Bennett's Blog

Bennett's Farewell Address

• Housing: Housing was a top priority for me when I was elected and it has gotten even more important as I leave office today. It should be the top priority for the next Board of Selectmen. We, as a community, must come together and devise ways to produce housing for our residents. We must end the meetings, forums and arguing and get to work. Here are some ideas:
  

-The Housing Bank legislation should receive island-wide support. The housing issue needs resources-just as the issue of open space did in the 80's. The Land Bank was created to help other organizations protect island land and today about 60% of the land area of Nantucket is protected. