they are today.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 30.4% 22.7% 18.6% 21.6% 6.7%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 31.5% 23.2% 20.0% 17.9% 7.4%
TN West 30.8% 17.9% 20.5% 20.5% 10.3%
TN South 25.7% 17.1% 14.4% 37.1% 5.7%
TN Road 41.7% 33.3% 16.7% 8.3% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 18.2% 36.3% 18.2% 27.3% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 22.0% 27.2% 16.9% 23.7% 10.2%
Seasonal 35.3% 21.0% 16.9% 21.8% 5.0%
Live elsewhere 25.0% 18.8% 37.4% 12.5% 6.3%
Observations –
• A combined 53.1% AGREE with this statement…and a combined 28.3% DISAGREE.
• With the exception of TN South, all of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this view to a
greater or lesser degree…as do all categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal
residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
• Property owners in TN South are evenly split in their opinion…with 42.7% in agreement and
42.8% in disagreement.
• While at first glance these opinions may seem to contradict to some degree the views expressed
for Statements #7 and # 8, they probably suggest a general concern about going too far in making
any future changes to NCF properties.
18
Statement #10…
“Tom Nevers Field is such an important recreational asset for our community, that the
Town should be asked to develop a long-range plan (with budgets) to guide its future
improvements and ongoing maintenance.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 53.6% 30.9% 6.7% 4.7% 4.1%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 52.6% 29.5% 8.4% 4.2% 5.3%
TN West 71.8% 23.1% 0.0% 2.6% 2.5%
TN South 54.3% 28.6% 11.4% 5.7% 0.0%
TN Road 41.7% 33.3% 8.3% 0.0% 16.7%
Madeqchm West 9.1% 81.8% 0.0% 9.1% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 55.9% 25.4% 1.7% 11.9% 5.1%
Seasonal 53.8% 31.9% 9.3% 0.8% 4.2%
Live elsewhere 43.8% 43.8% 6.3% 6.3% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 84.5% AGREE with this initiative…and only a combined 8.8% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this view…as do all categories of property
owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
19
Statement #11…
“Tom Nevers Field should be used for more major events…such as the Boston
Pops…with rental revenues dedicated to ongoing improvements at the Field.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 22.7% 29.9% 12.4% 9.3% 25.7%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 16.8% 26.3% 18.9% 8.4% 29.6%
TN West 38.5% 38.5% 7.6% 2.6% 12.8%
TN South 22.9% 37.1% 8.6% 11.4% 20.0%
TN Road 16.7% 25.0% 0.0% 25.0% 33.3%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 18.2% 0.0% 9.1% 45.4%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 23.7% 28.8% 15.3% 10.2% 22.0%
Seasonal 22.7% 29.4% 10.9% 10.1% 26.9%
Live elsewhere 18.8% 37.5% 12.4% 0.0% 31.3%
Observations –
• A combined 52.6% AGREE with this initiative…and a combined 35.0% DISAGREE. All
categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live
elsewhere…fit this pattern.
• However, opinion differs greatly by sub-neighborhood. TN West and TN South are strongly in
favor of this initiative…while property owners on Tom Nevers Road are strongly opposed—no
doubt because of the extra traffic such events would generate. Property owners in TN East are
slightly in favor (43.1% vs. 38.0%)…while property owners in Madequecham West are slightly
opposed (45.5% in favor vs. 54.5% opposed. (Perhaps the trauma of the “Madequecham Jam”
comes to mind.)
20
Statement #12…
“We need improved public access to the 5-miles of open beaches in the Greater Tom Nevers
Area.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 26.8% 23.7% 7.7% 13.4% 28.4%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 29.5% 28.4% 4.2% 14.7% 23.2%
TN West 28.2% 30.8% 15.4% 5.1% 20.5%
TN South 20.0% 11.4% 8.6% 17.1% 42.9%
TN Road 33.3% 16.7% 8.3% 8.3% 41.7%
Madeqchm West 9.1% 9.1% 9.0% 27.3% 45.5%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 28.8% 25.4% 5.1% 13.6% 27.1%
Seasonal 27.7% 21.0% 5.9% 15.1% 30.3%
Live elsewhere 12.5% 37.5% 31.2% 0.0% 18.8%
Observations –
• This initiative is controversial. A combined 50.5% AGREE with this initiative…and a combined
41.8% DISAGREE. All categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and
property owners who live elsewhere…generally fit this pattern.
• However, opinions differ greatly by sub-neighborhood. TN West and TN East are strongly in
favor of this initiative…while property owners on Tom Nevers Road are evenly split. Perhaps
understandably, property owners close to the beach (TN South and Madequecham West) are
strongly opposed...with 60.0% and 72.8% respectively opposed. As noted in the Verbatim
Comments Section, residents in Madequecham West feel they are already burdened with large
numbers of people using their private roads for summer beach access.
21
Statement #13…
“For safety and convenience, seasonal steps should be installed to make it easier to access
the beach from Tom Nevers Field.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 35.6% 30.4% 10.3% 7.7% 16.0%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 32.6% 32.6% 10.6% 8.4% 15.8%
TN West 38.5% 30.8% 10.2% 5.1% 15.4%
TN South 42.9% 28.6% 11.4% 5.7% 11.4%
TN Road 50.0% 16.7% 0.0% 8.3% 25.0%
Madeqchm West 9.1% 36.4% 18.1% 18.2% 18.2%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 33.9% 33.9% 3.3% 3.9% 25.0%
Seasonal 38.7% 27.7% 12.6% 10.1% 10.9%
Live elsewhere 18.8% 37.5% 18.7% 6.3% 18.7%
Observations –
• A combined 66.0% AGREE with this initiative…and only a combined 23.7% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods generally share this view…although property owners
in Madequecham West are far less positive (45.5% vs. 34.4%). All categories of property
owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere—are in favor
of this initiative.
22
Statement #14…
“The concrete remains from the old Navy base should be removed from the beach at Tom
Nevers Field.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 66.0 14.4 10.3 4.1 5.2
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 70.5 12.6 7.4 4.2 5.3
TN West 64.1 10.3 17.9 0.0 7.7
TN South 65.7 22.9 5.7 5.7 0.0
TN Road 66.7 25.0 8.3 0.0 0.0
Madeqchm West 27.3 9.1 27.2 18.2 18.2
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 72.9 11.9 6.7 1.7 6.8
Seasonal 64.7 15.1 10.9 5.9 3.4
Live elsewhere 50.0 18.8 18.7 0.0 12.5
Observations –
• A combined 80.4% AGREE with this initiative…while only a combined 9.3% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods strongly share this view…with the exception of
Madequecham West, where opinion is evenly split at 36.4% vs. 36.4%. (But note that in
Madequecham West, the percent who are “Not Sure” is far above the average compared to the
other areas.)
• All categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who
live elsewhere—are in favor of this initiative.
23
Statement #15…
“Legal ownership of the paper roads leading to our beaches and through our other areas
should be determined, so that proper usage can then result…either as public rights-of-
way…or added to the tax rolls by being offered for sale to abutting property owners.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 39.7% 22.2% 24.2% 3.1% 10.8%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 40.0% 22.1% 24.2% 2.1% 11.6%
TN West 51.3% 20.5% 20.5% 0.0% 7.7%
TN South 28.6% 28.6% 28.5% 2.9% 11.4%
TN Road 50.0% 8.3% 16.7% 16.7% 8.3%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 27.3% 36.9% 0.0% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 61.0% 13.6% 13.5% 0.0% 11.9%
Seasonal 33.6% 22.7% 28.6% 5.0% 10.1%
Live elsewhere 6.3% 50.0% 31.2% 0.0% 12.3%
Observations –
• A combined 61.9% AGREE with this initiative…while only a combined 13.9% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this view…with TN East and TN West the most
positive. All categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property
owners who live elsewhere—are in favor of this initiative.
24
Statement #16…
“To permit greater utilization of NRTA by Tom Nevers residents, a small park-n-ride
area…with bike racks…should be built near the junction of Tom Nevers Road and
Milestone Road.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 37.1% 30.9% 11.4% 6.7% 13.9%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 34.7% 27.4% 13.7% 9.5% 14.7%
TN West 43.6% 28.2% 12.8% 2.6% 12.8%
TN South 40.0% 48.6% 5.6% 2.9% 2.9%
TN Road 33.3% 16.7% 0.0% 0.0% 50.0%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 27.3% 18.1% 18.2% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 42.4% 30.5% 8.5% 1.7% 16.9%
Seasonal 35.4% 31.1% 10.9% 9.2% 13.4%
Live elsewhere 31.3% 31.3% 25.0% 6.2% 6.2%
Observations –
• A combined 68.0% AGREE with this initiative…while only a combined 20.6% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods share this view to a greater or lesser extent…with the
exception of property owners on Tom Nevers Road, who are split 50-50 in their opinion.
• All categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who
live elsewhere—are in favor of this initiative.
25
Statement #17…
“A paved bike path should be built along Tom Nevers Road, extending from Milestone
Road to Tom Nevers Field.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 47.4% 28.9% 7.7% 4.1% 11.9%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 40.0% 29.5% 9.4% 5.3% 15.8%
TN West 59.0% 33.3% 0.0% 2.6% 5.1%
TN South 51.4% 25.7% 14.3% 0.0% 8.6%
TN Road 58.3% 8.3% 0.0% 16.7% 16.7%
Madeqchm West 54.6% 27.3% 9.0% 0.0% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 47.5% 25.4% 8.5% 3.4% 15.2%
Seasonal 47.9% 27.7% 8.5% 5.0% 10.9%
Live elsewhere 43.8% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0% 6.2%
Observations –
• A combined 76.3% AGREE with this initiative…while only a combined 16.0% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods strongly share this view…as do all categories of
property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
26
Statement #18…
“If funds are unavailable to build a paved bike path along Tom Nevers Road, an unpaved
bike path should be built adjacent to conservation land to the west of Tom Nevers West.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 16.5% 27.8% 26.3% 8.2% 21.2%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 11.6% 28.4% 31.6% 9.5% 18.9%
TN West 17.9% 23.1% 15.4% 7.7% 35.9%
TN South 28.6% 37.1% 22.8% 2.9% 8.6%
TN Road 8.3% 16.7% 25.0% 16.7% 33.3%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 18.2% 27.2% 9.1% 18.2%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 22.0% 22.0% 25.5% 6.8% 23.7%
Seasonal 14.3% 29.4% 26.1% 8.4% 21.8%
Live elsewhere 12.5% 37.5% 31.2% 12.5% 6.3%
Observations –
• This initiative is controversial. Only a combined 44.3% AGREE with this initiative…while a
combined 29.4% DISAGREE and a significant 26.3% are simply NOT SURE— perhaps
indicating that they would need more specific information before making a decision.
• TN Road is the only sub-neighborhood expressing strong disagreement to this initiative…with
25% for it and 50.0% against. All categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal
residents, and property owners who live elsewhere…generally support this initiative.
27
Statement #19…
“For safety reasons, the foliage along Tom Nevers Road should be cut back at least 6-feet
on each side.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 38.7% 28.9% 10.3% 11.3% 10.8%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 38.9% 28.4% 11.7% 12.6% 8.4%
TN West 43.6% 25.7% 17.9% 5.1% 7.7%
TN South 31.4% 42.9% 2.9% 11.4% 11.4%
TN Road 33.3% 16.8% 8.3% 8.3% 33.3%
Madeqchm West 54.6% 18.2% 0.0% 27.2% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 39.0% 35.6% 3.4% 5.1% 16.9%
Seasonal 40.3% 24.4% 12.6% 14.3% 8.4%
Live elsewhere 25.0% 37.5% 18.7% 12.5% 6.3%
Observations –
• A combined 67.6% AGREE with this initiative…while only a combined 22.1% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods support this initiative…most by a very large majority.
The one exception is property owners on Tom Nevers Road itself, where only a slim majority is in
favor. All categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners
who live elsewhere…strongly favor this initiative.
28
Statement #20…
“The intersection at Tom Nevers Road and Milestone Road is dangerous and needs
improvement.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 27.8% 20.7% 12.9% 24.7% 13.9%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 35.8% 17.9% 14.8% 16.8% 14.7%
TN West 25.6% 28.3% 12.8% 17.9% 15.4%
TN South 8.6% 28.6% 8.5% 42.9% 11.4%
TN Road 33.3% 8.3% 8.4% 33.3% 16.7%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 9.1% 18.1% 36.4% 9.1%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 27.1% 20.3% 11.9% 15.3% 25.4%
Seasonal 30.3% 19.3% 10.0% 30.3% 10.1%
Live elsewhere 12.5% 31.3% 37.4% 18.8% 0.0%
Observations –
• This initiative is controversial. While on an overall basis, a combined 48.5% AGREE and a
combined 38.6% DISAGREE with this initiative…this level of moderate support is distorted by
the strong support of property owners in TN East and TN West. In contrast, the large majority of
property owners in TN South, TN Road and Madequecham West disagree.
• Year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere…all generally
support this initiative.
29
Statement #21…
“Many of the private dirt roads in the Greater Tom Nevers Area are in very poor
condition and an ordinance should be passed to require that the abutter-owners of these
roads keep them in passable condition…either personally or through a cooperative
property-owners association.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 28.9% 23.7% 14.9% 13.9% 18.6%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 35.8% 22.1% 14.7% 13.7% 13.7%
TN West 30.8% 23.1% 17.9% 5.1% 23.1%
TN South 20.0% 40.0% 8.6% 14.3% 17.1%
TN Road 16.7% 0.0% 16.6% 41.7% 25.0%
Madeqchm West 9.1% 9.1% 27.2% 18.2% 36.4%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 32.2% 25.4% 11.9% 10.2% 20.3%
Seasonal 25.2% 26.1% 15.1% 13.4% 20.2%
Live elsewhere 43.8% 0.0% 25.0% 31.2% 0.0%
Observations –
• This initiative too is controversial. While on an overall basis, a combined 52.6% AGREE and a
combined 32.5% DISAGREE with this initiative…this level of strong support comes exclusively
from property owners in TN East, TN West and TN South. In contrast, property owners on TN
Road and in Madequecham West overwhelmingly disagree.
• Year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere…all generally
support this initiative.
30
Statement #22…
“There is a growing problem with some negligent absentee-landlords buying Tom Nevers
properties for employee housing or rental income…and then allowing these properties to
deteriorate and become eyesores.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 30.4% 26.8% 36.1% 4.6% 2.1%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 36.8% 29.5% 28.4% 2.1% 3.2%
TN West 30.8% 28.2% 38.4% 2.6% 0.0%
TN South 17.1% 25.7% 42.9% 14.3% 0.0%
TN Road 33.3% 16.7% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 18.2% 18.2% 54.5% 9.1% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 30.5% 33.9% 28.8% 3.4% 3.4%
Seasonal 33.6% 22.7% 37.0% 5.9% 0.8%
Live elsewhere 6.3% 31.3% 56.1% 0.0% 6.3%
Observations –
• A combined 57.2% AGREE with this statement…while only a combined 6.7% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods are in agreement…and all categories of property
owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere…strongly
agree.
• It should be noted that a high percentage of respondents say they are NOT SURE…indicating
perhaps that they have not personally experienced this problem.
31
Statement #23…
“There is a growing problem with some Tom Nevers property owners who run disruptive
commercial businesses from their homes.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 23.2% 20.1% 44.8% 6.7% 5.2%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 28.4% 24.2% 41.1% 4.2% 2.1%
TN West 20.5% 17.9% 41.1% 12.8% 7.7%
TN South 17.1% 17.1% 45.8% 8.6% 11.4%
TN Road 16.7% 16.7% 58.3% 8.3% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 18.2% 9.1% 72.7% 0.0% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 25.4% 22.0% 27.1% 13.6% 11.9%
Seasonal 24.4% 17.6% 52.9% 3.4% 1.7%
Live elsewhere 6.3% 31.3% 48.8% 6.3% 6.3%
Observations –
• A combined 43.3% AGREE with this statement…while only a combined 11.9% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods are in agreement…and all categories of property
owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere…strongly
agree.
• It should be noted that a very high percentage of respondents say they are NOT
SURE…indicating perhaps that they have not personally experienced this problem.
32
Statement #24…
“We need to do a better job in Tom Nevers of enforcing existing regulations and bylaws
that cover building code and zoning code violations, light and noise pollution, etc.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 45.9% 26.3% 17.5% 6.7% 3.6%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 53.7% 25.3% 13.6% 4.2% 3.2%
TN West 41.0% 23.1% 23.1% 7.7% 5.1%
TN South 34.3% 37.1% 11.4% 14.3% 2.9%
TN Road 41.7% 25.0% 25.0% 8.3% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 36.4% 18.2% 45.5% 0.0% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 49.2% 22.0% 10.1% 8.5% 10.2%
Seasonal 44.5% 29.4% 18.6% 6.7% 0.8%
Live elsewhere 43.8% 18.8% 37.4% 0.0% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 72.2% AGREE with this statement…while only a combined 10.3% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods strongly share this view…as do all categories of
property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
33
Statement #25…
“Tom Nevers West would benefit greatly if it had its own property-owners association to
help manage its neighborhood improvements and growth.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 33.5% 23.2% 34.0% 2.1% 7.2%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 44.2% 23.2% 29.4% 0.0% 3.2%
TN West 30.8% 23.1% 25.6% 23.1% 15.4%
TN South 17.1% 25.7% 51.4% 2.9% 2.9%
TN Road 25.0% 8.3% 33.4% 8.3% 25.0%
Madeqchm West 18.2% 27.3% 54.5% 0.0% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 44.1% 22.0% 16.9% 3.4% 13.6%
Seasonal 28.7% 25.2% 40.3% 0.8% 5.0%
Live elsewhere 31.3% 12.5% 49.9% 6.3% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 56.7% AGREE with this statement…while only a combined 9.3% DISAGREE.
Significantly, on an overall basis, 34.0% say they are NOT SURE.
• Property owners in TN West…the area most directly affected…agree by a 53.9% vs. 38.5%
margin, while those on TN Road are evenly split at 33.0% vs. 33.3%.
• All categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who
live elsewhere…strongly agree with this statement.
34
Statement #26…
“Through a zoning change, we should reduce the minimum size for a building lot in Tom
Nevers West from its current 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre size (LUG-1).”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 6.7% 3.6% 7.2% 8.8% 73.7%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 1.1% 5.3% 7.3% 6.3% 80.0%
TN West 20.5% 2.6% 10.3% 7.7% 59.0%
TN South 8.6% 0.0% 8.5% 14.3% 68.6%
TN Road 8.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 91.7%
Madeqchm West 0.0% 9.1% 0.0% 27.3% 63.6%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 11.9% 1.7% 3.3% 5.1% 78.0%
Seasonal 4.2% 3.4% 8.4% 10.1% 73.9%
Live elsewhere 6.3% 12.5% 12.3% 12.5% 56.3%
Observations –
• A combined 82.5% DISAGREE with this initiative…as do the vast majority of property owners in
all sub-neighborhoods and categories of property owners.
• Within TN West…the area most directly affected…only a combined 23.1% AGREE with this
initiative. (Among year-round property owners in TN West…fewer than 4-in-10 agree. Among
seasonal property owners in TN West…fewer than 2-in-10 agree. But among absentee-owners in
TN West…greater than 6-in-10 agree.)
35
Statement #27…
“If at least two-thirds of all the property-owners in Tom Nevers West favored reducing
the minimum size for a building lot in their area from its current 3-acre size (LUG-3) to
1-acre size (LUG-1)…we should support their request for a zoning change at Town
Meeting.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 6.7% 9.8% 10.8% 9.3% 63.4%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 2.1% 10.5% 11.6% 7.4% 68.4%
TN West 20.5% 10.3% 15.4% 5.1% 48.7%
TN South 8.6% 8.6% 5.7% 17.1% 60.0%
TN Road 0.0% 8.3% 8.4% 8.3% 75.0%
Madeqchm West 0.0% 9.1% 9.1% 18.2% 63.6%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 13.6% 3.4% 5.0% 11.9% 66.1%
Seasonal 3.4% 12.6% 13.4% 6.7% 63.9%
Live elsewhere 6.3% 12.5% 12.4% 18.8% 50.0%
Observations –
• A combined 72.7% DISAGREE with this initiative…as do the vast majority of property owners in
all sub-neighborhoods and categories of property owners.
• Even within TN West…the area most directly affected…only a combined 30.8% AGREE with
this initiative.
36
Statement #28…
“If building lots in Tom Nevers West are down-zoned from 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre
size (LUG-1)…it will have little-to-no effect on the rest of the Greater Tom Nevers
Area.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 5.2% 3.6% 4.6% 13.9% 72.7%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 2.1% 2.1% 4.3% 16.8% 74.7%
TN West 17.9% 5.1% 7.7% 10.3% 59.0%
TN South 2.9% 8.6% 5.7% 5.7% 77.0%
TN Road 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0%
Madeqchm West 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 36.4% 63.6%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 11.8% 5.1% 0.0% 10.2% 72.9%
Seasonal 2.5% 2.5% 5.0% 15.2% 74.8%
Live elsewhere 0.0% 6.3% 18.6% 18.8% 56.3%
Observations –
• A combined 86.6% DISAGREE with this statement…as do the vast majority of property owners
in all sub-neighborhoods and categories of property owners.
• Even within TN West…a combined 69.3% DISAGREE with this statement.
37
Statement #29…
“To assure the continued safety of our well water, we should encourage the exclusive use
of non-contaminating lawn and garden chemicals in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 67.5% 18.1% 8.8% 1.0% 4.6%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 67.4% 16.8% 9.5% 6.3% 0.0%
TN West 71.8% 20.5% 5.1% 2.6% 0.0%
TN South 62.9% 20.0% 8.5% 5.7% 2.9%
TN Road 75.0% 8.3% 16.7% 0.0% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 72.7% 18.2% 9.1% 0.0% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 61.0% 20.3% 11.9% 3.4% 3.4%
Seasonal 71.4% 14.3% 8.4% 5.9% 0.0%
Live elsewhere 62.5% 37.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 85.6% AGREE with this initiative…while only a combined 5.6% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods strongly share this view…as do all categories of
property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
38
Statement #30…
“To assure the continued safety of our well water, we should encourage property owners
in the Greater Tom Nevers Area to have their septic systems pumped out at least once
every three years.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 53.1% 23.2% 12.4% 7.2% 4.1%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 52.6% 23.2% 13.6% 5.3% 5.3%
TN West 59.0% 23.1% 7.6% 10.3% 0.0%
TN South 42.9% 25.7% 14.3% 11.4% 5.7%
TN Road 66.7% 25.0% 0.0% 8.3% 0.0%
Madeqchm West 54.6% 18.2% 27.2% 0.0% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 57.6% 23.7% 6.8% 5.1% 6.8%
Seasonal 52.1% 22.7% 13.4% 8.4% 3.4%
Live elsewhere 43.8% 25.0% 24.9% 6.3% 0.0%
Observations –
• A combined 76.3% AGREE with this initiative…while only a combined 11.3% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods strongly share this view…as do all categories of
property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
39
Statement #31…
“To reduce the incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, we should
actively encourage deer hunting in the conservation lands of the greater Tom Nevers
Area.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 43.8% 20.6% 11.9% 9.8% 13.9%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 44.2% 24.2% 10.5% 5.3% 15.8%
TN West 30.8% 20.6% 12.8% 17.9% 17.9%
TN South 51.4% 14.3% 17.1% 14.3% 2.9%
TN Road 58.4% 8.3% 0.0% 0.0% 33.3%
Madeqchm West 36.4% 27.2% 18.2% 18.2% 0.0%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 40.7% 25.4% 10.2% 10.2% 13.5%
Seasonal 47.9% 17.6% 12.6% 7.6% 14.3%
Live elsewhere 25.0% 25.0% 12.5% 25.0% 12.5%
Observations –
• A combined 64.4% AGREE with this initiative…while a combined 23.7% DISAGREE.
• All five of Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods strongly share this view…as do all categories of
property owners—year-rounders, seasonal residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
40
Statement #32…
“To further thin out the deer herd in our Area, we should encourage private property
owners to authorize qualified bow hunters to hunt on their property.”
Response –
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
All Respondents 33.5% 18.0% 11.9% 8.2% 28.4%
Detail by sub-neighborhood --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
TN East 38.9% 14.7% 9.5% 9.5% 27.4%
TN West 23.1% 17.9% 23.1% 5.1% 30.8%
TN South 31.4% 28.6% 5.7% 11.4% 22.9%
TN Road 25.0% 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% 58.3%
Madeqchm West 27.3% 36.4% 9.0% 9.1% 18.2%
Detail by residency --
Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Not Sure Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Year-round 37.3% 16.9% 5.1% 10.2% 30.5%
Seasonal 32.8% 16.8% 16.8% 6.7% 26.9%
Live elsewhere 25.0% 31.3% 0.0% 12.5% 31.2%
Observations –
• A combined 51.5% AGREE with this initiative…while a combined 36.6% DISAGREE.
• With the exception of property owners on TN Road…who are overwhelmingly against this
initiative by a greater than 2-to-1 margin …all other Tom Nevers’ sub-neighborhoods are largely
in favor of this initiative…as are all categories of property owners—year-rounders, seasonal
residents, and property owners who live elsewhere.
41
Section 3 -- Verbatim Comments—
ollowing Statement #32 in the survey questionnaire, respondents were asked to detail “What
would you most like to see included in our Area Plan for the Greater Tom Nevers Area?” In
this section…verbatim comments from 165 of the survey’s respondents are reported…organized by
sub-neighborhood and type of residency.
F
Q. 33 – What would you most like to see included in our Area Plan for the Greater
Tom Nevers Area?
Tom Nevers East – Year-round Property Owners—
“No change in zoning! We bought here because of the large 120,000 square foot lot requirements. There is no
constitutional right to live in Tom Nevers. If people can’t afford it, they have to go somewhere else, including
off-Island. Do not cheapen the area by down-sizing lots to bring in more homes!”
“Need bike path down east side of Tom Nevers Road.”
“If down-sizing is permitted in Tom Nevers West to LUG-1, then those property owners selling a portion of
their lots should only be allowed to sell under the Nantucket Housing Needs Covenant Program and not be
allowed to try to capitalize at current market value.”
“A plan for keeping low density housing. A plan for groundwater protection. A plan for enforcement of
regulations. A plan for enhancing quality of life issues (e.g. noise, lights, dogs, speeding, etc.).”
“Tom Nevers is very nice as it is. Any changes should be minimal and voluntary.”
“Nothing to compromise the integrity of ALL Greater Tom Nevers as we enjoy it today.”
“Restrictions on the number of vehicles…both personal and business…that can be parked on individual lots
(cars, boats, trucks, vans, etc.). Protection of all roads from damage by construction vehicles. Property owners
building or reconstructing houses should be responsible for damage to roads and verges.”
“Leave zoning at 3-acres. Encourage good behavior and consideration of others. Maintain public spaces and
roads in excellent condition. Improve bike paths. Eliminate home businesses which interfere with the
residential use of abutting properties.”
“We need to keep it the way it is. Wish we could have what it was 20 years ago! (Can we limit house sizes?)
Where do these people think they are living? 20 years ago, no one wanted to live out here. And development
here was scandalous too. Remember…”No Moor Houses?” Now, some owners are slobs and have abandoned
cars in their yards. Some people have their outside lights on 24-hours a day, when only in their houses 30 days
a year total.”
“Re down-zoning—Let’s become a Levittown, NJ!! (Duh!)”
42
“Tom Nevers East needs to re-address the fire hydrant issue. As more of us are ending up in the “MA pool”,
we are being assessed $500 a year more on our insurance due to distance from the nearest fire hydrant. We
need real professionals to do the work this time. Attitude of POATNE Board is cavalier…people are angry.”
“NRTA should operate longer (season) and later (time) and be free (cost) to encourage less use of cars. Mid-
Island provides affordable-housing….not every neighborhood should have to. Consider hooking into the
Sconset sewer plant. Maintain residential nature of area.”
“NRTA to beach.”
“Street lights on Tom Nevers Road…and a bike or walking path on Tom Nevers Road.”
“Build a nice neat shed at Chuck Hollow Road and Milestone Road for mail boxes.”
“We think beach access is a key issue! Many (most?) informal (un-deeded) access points have been closed and
even deeded access points have been denied. We’re not talking about open public access; we mean access for
neighbors who have historically used certain access points to the beach within Tom Nevers. Perhaps this is
part of the “neighborliness” of the area which we don’t want to see diminished as the character and the
priorities and/or owners inevitably change.”
“Keep it people friendly.”
“Island ban on over-wide SUVs (Hummers).”
“A general store (convenience store) soon!”
“Maybe an area where a small store would exist. Work on Tom Nevers Field.”
Tom Nevers East – Seasonal Property Owners—
“Building fewer second dwellings on properties less than 3-acres or larger. Restrict calling the original dwelling
a guest house, to allow building a mega-mansion as the new primary dwelling (i.e. 7 Parson Lane).”
“I’d like to see a plan to keep the area quiet and simple—the way it is now, with the focus on the land and open
space remaining. It is what appealed to my husband and me about Tom Nevers and it is what makes our area
special.”
43
“I am very pleased with the Tom Nevers Area as it exists today. In the words of the poet…If it ain’t broke,
don’t fix it.”
“Maintain the Tom Nevers Area as described in Q. 2 of this survey. Avoid over-development. Do not reduce lot
sizes. Keep the conservation areas forever wild, with only limited pruning to preserve the grasslands.”
“Given the exorbitant costs of home insurance, it is disgraceful that large areas of Tom Nevers East are not
within (insurance company defined) distances from a standard fire hydrant. The payback in reduced insurance
premiums would clearly justify the installation assessment. Where does the Board stand on this issue?”
“Do not down-size zoning in Tom Nevers.”
“Discourage commercial vehicle parking. Take pride in appearance of property. We like mail delivery at
‘Sconset PO.”
“Remove debris from Tom Nevers Road/Beach. A portion of revenues from activities on Tom Nevers Field
should be dedicated to improvements or maintenance of the other public areas of Tom Nevers.”
“Deer hunting is OK, but hunters leave remains right in your yard/lawn. They should remove the remains or
clear it out to the brush.”
“The idea of requiring certificates ($100) to rent your house for 30 days or more is very, very bad. Another
example of local government excess—unlawful seizure of property.”
“We need a seasonal owner association to stop/challenge year-round resident excesses and tax-exempt parties.
Coastal Rhode Island has organized to preserve the rights of seasonal owners. So should Tom Nevers.”
“We would love to see the issue of air traffic noise addressed. Private jets still fly over the island wherever they
want and don’t follow the same rules as the small planes. What can be done about this? Very disruptive to the
overall goal of Q1. The quality of life in the Tom Nevers Area is diminished because of this issue.”
“Keep it LUG-3.”
“Having property owners stop using their properties for business purposes…storage of raw materials, vehicles,
and other eyesore items.”
“NRTA going to Tom Nevers Field.”
“Encourage compliance with Historic Commission recommendations to maintain Nantucket Characteristics.
Explore regulations that would prevent over-development of land in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.”
“A small car parking area near the intersection of Tom Nevers Road and Milestone Road to permit non-cyclists
to be able to have access to NRTA.”
44
“We have several “boarding houses” in our Tom Nevers East section and it seems to me that it should be
stopped. If not by our current zoning laws, then we should keep after the Health Department to inspect
conditions and perhaps septic tank violations.”
“There should be a time limit to finish construction projects. Currently, as long as there is some progress, a
project could go on indefinitely. The house at 6 Heath Lane for instance has been under construction for over
10 years!”
“Clearing scrub oak so natural grasses and plants can grow.”
“Protecting privacy.”
“More frequent discussion on matters concerning POATNE and Tom Nevers in full, using modern
communication channels such as net meetings or conference calling. The issues are far too important not to
engage in this type of communication. Further, we should perhaps invest in the creation of a website with
bulletin boards and chat rooms as another avenue to encourage this type of discourse.”
“Deer control is essential. I would like to see controlled hunts, not open hunting.”
“Affordable housing is important and we would like to see young families settle in the area year-round. But I
don’t think we should allow habitable second dwellings that can be rented out.”
“The deer are very destructive—we strongly support deer hunting in all parts of our Area. We are supposed to
have guaranteed deeded access to the beach, but it simply doesn’t exist. Why?”
“Local postal delivery.”
“Nantucket needs affordable housing, but it should be in a more clustered area and nearer to shops and
schools…rather than in Tom Nevers. Trimming bushes at street entrances is important for safety. Reducing
airplane noise is important…also home party noise. Something should be done about uncared-for property
and excessive parking on roads. We mainly like Tom Nevers as it is.”
“A bike path and restoration of Tom Nevers Field area. Cleaning up beach and improving playground.”
“Tom Nevers Road is a speedway. I spoke to an engineer to get suggestions on viable solutions. One way is to
build in garden type medians at intervals along Tom Nevers Road. There is a bad blind area at the curve near
Old Tom Nevers Road—and when walking to the beach or Tom Never Field, I am often fearful for all,
especially children who find themselves facing a car, pick up, or truck going very fast. Can you help with
this?”
“Beach access. More development. Reduce Lyme disease. Encourage deer hunting.”
45
“Clean up, improve Tom Nevers Field, but keep it to low key activities. Address speeding problems on Tom
Nevers Road. Assure that beach access remains at the east end of Wanoma Way. Encourage more
underground wiring, especially along Tom Nevers Road. Encourage tear-down of Loran tower and unsightly
Coast Guard building on Low Beach. Encourage ways to minimize hillbilly appearance of properties (e.g.
along Tom Nevers Road—too many places look like junk yards.)”
“Keep LUG-3 zoning! Only 4 houses in TN West were built there before LUG-3 zoning became law. Every TN
West homeowner since then built/bought knowing the 3-acre zoning rules. It isn’t fair to all of us who bought
here for the privacy that LUG-3 provides, to try to change the rules now. Once the zoning in TN is broken, the
flood gates to down-zoning area-wide will be opened—changing irrevocably the whole character of our Tom
Nevers. We can’t allow that to happen!!!”
Tom Nevers East – Own Property in TN East, but live elsewhere —
“Makes more sense to have affordable housing closer to town and schools.”
“Re ongoing maintenance of private dirt roads…the Vestal Street Association in Town has an approach worth
looking into.”
“Maintain the beauty of the Tom Nevers Area by keeping it as it is now.”
“Small park areas.”
“Keeping the zoning as is. We love Tom Nevers just as it is!”
Tom Nevers West– Year-round Property Owners—
“No changes to zoning.”
“To clean out the deer herd, methods more humane than hunting should be used.”
“Protection of current zoning so that our rural character is forever protected. Second dwelling size limitations.”
“Mow and maintain “public rights-of –way” in Tom Nevers West for walking and biking. (This keeps our
children safe and off Tom Nevers Road.) Talk with home-owners who are illegally parking in “public rights-
of –way” as their driveways, thus blocking access through.”
46
“I am most eager to see a rezoning from LUG-3 to LUG-1. I believe island families would greatly benefit from
this change, and the character and integrity of the neighborhood would not be compromised.”
“I would also love to see a paved bike path along Tom Nevers Road, an improved bus stop at the corner of Tom
Nevers Road and Milestone Road, and improvements to Tom Nevers Field.”
“There are a great many subjective or suggestive questions in this survey—the intent of which I believe is out
of the purview of the Association. I favor controlled/planned growth and quality of life improvements…but
believe that market forces would best determine the future of Tom Nevers.”
“Strict enforcement of breaches of zoning by-laws (i.e. illegal dwellings, apartments). If allowed to sub-divide
property under new zoning, they must pay to improve roads. Study of septic system effects on wells, with
proposed new densities.”
“Grassed set back areas on all Tom Nevers West properties that border paper roads. Zone change permitting 1-
acre parcels in Tom Nevers West, a working man’s retreat. Because of its unique amphitheater topography,
most homes will have water views. Development of conservation land permitting exploration, bird watching,
bike riding and horseback trails. Cut back or removal of scrub oak in order to reduce the incidence of Lyme’s
disease and enhance otherwise suppressed growth.”
“Walking and bike paths, developing the Navy Base, more access to beaches…all will just make Tom Nevers
more busy—attracting non-residents and ruining what we have now. We should try to keep building to a
minimum, as we are already over-developed in some areas. We should address the speed that people travel by
inviting a police presence on Tom Nevers Road. What an eyesore a bike rack would be to Milestone and Tom
Nevers Roads.”
“NEVER, EVER re-zone. It would never stop once it happens.”
“Paved bike path. Bury the utility lines at the same time. Clean up the old Navy Base property, use for
recreation only! Less Government—this is America!! Country store with staples and alcohol sales at the Navy
Base. ”
“Better utilization of Tom Nevers Field area.”
“A separate Tom Nevers West association.”
“A village center.”
47
Tom Nevers West – Seasonal Property Owners—
“Traffic control and enforcement. Well water protection. Light and noise pollution controls. Low impact uses
of Navy Base. Regional traffic control and enforcement on Tom Nevers Road during large events at Navy
Base. Freedom of movement (eliminate “no trespassing” signs on private roads and provide for public
access.) Support secondary dwellings. Restrict power tools early/late in day (lawn mowers, leaf blowers,
hedge trimmers, skill saws, nail guns, etc.) Beach management. Extend NRTA down Tom Nevers Road. Bike
path, sidewalks. Post speed limit signs. Encourage natural landscaping using natural plants.”
“Preservation of current 3-acre zoning. Bike trail along Tom Nevers Road. Access to public beaches.
Preservation of open spaces & conservation areas.”
“Bus service/random stops along Tom Nevers Road. Beautify Tom Nevers Field Area & Beaches. Clean up
intersection of Milestone and Tom Nevers Road.”
“Keep zoning laws as is. Walking and bike trails. Beach access.
“To keep Tom Nevers as “pristine” and unassuming as it appears. We love the solitude and charming rustic feel
in this part of the Island.”
“I would like to see a restaurant similar to the West End in Madaket, where the old Navy Base used to be in
Tom Nevers. Also, could the NRTA Sconset route include Tom Nevers Road, maybe twice a day?”
“We strongly do not advocate reducing the minimum size of building lots in Tom Nevers.”
“Regarding dirt roads that are in poor condition…our neighborhood (all houses on Kendrick and houses who
use Kendrick as an access road) contribute $30 a year to a fund managed by a neighbor to grade Kendrick and
keep it in good shape. An easy co-operative solution!”
“Bike paths!!! We need a bike path. The traffic on Tom Nevers road is dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.
Paper Roads—I don’t think it is fair that people are building over paper roads, denying access to their
property owners. Deeded Beach Rights—A number of property owners have deeded beach rights. Not sure
what this means, but want to make sure access is not taken away.”
“The field needs major improvements…it’s an eyesore, in my opinion. Also, controlled burns and management
of the open space and scrub oak is needed. Septic maintenance and control…dirt road improvements and
control…and perhaps a beautification plan for the area…would all be welcome. I wish we had a small “town”
area for a general store, etc., like Sconset. I think it would add interest to our community.”
“Improvement of dirt roads.”
48
“Bike path to Tom Nevers Field and encourage use of this area for the public good (i.e. park, education,
concerts, etc.)
“Development/renovation of Tom Nevers Field. Allow for a general store to be built there (similar to Madaket
and “Sconset.”
“Requiring maintenance of dirt roads. Forming a Tom Nevers West Property Owners Association.”
“Plan for maintaining roads. Leave conservation lands alone. Enforce rules to make homeowners clean up
abandoned or non-operational vehicles and other eyesores.
“Private road maintenance. Water quality control.”
Tom Nevers West – Own Property in TN West, but live elsewhere —
“Ban all hunting.”
Tom Nevers South – Year-round Property Owners—
“Current zoning regulations are fine, allowing secondary dwellings if qualified. But LUG-3 should not be
modified.”
“We need better road signs. Cut brush at road corners. Better enforcement of 20 mph on side roads!!! Speed
bumps, if necessary.”
“Have by-laws about outside lights that are left on all night. Do not permit it. All lights out by 11:00PM…not
on before 6:00AM.”
“Bike path on Tom Nevers Road. Parking at TN Road/Milestone Road. Greater access to public conservation
land and beaches…while respecting privately-owned land/beaches. Enforcement (real teeth) of noise and light
rules. Create rules which would prohibit commercial use of residential property…i.e. Elliot weddings.”
“Daily mail delivery to Tom Nevers homes. Bike path on Tom Nevers Road. Change double line on Tom
Nevers Road to allow some areas of passing…the way it used to be. Enforce light and noise laws.”
49
“RE Density—I prefer LUG-3.”
“I am very pleased by the scope of your questions. I think that my major concerns have been addressed or are
being addressed…pedestrians and bicyclists along TN Road…NRTA access…TN Field and public beach
access…private dirt road management…water and earth quality (i.e. water quality + quantity + septic
management.)”
“All public beaches should be accessible. Roads and ways be opened (e.g. Wanoma). (Hopefully, Land Bank
will build stairs down to beach on Wanoma.) NRTA down to TN Field. We should do anything possible to get
rid of the deer numbers.”
“Bike path to Milestone Road. Enforcement of noise and light restrictions after 10 PM!! Restrictions on
fertilizers and chemicals for lawns.”
Tom Nevers South – Seasonal Property Owners—
“Active attempts to maintain zoning restrictions and other means of preserving what little is left of Tom
Nevers’ natural environment.”
“NRTA to Tom Nevers Field. Tennis courts at TN Field.”
“I do not want more residences, or smaller lots, or more traffic.”
“Mail delivery of some sort. Either to a central box location, or blocks of boxes located throughout Tom
Nevers.”
“Old Tom Nevers Road turn paved and maintained by the Town. Also Wanoma. Roads that are dug up and
disturbed should be returned to previous condition by property owner…i.e. pave, etc.”
“Restrictions on non-garage second buildings. Light discipline. Heavy tree trimming on growth between bike
path and road just west of Tom Nevers Road/Milestone Road intersection to improve visibility for safety.
Occasional policing for speeders on Tom Nevers Road and Coffin Road.”
“Better NRTA services and a bike path on Tom Nevers Road. Why can’t the busses carry more than 2 bikes? If
access to the beaches is improved, they will need to provide lifeguards. There is a serious undertow at the
beach near Tom Nevers Head.”
“Stronger NRTA access. Roads repaired and scrub cut back. Clearly defined beach access.”
50
“I think greater beach access, steps to the beach, removing the concrete debris from the beach at the old Navy
Base, NRTA service along Tom Nevers Road, and a bike bath along Tom Nevers Road are the most important
issues for our area.”
“Fine the people who throw beer cans out of moving trucks and cars.”
“Do nothing to increase building density. In fact, we want you to actively oppose all measures that would do
so.”
“We support all measures that will reduce the deer population. Also, add a bike path along Tom Nevers Road—
it’s dangerous today! Cut the brush back from Tom Nevers Road—this too is a safety issue. To us, all other
things in the survey are just “nice to haves”.”
“We don’t want to support anything that increases density. We will support anything that reduces the deer
herd.”
“Our major concerns are safety related. Tom Nevers Road is dangerous because there is no place for bikes and
walkers. Cars from Tom Never West are hard to see because the foliage is so close to the road. We can’t have
more use of the Navy Base for recreation if access is going to be dangerous.”
“Speed limits should be implemented to all side roads including Old Tom Nevers Road…to a max of 20 mph.
We would welcome US Postal Services to the Area even if there is a cost associated with it.”
“Preserve water quality. Bike path from Milestone to Tom Nevers Field. Environmentally-sensitive
development. Clean up Tom Nevers Field and expand use. Add a market? Roundabout at Tom
Nevers/Milestone Road intersection.”
“Tennis courts at Tom Nevers Field. Bike path along Tom Nevers Road…it’s busy and dangerous for kids to
get to the field during events like the carnival and circus when there is so much traffic for those events.”
“Beautify the entrances to Tom Nevers Road and Old Tom Nevers Road…also, along sides of roads…also,
better signage for roads.”
“Noise and light ordinances need to be created and enforced.”
Tom Nevers South – Own Property in TN South, but live elsewhere —
“Controlled growth. Protection of eco-system. Recreation services.”
51
Tom Nevers Road – Year-round Property Owners—
“Bike bath. Maintain current zoning. Deer management.”
“We would like to see all the concrete off the beach. We would like to have all the old tires at the Field
removed. No dogs running loose. Intermittent NRTA buses down Tom Nevers Road to the beach and turn
back. Mail delivery.”
“I strongly disagree with any participation from this or any homeowners association to thin the existing deer
herd. The newly extended and supplemental deer hunting season is absurd and poorly thought out. If we
continue to judge what animals have value and what do not according to ornamental plants and Lyme’s
disease we have entered into unethical behavior. Too many poor decisions have been made as a result of
politics and misinformation. The Town should be implementing alternative methods for Lyme disease control,
such as vaccination feeders and the reintroduction of milk snakes which were decimated with DDT spraying.”
Tom Nevers Road – Seasonal Property Owners—
“Individual mail delivery to home. Ban noisy ATVs from Tom Nevers Field.”
“Have NRTA travel Tom Nevers Road and place parking at the old Navy Base. Voting for underground utility
lines along Tom Nevers Road.”
“Leave the Area alone. A good part of speeding on Tom Nevers Road is women in SUVs. Tell them to slow
down…they are in Nantucket, not the mainland.”
“Bike trail…Milestone Road to Tom Nevers Field. NRTA bus service…Milestone Road to Tom Nevers Field.
Postal delivery…to all Tom Nevers homes. Change name of Tom Nevers to other more appropriate Nantucket
name. Change name of Tom Nevers Road.”
“Feeding antibody pill hormones to the deer at certain key points in winter would be very helpful.”
Madequecham West – Year-round Property Owners—
“Up-zone building lots from 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 5-acre size (LUG-5).”
“Keep access to NCF properties very limited, while making improvements as detailed in Q7 and Q8.”
52
53
Madequecham West – Seasonal Property Owners—
“No parking along Tom Nevers Road from June through September. Home business causes congestion on
Saturday AM.”
“Is there an existing map detailing public rights of way to the beach? e.g. Lyford Road…public or private? And
there must be others.”
“Keep building to a minimum.”
“Remove all debris (concrete, wires, etc.) from beach at Navy Base. Have regular beach clean-ups (when we
arrived last June, the beach was covered with litter, beer bottles, plastic, paper, etc.). Make sure all residents
keep exterior of house maintained (remove unused cars, boats, trash or anything that’s an eyesore).”
“What can be done about weekend beach traffic in July and August (in particular)? They park on road,
completely blocking access.”
Madequecham West – Own Property in Madequecham West, but live elsewhere —
“You have it covered quite well. Good luck!”
Appendix V --
Tom Nevers Civic Association
Summer 2006 Newsletter
Article #1
will force you
to subsidize
those in the
sewer district
with your
money.
TOM NEVERS CIVIC ASSOCATION
Summer 2006 Newsletter
In this Issue …
Why it’s so vital that we write our
own Tom Nevers Area Plan now.
■
The 9 elements that our Area Plan
must include.
■
The process we’ll follow to create
our Plan, and where you fit in.
■
The people selected to actually write
our Area Plan.
■
What makes the Tom Nevers Area
so very special?
■
How to make your views
known...Loud & Clear.
Let the Planning Begin!
D ear Neighbor — As many
of you know, the time lead-
ing up to our Town Meeting this
year was a tumultuous one. A citi-
zen’s article proposed re-zoning a
portion of Tom Nevers from 3-
acres to 1-acre. Your Board felt
that it was premature to even con-
sider re-zoning until all the factors
affecting our neighborhood were
identified, discussed, and then pre-
sented to all our property owners
for thoughtful deliberation. So we
actively opposed this
article. Through the
good offices of the
Town officials and
cooperation of the
article’s sponsor, the
article was not called
for action at the Town
Meeting. So in effect,
the question was
postponed. All of the
people involved, in-
cluding the article’s
sponsor, agreed to
work together on an
Area Plan that will
examine all of the
key issues for our
neighborhood—
including possible changes in zon-
ing. Since April, we have been de-
veloping a formal process to take
us through the many steps needed
to produce a sound Area Plan—
and the appropriate Town officials
have now concurred that our ap-
proach is the right one.
It’s important to know up front
that our Area Plan will be far more
than just a local neighborhood
document. Once approved, it will
become part of the official Nan-
tucket Master Plan that is now be-
ing developed by the Planning
Board under Massachusetts State
Law # 41-81D. As such, it will
carry weight in the future decisions
of various regulatory boards and
agencies, and play a role in the
outcome of future legislation and
litigation.
Elsewhere in this issue, you
will find more details about the
steps we’ll be taking to develop
our Area Plan and how you can
participate. In brief, we have
formed a “Work Group” whose
first task will be to analyze all the
existing plans and information
about our neighborhood (e.g.-the
“Comprehensive
Wastewater Treatment
Plan”, the “Nantucket
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Master Plan”, the “Re-
use Plan for the Tom
Nevers Former Navy
Base Site”, etc.) These
and several other ex-
isting studies lay out
detailed long-range
plans impacting our
area. No need to waste
time reinventing the
wheel. But we do need
to examine those
documents, and many
more, to make sure
they are current and
relevant. Then we’ll move on to
identify those issues that must be
addressed in order to achieve a
sound long-range plan for our area.
And, of course, a key part of the
Work Group’s effort will be to
sound out your views and sugges-
tions.
Once the issues are framed in
general terms, we will hold a series
of “focus groups” to develop these
issues more specifically and to ex-
amine potential solutions. The out-
put from these focus groups will be
used to create a survey that will be
sent to each property owner in our
area. The purpose of the survey
will be to quantify the views of our
(Continued on page 2)
We’re now underway
in developing an
Area Plan for the
Greater Tom Nevers
Neighborhood.
Now is the time to
make sure that your
voice is heard!
residents on the issues and the
various decisions we will face.
Once the issues have been framed
and quantified through the survey
returns, the Work Group will draft
the Area Plan, which eventually
will be sent to the Planning Com-
mission for approval.
It will be an arduous journey to
get from here to there. We will not
all agree on all the issues or the
solutions. But if we proceed
openly and involve as many people
as possible, the Area Plan will rep-
resent the views of the vast major-
ity. And when all the dust has set-
tled, we will have a sound blue-
print for the future of Tom Nevers.
Sincerely,
Dual Macintyre, TNCA President
(Continued from page 1)
DEFINING OUR AREA
How big is the Greater Tom Nevers Area?
CREATING THE PLAN
Our Area Plan has to include all 9 of these elements—
I t’s far bigger than just the terri-
tory bordering Tom Nevers
Road and near Tom Nevers Head.
Officially, it covers all of the area
between ‘Sconset and the Air-
port—including the section to the
south of the Airport. To the north,
it’s bordered by the Milestone
Road, and to the south by the
ocean.
If you live in any of the shaded-
in land areas on the map to the
right, you live in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area. And this is the entire
area that will be included in our
Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan.
S ince our Area Plan will be-
come part of the Nantucket
Master Plan, it has to follow the
specific format required under
Mass State Law 41-81D. That
means we will have to include all
nine of the basic elements listed
below. Here’s an early indication
of what each of these elements will
likely contain --
1. Statement of Goals & Policies-
Our “Vision” for the Greater Tom
Nevers Area’s future—and how
we plan to make it happen.
2. Land Use – Preserving what we
like, changing what we don’t—in
terms of open land, building den-
sity, zoning, and more.
3. Housing – Setting preservation,
improvement and development
standards to fulfill the housing
needs of all our property owners—
be they year-round or seasonal…
young working families or retir-
ees… high or moderate income.
4. Economic Development-
Keeping our neighborhood strictly
residential and non-commercial…
while remaining friendly to small
home-based businesses.
5. Natural & Cultural Resources
Protecting and managing our vast
conservation lands and more than
five-miles of beaches.
6. Open Space & Recreation –
Enhancing the potential of Tom
Nevers Field and Pebble Beach as
community resources.
7. Services & Facilities –
Assuring that our private septic
systems and wells provide the
highest standards of health and
safety—and that our entire
neighborhood has the necessary
resources for fire safety.
8. Circulation – Mapping the
transportation needs of our area in
terms of new and improved access
roads, bike paths, enhanced bus
service, possible park-n-ride lots,
and other improvements.
9. Implementation – Defining,
scheduling and budgeting all the
actions needed to accomplish steps
1-thru-8 above.
GETTING IT DONE
Eight not-so-easy steps to completing our Area Plan-
B ecause of its importance to us
all, developing our Area Plan
deserves much thought, careful
attention, and the full participation
of all our property owners. It’s not
something that should be left to a
“select committee” or formulated
in some Ivory Tower.
Since our Area Plan will impact
the quality-of-life and property
values in our neighborhood for
many years to come, its develop-
ment deserves a comprehensive
and open approach that gives
everyone a chance to be heard and
everyone an opportunity to shape
its outcome. To that end, we’re
following an eight step process that
has been reviewed by the Planning
Department and given their full
approval.
So here…step by step…is what
you can expect as our Area Plan is
developed—
Stage 1 – Forming an Area Plan
“Work Group”- Eleven members
have been selected (see “who they
are” on page 4). And they have
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
We’re now 548 strong.
already begun the process by at-
tending a Nantucket Civic League
workshop on Area Planning. At
this session they learned the re-
quirements for an Area Plan as
stipulated under State Law 41-
81D. And they also learned first
hand how ‘Sconset and Madaket
developed their Area Plans.
Stage 2 – Initiating the Planning
Process– This stage too has begun,
with an organizing session to map
out the overall effort and to start
reviewing all existing plans and
studies that impact our area.
Stage 3 – Developing a “Goals &
Policies Statement– Work is just
now getting underway to enumer-
ate and prioritize our overall com-
munity needs—along with a frank
assessment of the specific concerns
in our various sub-neighborhoods.
At this stage, input from you is
both necessary and encouraged.
(See “Feedback” on page 6.) This
will lead to a preliminary statement
of our “Goals & Policies”.
Stage 4–Focus Group Research –
Throughout the mid and late sum-
mer, a series of focus groups will
be held to develop the issues more
fully and to examine potential so-
lutions. We’ll probably need seven
or eight focus group sessions with
10 to 12 participants at each ses-
sion. If you’re called to serve on a
focus group, we hope you’ll ac-
cept. We promise that you’ll find
the hour-long session both stimu-
lating and rewarding, as you share
your points of view with your
neighbors.
Stage 6 – Full TNCA Member
Survey– At this point, every prop-
erty owner in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area will be surveyed by
mail to determine their support…
(Continued on page 4)
Stage 5– Developing the Prelimi-
nary Plan with course-of-action
options – Guided by the findings
from the focus groups, the Work
Group will then refine our Goals &
Policies statement and begin to
structure a Preliminary Area Plan,
perhaps with some alternative ac-
tion options. At this stage, the
Work Group may also call in out-
side experts or request presenta-
tions from key Town departments
with specialized knowledge and
responsibility, to evaluate the fea-
sibility of the various alternative
actions being considered.
The Greater Tom Nevers Area runs from ‘Sconset to the
Airport...including all the land to the south of the Airport.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
We’re now 548 strong.
WHO’LL DO THE WORK?
The Work Group charged with writing our Area Plan—
or lack of support…for the pro-
posed Goals & Policies and for
each of the various action plans
under consideration. Your views
and wishes as expressed here will
dictate our final Area Plan.
Stage 7–Drafting the Plan -–
Guided by our survey results, the
Work Group will then draft our
final Area Plan, complete with all
the maps and documentation re-
quired under State Law 41-81D.
Stage 8 – Finalizing our Area
Plan– Once our draft is completed,
it will be submitted to the Planning
Department for review and com-
ment. Required changes will be
made and the near-to-finalized
plan will be posted on the Planning
Department’s website for general
comment. Following this public
display, a finalized Greater Tom
Nevers Area Plan will be presented
to the Planning Board with our
recommendation for its adoption
as part of the Nantucket Master
Plan. From that point on, it will be
our official “blueprint” for build-
ing the future of the Greater Tom
Nevers Area.
(Continued from page 3)
Work Group Member Street Address Mailing Address
Pam Bartlett 15 Arlington Box 2248, Nantucket 02584
Kate Damsgaard 9 Whitetail Circle Box 819, Siasconset 02564
Dick Eldridge 22 Longwood Box 1, Siasconset 02564
Peter Hoey 61 Wanoma Way Box 787, Siasconset 02564
Charles Kymer 21 Exeter 2 Greglen, PMB 7, Nantucket
02554
Dual Macintyre 2 Green Hollow Box 2926, Nantucket 02584
Anne McAndrew 14 Longwood Box 515, Siasconset 02564
Rev. Nancy Nelson 48 Madequecham
Valley Road
2 Greglen, PMB 208, Nantucket
02554
Eric Savetsky 33 Norwood Box 985, Nantucket 02554
Susan Shepherd 11 Wigwam Box 292, Nantucket 02554
Dale Stoodley 5 Hollister Box 33, Siasconset 02564
O ur first step in developing
our Area Plan was to select
an 11-member Work Group to
oversee and manage the whole
process. In recruiting this Work
Group, great care was taken to re-
flect our neighborhood’s popula-
tion diversity and to appoint indi-
viduals with the full range of ex-
perience and vision needed to de-
velop a comprehensive plan that
meets the real-world needs of our
community.
From the very beginning, it was
decided that the Work Group
should be fully independent from
the TNCA board of directors. (The
one exception is that Dual Macin-
tyre has been asked to serve on the
Work Group to spearhead and co-
ordinate the planning process.) The
TNCA board has fully endorsed
the independent status for the
Work Group and has further
agreed to pick-up all reasonable
expenses for surveys, mailings, etc.
Because ultimately the Greater
Tom Nevers Area Plan will be-
come part of the Nantucket Master
Plan, it must meet a number of
State-mandated criteria in both
format and content. Further, it
must be approved by the Planning
Board and appropriate Town de-
partments as being consistent with
the overall Master Plan. To that
end, advisors from the Nantucket
Planning Department have been
invited to sit in on our Work Group
sessions, to let us benefit from
their expertise. They have accepted
and, graciously, have offered us
the ongoing use of their conference
room facilities at 2 Fairground
Road for our meetings.
Here are the members of our
Area Plan Work Group. (Many
thanks for their willingness to de-
vote both their time and their ex-
perience to this important commu-
nity effort. They’ve taken on a
considerable commitment for our
joint benefit, and as such, we owe
them a big debt of gratitude.)
But don’t let that stop you from
“bending their ears.” They want to
hear from you, and they need to
hear from you, to make our Area
Plan as effective as possible.
August 12th
Be sure to attend our
TNCA Annual Meeting.
This year’s big topic…
Our Area Plan!
Guest Speaker…
Andrew Vorce
Director-Nantucket Planning and
Economic Development Commission
10:00 AM
Nantucket New School
15 Norbadeer Farm Road
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
We’re now 548 strong.
THERE”S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
What makes Tom Nevers so very special ?
H ere are some facts to ponder,
as you turn your thoughts to
planning for our future —
The Greater Tom Nevers Area
holds a unique position in the
Island’s history and state of current
development. Almost totally unde-
veloped until the 1970s, the
Greater Tom Nevers Area is now
home to more than 500 families—
with their private houses nestled
into a naturalistic countryside pre-
serve. More than 80-percent of the
Greater Tom Nevers Area is under
conservation or government own-
ership. No other part of the Island
has such a high percentage of its
land under conservation protection.
The entire Greater Tom
Nevers Area is characterized by its
naturalistic setting—with vast ar-
eas of dense foliage teeming with
wildlife, open grasslands marked
with unique geological features
and rare plant species, and more
than 5 ½ miles of open beaches.
With the exception of two Town-
owned roads, all the roads in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area are pri-
vate, abutter’s ways. The Area has
no commercial development, but it
does boast one of the Island’s larg-
est recreational areas—Tom
Nevers Field.
Historically, the Greater Tom
Nevers Area was the Island’s most
prized territory—home to Sachem
Wanackmamack and the Island’s
Wampanoag Indian leadership.
Sited at the highest point on the
Atlantic south shore, it boasted
commanding views of both the
rising and setting sun, uncom-
monly fertile soil, sweet fresh wa-
ter springs and ponds, and an abun-
dance of sea life along its broad
shoreline and migrating birds in its
highlands. So important did the
Wampanoag consider this territory
that they refused to sell any land
rights in it to the English until
1741—a full 82 years after the
English settlers first came to the
Island and began their land acqui-
sitions. In fact, it was the very last
area of the Island surrendered-for-
sale by the native population.
Based on this and a series of
other fortuitous historical factors
including the leasing of the entire
area by the U.S. Navy during
World War II, no significant real
estate development occurred in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area until the
early 1970s—far later than in most
other sections of the Island. And
even then, strict building standards
were included in all new deeds to
assure a rural setting with low
building density. All building lots
had to be 1.5-acres or larger—all
this before zoning became law on
the Island and before the Historic
District was expanded to cover the
whole Island.
When 3-acre zoning (LUG-3)
was passed into law for Nan-
tucket’s countryside areas, fewer
than 110 homes existed in the en-
tire Greater Tom Nevers Area—all
but 4 of them to the east or south
of Tom Nevers Road. Since then,
415 more homes have been
added—all with 3-acre zoning.
And today, very few privately-
owned building lots remain avail-
able for development.
The housing stock in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area ranges
from modest vacation cottages nes-
tled in the scrub oak to grand
oceanfront summer homes. But
more than 70-percent are 3-to-4
bedroom family homes. Only 14-
percent of the developed residen-
tial properties have secondary
dwelling units, and nearly 2-out-
of-3 of these are garages with
guest facilities. An estimated 30-
percent of the property owners in
the Greater Tom Nevers Area are
year-round residents, many with
children at home.
In a recent annual survey, resi-
dents of the Greater Tom Nevers
Area cited these factors as the
things they “liked best” about the
Tom Nevers Area—
■ “Its peace, quiet, and
privacy” (76.3%)
■ “Its country setting” (28.8%)
■ “Its open vistas” (25.4%)
■ “Its friendly neighbors”
(23.8%).
In summary, the Greater Tom
Nevers Area can best be described
as… “a unique, family-oriented
countryside preserve, away from
the hustle and bustle of other parts
of the Island.”
Keep Informed!
Check out these 2 sites and add
them to your “favorites” list—
■ www.ackmasterplan.org
■ www.nantucket-ma.gov/
departments.html
(then select: “Planning and
Economic Development
Commission”)
FEEDBACK Tom Nevers Civic Association P.O. Box 2926 Nantucket, MA 02584 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Q1. What do you love most about our area?
(i.e.-things worth preserving.)
Q2. What do you fear most about our area?
(i.e.- things trending in the wrong direction.)
Q3. What do you want most for our future?
(i.e.– your “wish list” for what Tom Nevers will
be like 5 or 10 years from now.)
Tell us what you think.
Your views will help shape our
Area Plan’s outcome.
E-mail your local “rep”...
In Tom Nevers East-
Kate Damsgaard………….kate1091@aol.com
Dick Eldridge……...…...lilacrobi@yahoo.com
Dual Macintyre....dualmacintyre@comcast.net
Anne McAndrew…….....acm1@nantucket.net
In Tom Nevers West-
Pam Bartlett………....pambart@nantucket.net
Charles Kymer………...ckymer@comcast.net
Eric Savetsky……………..erics@comcast.net
In Tom Nevers South-
Peter Hoey…………....phoey63@comcast.net
Dale Stoodley……………...cliffiest@aol.com
In Madequecham West-
Rev. Nancy Nelson…revnancy@nantucket.net
Susan Shepherd………...susan@nantucket.net
And please tell them 3 things ...
BUT PLEASE —
■ Include your Street Name, so that we can spot local issues.
■ Put “TOM NEVERS PLAN” in the e-mail subject box,
to make sure your e-mail gets priority attention.
Appendix VI --
Tom Nevers Civic Association
Winter 2007 Newsletter
Article #1
will force you
to subsidize
those in the
sewer district
with your
money.
TOM NEVERS CIVIC ASSOCATION
Winter 2007 Newsletter
Area Plan Update !!
Facts About the
“Greater Tom Nevers
Area Plan” ...
It will become part of the “Nantucket
Master Plan”… as required under
State Law # 41-81D.
■
It will let us set our own priorities…
based on the unique character and
potential of our neighborhood.
■
It will also serve as a working
blueprint… to guide all future
improvements in our neighborhood.
■
It’s being developed by our own
people...in a way that invites the full
participation of all our residents.
■
We’ve already at stage # 7
in developing our Area Plan. Next
comes drafting the finished detailed
Plan for final approval.
which has given us the chance to deal
with these problems as part of the rec-
ommendations themselves.
Take one example...the problem of
maintaining our dirt roads in Tom
Nevers West. In the past, neighbors on
a few streets have successfully joined
together to have their dirt roads graded
at an affordable group price. But prop-
erty-owners on different
streets were never able to
coordinate their efforts.
So the prices that contrac-
tors asked were higher to
reflect their transportation
and set-up time.
We have approached sev-
eral contractors to get
prices to do all of our dirt
roads at the same time,
thereby minimizing the
transportation and set-up
time. We hope that the
lower prices and coordi-
nated work will convince
more streets to participate.
The residents will still
have to chip in to pay for
the work, but the amounts
should be lower than in
the past. This is just one example of
anticipating and eliminating potential
implementation roadblocks.
Once our Area Plan itself has been
drafted, we hope to post it on the
Town web site for everyone to review.
Following that, we will take the final
Plan to the Planning Board for their
review and approval. That last step
will conclude the formal area planning
process, but our work will continue.
We need to convince the Town and
other agencies to actually implement
our recommendations, some of which
carry large price tags. It will not be
possible to do everything at once and
it may be years before some recom-
mendations become reality. The suc-
cess of our effort should be measured
not by the creation of a document, but
by the recommendations that are even-
tually implemented.Dual Macintyre
D ear Neighbor– I’m happy to report
that we are well on our way to
having an Area Plan this year. The Work
Group has met regularly since last Sep-
tember...to review the findings from our
eight Focus Groups…to analyze the pre-
liminary results from our Property-
Owners Survey…and to gather addi-
tional information from various agencies
and Town departments.
By January, we felt
that we had enough
factual information and
property-owner input to
begin drafting specific
recommendations to
include in our Plan.
These recommendations
were then developed
and circulated among
the Work Group mem-
bers for comment. Their
many significant sug-
gestions were incorpo-
rated, and we are now
circulating these up-
dated recommendations
one last time for final
fine-tuning by the Work
Group. Then we will
begin drafting the actual Area Plan itself.
Why have we been so meticulous in
crafting these recommendations?
Because we are also including as part of
them, the specific steps that need to be
taken to implement each recommenda-
tion. It’s not enough to just make a gen-
eral recommendation, such as adding a
bike path. Perhaps even more important
is detailing a step-by-step action plan to
accomplish that recommendation.
In addition, we have taken pains to
discuss our draft recommendations with
various Town department heads, boards
and commissions. Our Area Plan will be
far stronger if we include their input
before the Plan takes its final form. And
they may be more inclined to act if they
“own” a piece of the Plan.
We have also identified a number of
potential roadblocks to implementation
(adequate funding is the usual one),
Our Area Plan
Survey Results
are now in.
See pages 2 & 3
to learn how
your views com-
pare with your
neighbors !!!
Property-Owners Survey Results...
T he survey questionnaire itself consisted of 32 state-
ments, developed after a series of 8 Focus Group Ses-
sions established potential key initiatives or areas of concern.
For each of the statements, the respondents were asked to
indicate their degree of AGREEMENT or DISAGREEENT,
using a 5-point scale. Space was provided to let them elabo-
rate on their ratings. And following Statement #32, respon-
dents were asked to detail “what you would most like to see
included in our Area Plan for the Greater Tom Nevers Area.”
More than 165 respondees wrote in detailed statements.... all
of which are reported verbatim in the full survey report,
which will be appended to the draft Area Plan when it is
posted on the Town web site.
Here’s what you said…
1. I love the Greater Tom Nevers Area as it exists today,
with its open vistas, peace and quiet, privacy and country
setting.
Agree… 98.4% | Disagree… 0.6% | Unsure… 1.0%
2. The Greater Tom Nevers Area will continue to grow in
terms of popularity…and enjoy above average growth in
property values.
Agree… 82.5% | Disagree… 2.6% | Unsure… 14.9%
3. Over the course of the next 10 to 15 years, we can expect
near to full “build-out” in the Greater Tom Nevers Area…
with almost all available building lots developed and with
larger homes beginning to replace small older cottages.
Agree… 75.3% | Disagree… 4.6% | Unsure… 20.1%
4. Without further restrictions on the addition of secondary
dwelling units, the Greater Tom Nevers Area will become
over-developed.
Agree… 59.7% | Disagree… 23.8% | Unsure… 16.5%
5. We need more “affordable housing” for lower-income
families in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Agree… 18.5% | Disagree… 63.4% | Unsure… 18.1%
6. We should do more to keep young working families in the
Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Agree… 46.9% | Disagree… 29.9% | Unsure… 23.2%
7. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) should be
encouraged to add walking trails, horse trails, and bike trails
to its vast conservation holdings in the Greater Tom Nevers
Area.
Agree… 70.1% | Disagree… 21.7% | Unsure… 8.2%
8. The NCF should be encouraged to protect the rare “sand
plain grasslands” in the interior of their Greater Tom Nevers
Area holdings…through a program of selective cutting and
controlled burning of invasive species like scrub oak.
Agree… 78.3% | Disagree… 9.8% | Unsure… 11.9%
9. The NCF properties in the Greater Tom Nevers Area
should be left alone and kept much as they are today.
Agree… 53.1% | Disagree… 28.3% | Unsure… 18.6%
10. Tom Nevers Field is such an important recreational asset
for our community, that the Town should be asked to
develop a long-range plan (with budgets) to guide its future
improvements and ongoing maintenance.
Agree… 84.5% | Disagree… 8.8% | Unsure… 6.7%
11. Tom Nevers Field should be used for more major
events…such as the Boston Pops…with rental revenues
dedicated to ongoing improvements at the Field.
Agree… 52.6% | Disagree… 35.0% | Unsure… 12.4%
12. We need improved public access to the 5-miles of open
beaches in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Agree… 50.5% | Disagree… 41.8% | Unsure… 7.7%
13. For safety and convenience, seasonal steps should be
installed to make it easier to access the beach from Tom
Nevers Field.
Agree… 66.0% | Disagree… 23.7% | Unsure… 10.3%
14. The concrete remains from the old Navy base should be
removed from the beach at Tom Nevers Field.
Agree… 80.4% | Disagree… 9.3% | Unsure… 10.3%
15. Legal ownership of the paper roads leading to our
beaches and through our other areas should be determined,
so that proper usage can then result…either as public rights-
of-way…or added to the tax rolls by being offered for sale to
abutting property owners.
Agree… 61.9% | Disagree… 13.9% | Unsure… 24.2%
A s part of our Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan development
process, a property-owners survey was conducted by mail
in November 2006. This report summarizes all the responses
received through mid-January 2007. Over 200 property-owners
participated, representing an impressive 35.1% response. All
sub-neighborhoods are proportionally represented, as are both
year-round and seasonal residents. As such, the findings can be
considered as reliably projectable to our full neighborhood.
16. To permit greater utilization of NRTA by Tom Nevers
residents, a small park-n-ride area…with bike racks…should
be built near the junction of Tom Nevers Road and Milestone
Road.
Agree… 68.0% | Disagree… 20.6% | Unsure… 11.4%
17. A paved bike path should be built along Tom Nevers
Road, extending from Milestone Road to Tom Nevers Field.
Agree… 76.3% | Disagree… 16.0% | Unsure… 7.7%
18. If funds are unavailable to build a paved bike path along
Tom Nevers Road, an unpaved bike path should be built ad-
jacent to conservation land to the west of Tom Nevers West.
Agree… 44.3% | Disagree… 29.4% | Unsure… 26.3%
19. For safety reasons, the foliage along Tom Nevers Road
should be cut back at least 6-feet on each side.
Agree… 67.6% | Disagree… 22.1% | Unsure… 10.3%
20. The intersection at Tom Nevers Road and Milestone
Road is dangerous and needs improvement.
Agree… 48.5% | Disagree… 38.6% | Unsure… 12.9%
21. Many of the private dirt roads in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area are in very poor condition and an ordinance
should be passed to require that the abutter-owners of these
roads keep them in passable condition…either personally or
through a cooperative property-owners association.
Agree… 52.6% | Disagree… 32.5% | Unsure… 14.9%
22. There is a growing problem with some negligent absen-
tee-landlords buying Tom Nevers properties for employee
housing or rental income…and then allowing these proper-
ties to deteriorate and become eyesores.
Agree… 57.2% | Disagree… 6.7% | Unsure… 36.1%
23. There is a growing problem with some Tom Nevers
property owners who run disruptive commercial businesses
from their homes.
Agree… 43.3% | Disagree… 11.9% | Unsure… 44.8%
24. We need to do a better job in Tom Nevers of enforcing
existing regulations and bylaws that cover building code and
zoning code violations, light and noise pollution, etc.
Agree… 72.2% | Disagree… 10.3% | Unsure… 17.5%
25. Tom Nevers West would benefit greatly if it had its own
property-owners association to help manage its neighbor-
hood improvements and growth.
Agree… 56.7% | Disagree… 9.3% | Unsure… 34.0%
.
26. Through a zoning change, we should reduce the mini-
mum size for a building lot in Tom Nevers West from its
current 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre size (LUG-1).
Agree… 10.3% | Disagree… 82.5% | Unsure… 7.2%
27. If at least two-thirds of all the property-owners in Tom
Nevers West favored reducing the minimum size for a build-
ing lot in their area from its current 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-
acre size (LUG-1)…we should support their request for a
zoning change at Town Meeting.
Agree… 16.5% | Disagree… 72.7% | Unsure… 10.8%
28. If building lots in Tom Nevers West are down-zoned
from 3-acre size (LUG-3) to 1-acre size (LUG-1)…it will
have little-to-no effect on the rest of the Greater Tom Nevers
Area.
Agree… 8.8% | Disagree… 86.6% | Unsure… 4.6%
29. To assure the continued safety of our well water, we
should encourage the exclusive use of non-contaminating
lawn and garden chemicals in the Greater Tom Nevers Area.
Agree… 85.6% | Disagree… 5.6% | Unsure… 8.8%
30. To assure the continued safety of our well water, we
should encourage property owners in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area to have their septic systems pumped out at least
once every three years.
Agree… 76.3% | Disagree… 11.3% | Unsure… 12.4%
31. To reduce the incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-
borne diseases, we should actively encourage deer hunting in
the conservation lands of the greater Tom Nevers Area.
Agree… 64.4% | Disagree… 23.7% | Unsure… 11.9%
32. To further thin out the deer herd in our Area, we should
encourage private property owners to authorize qualified
bow hunters to hunt on their property.
Agree… 51.5% | Disagree… 36.6% | Unsure… 11.9%
TNCA Events Tom Nevers Civic Association P.O. Box 2926 Nantucket, MA 02584 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TNCA Officers - 2007
Dual Macintyre ...President
Jack Warner … Vice President
Joan Hollander …Secretary
Richard Duffy … Treasurer
TNCA Directors
Earl Hatcher ... 2007
Richard Heffernan.. 2007
Anne Kaminsky … 2009
Ralph Mueller ... 2009
Steve Roethke … 2008
Liz Trillos ... 2008
Kathy Perras … Director at Large
E-mail us at: acktnca@comcast.net
Our Greater Tom Nevers Neighborhood
Tom Nevers East-
Chuck Hollow/Crestwood/Flintlock/
Green Hollow/Heath/Jonathan/ Long-
wood /Lyons/Parson/Sandpiper/
Sandsbury/Whitetail/Wood Hollow
Tom Nevers South-
Bosworth/Chershire/Dorset/Elliott’s/
Hampshire/Hollister/Lyford/Marcus/
Mayhew/Nichols/Old Tom Nevers/
Surrey/Sussex/Van Fleet/Wanoma
Tom Nevers West-
Arlington/Berkley/Clarendon/
Cornwall /Dartmouth/Devon/Driscoll/
Exeter/Fairfield/Gloucester/
Huntington/Ipswich/Kendrick/Marion
Tom Nevers Central-
Tom Nevers Road
Madequecham West-
Hinsdale/Madequecham Valley/New
South /Russell’s/Waquoit/Wigwam/
Wright’s Landing
------2007------
April 3- Town Election
April 8- Easter Sunday
April 9- Town Meeting begins
April 27-29- Daffodil Weekend
May 16-20- Nantucket Wine Festival
June 13-17- Nantucket Film Festival
T.B.A.- Carnival*
T.B.A.- TNCA Cocktail Party
July 27-29- Circus Flora*
Aug 4- TNCA Annual Meeting
Aug 11- Boston Pops at Jetties
Aug 18-19– Demolition Derby*
T.B.A.- Island Fair*
Nov 30-Dec 2 Christmas Stroll
* To be held at Tom Nevers Field
Appendix VII --
Tom Nevers Civic Association
Summer 2007 Newsletter
Article #1
will force you
to subsidize
those in the
sewer district
with your
money.
A fter more than a year of intensive
effort, the Greater Tom Nevers Area
Plan is now ready for your review and
comment. If you’d like to be heard,
just email us at acktnca@comcast.net,
or write to us at… PO Box 2926,
Nantucket, MA 02584.
To remind— here’s how our
Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan came
to be: In June 2006, a 13-person
Work Group was
formed to spearhead
the development of our
Area Plan.
Of these members,
11 were Tom Nevers
residents chosen to
represent the number
of property-owners in
each of our regions.
And 2 were members
of the Nantucket Plan-
ning and Economic
Development Com-
mission.
Since its formation,
the Work Group has
met on a regular basis,
assisted by support
personnel and advisors
from the NP&EDC.
During the summer
of 2006, eight moder-
ated Focus Groups
were conducted to
define issues, concerns, and ideas for
each of the eight topic areas prescribed
as elements for inclusion in a Master
Plan under Massachusetts General
Law. (All residents of the Greater
Tom Nevers Area were invited to par-
ticipate, either in person or by submit-
ting comments to individual Work
Group members.)
Then in November 2006, a detailed
survey was conducted by mail to
TOM NEVERS CIVIC ASSOCATION
August 2007 Newsletter
The Tom Nevers Area Plan
It’s now ready for your review !!
Facts About the
“Greater Tom Nevers
Area Plan” ...
It will become part of the “Nantucket
Master Plan”… as required under
State Law # 41-81D.
■
It will let us set our own priorities…
based on the unique character and
potential of our neighborhood.
■
It will also serve as a working
blueprint… to guide all future
improvements in our neighborhood.
■
It’s being developed by our own
people...in a way that invites the full
participation of all our residents.
■
We’ve already at stage # 8
in developing our Area Plan. After
your review and comments, our Area
Plan will then be submitted to the
Planning Board with our
recommendation that it be adopted as
part of the Nantucket Master Plan.
quantify the views of all Tom Nevers
property-owners. The response was an
unusually high 40.2%.
During this time, the Work Group
also conducted a series of interviews
and discussions with members of vari-
ous Town Departments and other
groups that impact the Tom Nevers
Area. The purpose was to gather infor-
mation relevant to the ideas and rec-
ommendations un-
covered during the
Focus Group ses-
sions—in order to
identify potential
costs and/or other
implementation ob-
stacles.
Based on all of the
above input, the
Work Group then
developed and re-
fined the Greater
Tom Nevers Area
Plan that now
appears in full draft
form on the Plan-
ning Department’s
Website… and in
highlight form here
in this Newsletter.
Your comments are
invited!
After evaluating all
the comments and
suggestions received from these public
postings, the Greater Tom Nevers
Area Plan will be finalized and sub-
mitted… along with implementation
specifics… to the Planning Board.
When approved by the Planning
Board, it is intended that this Tom
Nevers Area Plan become an integral
part of the overall Master Plan for
Nantucket and be used to guide the
Town’s other planning agencies.
You’ll find our
Area Plan highlights
inside.
For full details go to:
www.nantucket-ma.gov/
Pages/NantucketMA_
Planning/review.
Then send your
comments to us at:
acktnca@comcast.net
! ! !
Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan
Some highlights from the latest draft
Paper Roads & Beach Access-- A majority of the residents
support the idea of reviewing all the paper roads in the area
and retaining those that have a clear public benefit, such as
access to the beaches. They also support the idea of dispos-
ing of those roads that do not have a public benefit, so that
the land can be returned to the tax rolls.
Zoning Changes-- This subject is a difficult one, because of
the potential long-term impact that any zoning change can have
on the area. The desire to keep zoning in the Greater Tom
Nevers Area as it is now—as expressed overwhelming by the
area’s residents—stands in sharp conflict with the financial and
sociological benefits that could accrue from zoning changes to
create smaller lots. This conflict has existed for some time and
will undoubtedly continue as long as property values remain
high. Indeed, it is an island-wide problem. Nevertheless, the
recommendations contained in this section represent the will of
the vast majority of the area’s current residents—and, as such,
should be followed for the foreseeable future.
□ In the 2007 property-owners survey, 82.5% of all Tom
Nevers residents said they do not support changing the zoning
in Tom Nevers West from LUG-3 to LUG-1 (40,000 sq. ft
minimum size)—with only 10.3 % supporting the idea. (And
within Tom Nevers West itself, only 23.1% said they support
the down-zoning concept.) On a broader basis, 86.6% of all
Tom Nevers residents believe that any down-zoning in Tom
Nevers West will have a ripple effect on the rest of the Greater
Tom Nevers Area.
□ These findings are quite decisive and therefore should be
reflected in the Greater Tom Nevers Area Plan. In the future—
if there is any significant change in the area’s property-
ownership composition, or if evolving economic or social
events dictate—then an updated survey should be conducted
and the Area Plan modified accordingly.)
“Land Use” Conclusions & Recommendations--
■ 1. The overwhelming desire of the current residents of the
Greater Tom Nevers Area is to keep the area as it is now.
Therefore, no actions should be taken that would cause major
changes to the area.
■ 2. The current LUG-3 zoning should not be changed.
■ 3. Existing paper roads should be reviewed as part of a com-
prehensive planning process and those that have a clear public
benefit, such as providing access to the beaches, should be
retained. The remaining roads should be returned to the tax
rolls after appropriate action by Town Meeting.
3. Housing—
Like much of the Island, the Greater Tom Nevers Area has
seen significant development in recent years. But unlike many
other areas, this growth has occurred organically—through the
gradual addition of custom-built homes, rather than from
multi-unit subdivisions. Widely-spaced single family homes
characterize the area. While the housing stock ranges from
modest vacation cottages to grand oceanfront summer homes,
1. Overall Goals & Objectives—
In its current state of development, the Greater Tom Nevers
Area should be considered as “an extremely successful
neighborhood”… one that is highly-regarded by all sub-sets of
its residents. Continuing to meet their needs, preferences, and
aspirations is our principal challenge in this Area Plan.
In the 2007 property-owner survey, a combined 98.4% of
all respondents agreed that they “love the Greater Tom Nevers
Area as it exists today”…strongly indicating that major
changes are not desired. It is strongly recommended that heavy
and ongoing emphasis be given to protecting and preserving
those key elements that residents consider to be the area’s
principal assets, most specifically—its open vistas…peace,
quiet and privacy…and its country setting.
2. Land Use—
More than two-thirds of the Greater Tom Nevers Area is under
conservation or government ownership, with the remaining
one-third divided into 596 privately-owned properties. The
entire area is part of the “country” zone of the island. And it is
zoned Limited Use General-3 (LUG-3), which requires a mini-
mum lot size of 120,000 sq. ft. and permits cover ratio of 3-
percent..
Before the zoning bylaws were enacted, some acreage in
the Tom Nevers Area was subdivided; so there are a number
of non-conforming lots which do not meet the minimum lot
size. These lots are “grandfathered” under Massachusetts Gen-
eral Law with respect to size, but must conform to all other
LUG-3 zoning requirements.
Growth Concerns--
75% of the residents in the Greater Tom Nevers Area expect
the area to approach full “build out” within the next 10 to 15
years…with almost all available building lots developed and
with larger homes beginning to replace small older cottages.
60% of the residents believe that the area will become over-
developed unless further restrictions are placed on the addition
of secondary dwellings, although there is a general concern
about the lack of affordable housing for working families.
more than 70% are 3-to-4 bedroom family homes.
The vast majority of the existing private lots in the Greater
Tom Nevers Area have at least one structure on them now, and
there are no large tracts in private ownership that could be sub-
divided. Therefore, the potential for future growth lies mainly
in the addition of secondary dwellings and the enlargement of
existing dwellings. There is an overall concern about the lack
of affordable homes for middle class working families, but
there is no clear solution to this economic problem. (A public/
private co-operative effort, similar to that undertaken for the
school employees, offers the best hope at his point, but resi-
dents feel that this type of effort is best undertaken in other
less-remote parts of the Island.) If a financial incentive, such as
a tax credit, could be developed for those willing to rent a sec-
ondary dwelling to individuals with designated critical skills,
then the problem may be eased, but not solved. Home owner-
ship should be our overall goal, as rentals provide no pride of
ownership.
Affordable Housing-- The consensus opinion expressed in the
2007 property-owner survey is that the Tom Nevers area is
already providing its “fair share” of affordable housing for the
Island, particularly when contrasted with other neighborhoods
that have yet to begin. There is support for gradually adding
more individual “affordable housing” units, provided that they
are interspersed among existing lots, and particularly if they
are built by Habitat For Humanity.
Per the Nantucket Housing Authority, there are currently at
least 7 homes in the Tom Nevers area that officially qualify as
“affordable housing”, either as owned homes, rental units or
those included in the housing rehab program. It is also likely
that a number of individual property-owners in the Greater
Tom Nevers Area rent units to lower income individuals and
families who work on Nantucket. In addition, there is an unde-
veloped 17-acre parcel adjacent to Tom Nevers Field that is
owned by the Housing Authority. This property was originally
designated as a potential site for affordable housing, but sev-
eral factors in addition to costs have prevented implementation
of that concept. (Its distance from Town and public transporta-
tion; its closeness to an eroding shoreline; and the presence of
some endangered plant species make it far from ideal for af-
fordable housing.) As such, consideration should be given to
exchanging this parcel for another parcel held by one of the
conservation groups—a parcel that is nearer to Town and pub-
lic transportation.
Secondary Dwellings-- There is a general concern that the
Tom Nevers Area may become over-developed through the
widespread addition of secondary dwelling units. In fact,
59.7% of the residents believe that in order to preclude over-
development in Tom Nevers, further restrictions should be
placed on the addition of secondary dwellings. (Only 23.8%
believe that no further restrictions are necessary.) While no
consensus emerged as to how to fairly limit secondary dwell-
ings, there was support for providing a financial incentive for
voluntary compliance. (e.g. - a tax credit or direct payment, or
a charitable contribution deduction in exchange for a restric-
tive covenant giving up one’s right to add a secondary dwell-
ing unit.) Other forms of limitation without compensation,
such as a “cap”, were not supported by the residents.
Zoning Enforcement-- A solid majority of the residents be-
lieve that there is a growing problem with negligent absentee-
landlords who buy area properties for employee housing or
rental income and then allow these properties to deteriorate and
become eyesores. (There is a corollary problem, with some
property owners running disruptive private businesses from
their homes.) The Town does have a mechanism to enforce the
zoning bylaws, but this process appears to the residents as
cumbersome and not very effective.
“Housing” Conclusions & Recommendations--
■ 1. Most residents believe that the Tom Nevers Area will
achieve near full “build-out” in the next 10 – 15 years and that
over-development will occur without further restrictions on
secondary dwelling units. As such, there is support to limit the
development of secondary dwellings through the use of finan-
cial incentives.
■ 2. The Tom Nevers Area has successfully integrated some
“affordable housing” into its neighborhoods. And there is some
support for adding more “affordable housing” units, provided
that they are interspersed among existing lots. But there is vir-
tually no support for creating an “affordable housing” complex
within the neighborhood.
■ 3. In order to preserve the quality of the neighborhood, the
existing zoning bylaws need to be enforced, with feedback
given to those who have filed complaints.
4. Economic Development—-
There are no commercial retail, manufacturing or service
industry businesses in the Greater Tom Nevers Area today—
and there is no desire among Tom Nevers property-owners to
create even a small area where commercial businesses might
be established. The entire Greater Tom Nevers Area is now a
residential area and the residents want to keep it that way.
There is, however, general support for accommodating small
home-based businesses, provided they do not disturb the
T he overwhelming desire of Tom Nevers residents is
to keep the area as it is now. Therefore, no changes
should be taken that would cause major changes.
neighborhood with disruptions to the peace, beauty and tran-
quility we all prize. Many year-round and seasonal property-
owners in the Greater Tom Nevers Area are self-employed and
operate out of their homes. Most are good neighbors. But a few
are proving disruptive—contributing noise, odors, extra traffic
and visual “eye-pollution” from equipment, supplies and in-
ventory storage. It is likely that they are not in compliance with
existing zoning bylaws or health regulations. This is a serious
problem which needs to be addressed if the Tom Nevers Area
is to remain as the vast majority of the residents want it to be.
“Economic Development” Conclusions &
Recommendations—
■ 1. The Tom Nevers Area should protect its position as a
residential area with no commercial-scale retail, manufacturing
or service industry businesses.
■ 2. While property-owners are open to self-employed
residents operating small home-based businesses, steps should
be taken to assure that home-based businesses in Tom Nevers
do not become disruptive or compromise the residential nature
of the area.
■ 3. To accomplish this, a set of guidelines needs to be devel-
oped and published, which define in practical form some of the
regulations and standards contained in existing Town bylaws.
These guidelines could serve to aid those who are contemplat-
ing beginning a home-based business, and would also establish
criteria by which neighbors of existing home-based businesses
could refer. And importantly, these guidelines could form a
common denominator for enforcement. (For example, Chapter
139 of the Code of the Town of Nantucket permits home occu-
pations…”provided that excessive noise, traffic, odor…..are
avoided.” The proposed guidelines would contain examples of
what constitutes excessive noise, traffic or odors, rather than
leave the interpretation of those terms to each individual.)
■ 4. In addition, if a special zoning variance is ever granted to
permit a home occupation that would not normally be permit-
ted, a covenant should be established that requires the owner to
restore the property to non-commercial status if the business is
closed.
5. Natural and Cultural Resources—
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Nan-
tucket Land Bank own vast tracts of land in the Tom Nevers
Area, which contribute greatly to the sense of open space and
natural vegetation that is so highly prized.
Conservation Land-- Consistent with the Nantucket
Conservation Foundation’s stated mission of—”Conserving,
maintaining, and managing its natural areas and habitats…and
encouraging an appreciation and interest in the Island’s natural
resources” and its oft-stated goal of making their properties
more accessible to the public— the residents of the Greater
Tom Nevers Area strongly recommend that the NCF make a
number of enhancements to their Tom Nevers properties to
make them more accessible, to reduce the danger of brush fires,
and to restore more of the rare sand plain grasslands.
Beach Access -- While the Land Bank properties in our area
are not as extensive as the NCF properties, several are strategi-
cally located to provide access to the beaches and the ocean.
Two of these properties…Tom Nevers Beach and Made-
quecham Beach…have good beach access with parking.
But the Land Bank property at Tom Nevers Head is generally
inaccessible.
Lyme Disease-- There is an almost universal concern about the
incidence of Lyme’s Disease and the size of the deer
population in the Tom Nevers Area. Almost 65% of the
residents support the idea of actively encouraging deer hunting
in the conservation lands in Tom Nevers. And more than half
of the residents also support the idea of qualified bow hunters
being invited to hunt on private property. But since more than a
third of the residents do not support this idea, the decision to
authorize deer hunting on private property should be left to the
individual property-owner.
“Natural & Cultural Resources” Conclusions &
Recommendations--
■ 1. The NCF should be encouraged to develop a plan for its
properties in the Tom Nevers Area that includes the clearing of
walking paths, horse trails and bicycle paths. Limited unpaved
parking areas should be created to enable residents, other than
those in the immediate neighborhood, to come and enjoy the
open spaces. A program of brush cutting and controlled burns
should be instituted to gradually reduce the dense invasive
species and reestablish the sand plain grasslands.
■ 2. The Land Bank should be encouraged to cut through a
walking path from Tom Nevers Head to the beach for the use
of local residents. Signs should be erected and other markers
installed to insure that public access to the beaches over Land
Bank and NCF properties is maintained.
■ 3. Deer hunting should be encouraged, where permitted, in
order to reduce the size of the herd in the area.
T he NCF should be encouraged to develop a plan for
its properties in the Tom Nevers Area that includes
clearing walking paths, horse trails and bicycle paths.
6. Open Space and Recreation—
The Tom Nevers Area has two outstanding recreational
assets—more than five miles of beaches…and Tom Nevers
Field, with approximately 19 acres of Town-owned land that is
used primarily for family recreation.
Tom Nevers Field—The Nantucket Parks and Recreation
Commission administers Tom Nevers Field on behalf of the
Town and is responsible for the maintenance and improvement
of its facilities. While many improvements have been made
over the years, a number of things can be done to improve Tom
Nevers Field still further. A vast majority of the residents—
84.5%—believe that Tom Nevers Field is such an important
asset to the Island that a long-range plan should be developed
to guide these future improvements.
Beaches-- Our pristine beaches and open ocean vistas are some
of the most attractive aspects of the Tom Nevers Area. But
erosion of the bluffs has made it difficult to access the beach
from the vicinity of Tom Nevers Field—and people trying to
reach the beach frequently contribute to the destruction of the
bluff by walking or jumping though the gullies.
“Open Space & Recreation” Conclusions &
Recommendations--
■ 1. A long-range plan for improvements at Tom Nevers Field
should be developed that retains the family-oriented focus on
passive recreation.
■ 2. The Parks and Recreation Commission should continue to
limit the number of large events permitted at the Field so that
use by the general public is not curtailed and the nearby
residents are not disturbed.
■ 3. Removable steps should be installed at Tom Nevers Field
to provide safer and easier access to the beach and to avoid
further breakdown of the banks by pedestrian traffic.
■ 4. For the sake of safety, the concrete and rebar debris on the
beach and the tires at the defunct go-cart track should be
removed from Tom Nevers Field.
7. Services and Facilities—
The Greater Tom Nevers area is entirely contained in the
Country Overlay District of Nantucket, the purpose of which is
to “to discourage development and preserve areas characterized
by traditional and historic rural land use patterns.” There is no
postal delivery; and with the exception of Tom Nevers Road,
there are no telephone/utility poles. Drinking water comes from
private wells and there are no plans to bring water mains to the
area. The sewer system does not serve Tom Nevers and the
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan says that
“Conventional Title 5 septic systems are the recommended
long-term wastewater disposal solution for this area”.
With the exception of Tom Nevers Road, all roads in the
area are private, and most are abutter’s ways. Tom Nevers
Road is paved and maintained by the Town. The roads in Tom
Nevers East are paved and maintained by the Tom Nevers East
property-owners association. But most of the remainder of the
roads in the Greater Tom Nevers Area are unpaved, with main-
tenance left to the individual residents who live on them.
Dirt Roads— Poor maintenance of dirt roads remains one of
the greatest challenges in the area, not only for the residents but
also for emergency and delivery vehicles. Some people believe
that poorly-maintained roads discourage traffic and slow cars,
while others are concerned about emergency vehicle access and
the wear-and-tear on their vehicles. There is no clear support
among residents living on dirt roads for a Town ordinance re-
quiring maintenance, nor is there general support to form an
association to maintain the roads. At best, there are pockets of
interest along some roads which can be mobilized periodically
to grade or otherwise make-passable individual roads.
Water Quality— The Wannacomet Water Company has indi-
cated that their studies have shown that there is an ample sup-
ply of fresh water in the aquifer beneath the Tom Nevers Area.
Although an ample supply of water exists, most wells are shal-
low wells (50’ or less) and therefore the threat from contamina-
tion from surface sources remains, even though the deeper
strata of water remains pure. The residents support three initia-
tives to protect the purity of our drinking water. First, more
than 86% favor the exclusive use of non-contaminating lawn
and garden chemicals in the area. Second, 76% support encour-
aging property owners to have their septic systems pumped out
at least once every three years. Finally, a large number of resi-
dents support the idea of regularly monitoring the quality of the
water at shallow depths beneath our area. The Director of the
University of Massachusetts Field Station has agreed to pro-
vide technical support for this monitoring effort.
Overhead Utility Lines— The overhead lines for all utilities
serving the most populated areas in Tom Nevers run down the
east side of Tom Nevers Road—the same side chosen for a
projected paved bicycle path (see “Section 8” following).
When that path is constructed, a large number of residents
favor running those utility lines underground. (Massachusetts
General Law provides that the utility companies involved pay
A long-range plan for improvements at Tom Nevers
Field should be developed that retains the family-
oriented focus on passive recreation.
for all or part of the cost, under these circumstances.)
“Services & Facilities” Conclusions & Recommendations--
■ 1. Those portions of the area that have dirt roads will be
encouraged to form informal groups to address their own road
maintenance. Communication and education, including the cost
of regular grading if done for a large area, will be the prime
means of forming these groups.
■ 2. Information about non-contaminating lawn and garden
chemicals should to be collected and communicated to the area
residents.
■ 3. Information about the benefits of regular septic pump outs
should be gathered and distributed to the property owners.
■ 4. A program to systematically sample and analyze water
samples from a number of locations in the area should be
instituted.
■ 5. When the bicycle path is constructed, all the utilities along
Tom Nevers Road should be placed underground.
8. Circulation—
Because Tom Nevers is so far from Town and mid-island
stores, virtually all trips are made using personal vehicles.
Traffic on Tom Nevers Road becomes very heavy during the
warm weather months, and the intersection at Tom Nevers
Road and Milestone Road has become increasingly congested.
The NRTA bus stop and a bike path crossing at that location
further complicate this intersection. Tom Nevers residents
generally support improving the intersection to make it safer,
but a clear concept for improvement has not yet emerged, nor
has the question of funding for such a change been addressed.
Aircraft Noise— Noise created by aircraft flying over the Tom
Nevers Area is a constant problem, particularly during the early
morning hours. The Tom Nevers Neighborhood has consis-
tently registered a significant number of noise complaints with
the airport administration and residents from the area are
members of the Noise Advisory Committee—which provides
advice and recommendations about aircraft noise to the Nan-
tucket Memorial Airport Commission. Aircraft noise is a prob-
lem that can never be eliminated, but it can be minimized.
The F.A.A. has complete jurisdiction over the airspace
above the island. Its overarching concern is for the safety of
aircraft and passengers, not the reduction of aircraft noise.
Wind, weather and traffic volumes dictate which runways will
be used, how aircraft will approach the runways and which
direction planes will fly when they take off. Voluntary noise
abatement routes have been established, but adherence to those
routes is not always possible or desirable. The most effective
action is to first increase resident awareness about airport op-
erations, so that they can differentiate between flights that have
no option over which route they take and those that could fly a
different, less noisy, route. And then to encourage residents to
bring proper pressure to bear on those offending airlines to
comply with noise abatement routes.
Bicycle Path— More than 75% of the residents support
building a paved bike path from Milestone Road down Tom
Nevers Road to Tom Nevers Field. If built, the path would
divert bicycle and pedestrian traffic from a high-speed road
with heavy vehicular traffic at certain times of the year—and
thereby reduce the risk of a serious or fatal injury. Such a path
has been included in the overall Nantucket plan for bicycle
paths and the cost has been estimated. In January, 2007, con-
struction costs for a hard-paved bicycle path were estimated at
$250 per linear foot. The entire length of the path would be
11,700 linear feet, yielding a projected total cost, in 2007 dol-
lars, of $2,923,000. This project is currently ranked 21 of 23
projects on the Nantucket Planning and Economic Develop-
ment Commission’s (NP&EDC) priority list, with lack of fund-
ing, the need to acquire easements from property owners, and
the presence of endangered species in the area as the main
factors contributing to the low priority. Long-range plans have
construction of the path scheduled between 2026 and 2030. To
provide some relief in the interim, an unpaved bike path
through the NCF land along the west side of Tom Nevers West
should be considered. Although an unpaved path would not
attract as many users as a paved path, it would help to divert
some of the pedestrian/bike traffic from Tom Nevers Road and
it would allow additional access to the NCF properties.
Bus Service— Many residents would like to see the Nantucket
Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) extend its bus line down
A program to systematically sample and analyze
water samples from a number of locations in the
area should be instituted.
T he Town should be urged to move the Tom Nevers
bike path up its priority list.
Tom Nevers Road. This would reduce the near-to-total depend-
ence on cars for travel to Siasconset, mid-Island and Town. It
would also reduce pedestrian traffic along Tom Nevers Road,
because people now have to walk to the NRTA bus stop at
Milestone Road.
The NRTA Administrator has estimated that it would cost
about $123,000 (in 2007 dollars) to provide Tom Nevers
service from mid-May through the first week in October…from
7:00am to 11:30pm… and that new equipment would have to
be added to the fleet. Funding for the new equipment has been
requested from the State but it will not be known until later in
2007 whether the request has been approved. Additional obsta-
cles will have to be overcome before a new Tom Nevers route
could be established, but service to the area is high on NRTA’s
priority list and may be realized within the next few years.
Park-n-Ride— There has been considerable discussion about
creating a park-n-ride lot near the intersection of Tom Nevers
Road and Milestone Road. This would enable residents to drive
to the NRTA stop (some from 2+ miles away) and take public
transportation into Town. If walking trails are created in the
NCF property, this lot could also serve those who would like to
hike in the area. The only land suitable for such a lot is on NCF
property near the intersection of Milestone and Tom Nevers
Roads. Unfortunately, access to such a lot could create an
added traffic hazard. If the entire intersection is reconfigured at
some future point, then creation of a park-n-ride lot adjacent to
the NRTA stop should be considered.
“Circulation” Conclusions & Recommendations—
■ 1. The Greater Tom Nevers area should continue to supply
representatives to the Noise Advisory Committee of the Airport
Commission. Every effort should be made to educate people
about flight patterns, runway use and weather conditions, so
that they can understand when noise abatement routes can be
flown and then bring suitable pressure on the airlines to comply
with those routes.
■ 2. The Town should be urged to move the Tom Nevers bike
path up in its priority list. Consideration should be given to
undertaking the project in two parts—from Milestone Road to
Old Tom Nevers Road…and from Old Tom Nevers Road to
Tom Nevers Field. This would spread out the cost of the pro-
ject, while providing some immediate relief to the pedestrian/
bike/vehicle congestion on the upper part of Tom Nevers Road.
■ 3. Every effort should be made to obtain the necessary funds
for NRTA to create a route down Tom Nevers Road. Such an
expansion is at the top of their priority list; all that is lacking is
the necessary State and Town funds.
E very effort should be made to obtain the funds for
NRTA to create a route down Tom Nevers Road.
If you haven’t yet renewed your 2007 TNCA Membership, Please do so today !!!
Your dues help us make
our neighborhood all
you want it to be… a
place with exceptional
quality-of-life and rising
property values.
TOM NEVERS CIVIC ASSOCIATION / Membership Renewal Form
Enclosed is my check for $15 for 2007dues.
Enclosed is my check for $30 for 2007 and 2008 dues.
I’ve also enclosed a contribution of to help TNCA expand its efforts.
Name(s) as you wish to be listed
Island Property location
Island Mailing Address E-mail
Off-Island Address Tel.
Preferred mailing address: Off-Island On-Island
Please make your check payable to the “Tom Nevers Civic Association”
And return with this form to — Dual Macintyre / TNCA / P.O. Box 2926 / Nantucket, MA
To make sure we have your latest
email address, please email us at —
acktnca@comcast.net
TNCA Tom Nevers Area Plan
Work Group Tom Nevers Civic Association P.O. Box 2926 Nantucket, MA 02584 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TNCA Officers - 2007
Dual Macintyre ...President
Jack Warner … Vice President
Joan Hollander …Secretary
Richard Duffy … Treasurer
TNCA Directors
Earl Hatcher ... 2007
Richard Heffernan.. 2007
Anne Kaminsky … 2009
Ralph Mueller ... 2009
Steve Roethke … 2008
Liz Trillos ... 2008
Kathy Perras … Director at Large
E-mail us at: acktnca@comcast.net
Our Greater Tom Nevers Neighborhood
Tom Nevers East-
Chuck Hollow/Crestwood/Flintlock/
Green Hollow/Heath/Jonathan/ Long-
wood /Lyons/Parson/Sandpiper/
Sandsbury/Whitetail/Wood Hollow
Tom Nevers South-
Bosworth/Chershire/Dorset/Elliott’s/
Hampshire/Hollister/Lyford/Marcus/
Mayhew/Nichols/Old Tom Nevers/
Surrey/Sussex/Van Fleet/Wanoma
Tom Nevers West-
Arlington/Berkley/Clarendon/
Cornwall /Dartmouth/Devon/Driscoll/
Exeter/Fairfield/Gloucester/
Huntington/Ipswich/Kendrick/Marion
Tom Nevers Central-
Tom Nevers Road
Madequecham West-
Hinsdale/Madequecham Valley/New
South /Russell’s/Waquoit/Wigwam/
Wright’s Landing
From Tom Nevers East- ■ Kate Damsgaard ■ Dick Eldridge ■ Dual Macintyre ■ Anne McAndrew
From Tom Nevers West- ■ Pam Bartlett ■ Charles Kymer ■ Eric Savetsky
From Tom Nevers South- ■ Peter Hoey ■ Dale Stoodley
From Madequecham West- ■ Rev. Nancy Nelson ■ Susan Shepherd
From the Planning Commission- ■ Michael Kopko ■ Linda Williams
Providing Assistance- ■ Andrew Vorce ■ Leslie Woodson ■ Mike Burns ■ Jeri Hicks ■ Jack Warner
Appendix VIII --
Guidelines for Events at Tom Nevers Field
TOM NEVERS CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
POSITION PAPER
USE OF TOM NEVERS FIELD
1. Introduction - As residents of Nantucket and neighbors of Tom Nevers Field (previously
the old Navy Base property), we support the use of this area for passive recreation, family-
oriented events and educational activities. We further support improvements to the property
that will enhance its appeal to families or encourage the use of the land for passive recreation
or educational purposes. We believe the property is a unique resource for the island and its
future use should be consistent with the history and character of Nantucket. We specifically
support the use of this park for the Nantucket County Fair, the annual Demolition Derby, and
roller hockey, all of which are traditional uses for the space. Each new proposal, commercial or
otherwise, will be evaluated on its merits, with the understanding that support for a trial does
not constitute the establishment of a precedent. We do not support the use of this park for
events that fail to provide for the following concerns.
2. Transportation - Public transportation must be the primary means of moving people to and
from major events (i.e. those with more than 500 attendees, such as the Boston Pops concert).
Transportation should be sufficient to move 90% of the expected attendees to and from the site
within 1 hour of the start and end of the event and the field should be cleared of people no later
than 10 p.m. In order to encourage the use of public transportation, the service should be
convenient, timely and inexpensive. In order to discourage the use of cars for transportation,
parking must be limited to designated areas; parking along Tom Nevers Road and the side
streets that intersect it should be prohibited during any major event; temporary "No Parking"
signs must be posted along the entire length of the road and adjacent side streets; and a strong
Police presence will be required to enforce the parking regulations and to insure that no traffic,
other than residents or emergency vehicles, be allowed to cut through on Old Tom Nevers
Road, Parson Lane, Lyons Lane, or Longwood Drive. The free flow of traffic on public roads
near the field must not be inhibited by the event itself or activities to set-up or take-down
equipment. In particular, traffic not associated with the event must be permitted free access
from Tom Nevers Road, around the field to New South Road and vice versa.
3. Noise - Because Tom Nevers is a residential area, any prolonged, excessive noise is
anathema. Therefore, any event scheduled for the evening hours must conclude by 9 p.m., so
the park may be cleared by 10 p.m., and no attractions should be offered that would encourage
the crowd to linger after the event. In a similar vein, no sound amplification system that
exceeds 95 dB (as measured from the middle of the first row in the spectator area), no lighting
system that requires the use of portable generators, and no large screens for the projection of
laser or other images may be used. Any speakers that are used must be directed toward the
ocean. As noted above, the area should be cleared by 10 p.m., one hour after the conclusion of
an evening event.
-2-
4. Liquor - We oppose the sale or consumption of any alcoholic beverages at any event held at
Tom Nevers Field.
5. Crowd Control - Provisions must be made for crowd control at any event. This may
include, but not be limited to: volunteers; employees of the sponsoring organization; or the
Nantucket Police. The Nantucket Police Department and the Nantucket Fire Department must
certify that adequate crowd control measures are in effect before any event is sanctioned. As a
guideline, 1 crowd-control person is required for every 200 attendees.
6. Sanitation, Shelter & Emergencies - Portable sanitary facilities must be provided sufficient
to handle 150% of the expected number of people. Shelters must also be provided to protect the
young, handicapped, infirm, and elderly from the elements. First Aid and Fire protection must
be provided sufficient to handle the expected crowd, as certified by the Nantucket Fire
Department and/or the Nantucket Cottage Hospital.
7. Litter - Receptacles for litter should be provided throughout the area for any event. The
sponsoring organization must provide for the clean-up of the area after any event, which shall
include the separation of trash into appropriate recyclable categories and the delivery of all
material to the town landfill on the next day that the landfill is open. The area to be cleaned
shall include the entire park property and Tom Nevers Road from the park to Milestone Road.
The sponsor of any event where admission will be charged should post a bond to insure that the
property is returned to its original state, excluding any permanent improvements to the
property previously approved by the Park and Recreation Commission.
8. Park and Recreation Commission - The Park and Recreation Commission has exercised
wise and prudent judgment in administering the Tom Nevers Field property in the past. They
have sought and thoughtfully considered our recommendations concerning new uses for the
park land, arriving at decisions that are in keeping with the historic character and charm of the
island. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Commission and its staff.
Originally Approved: November 1, 1997
Revised and Approved: September 14, 2007
Tom Nevers Civic Association Board of Directors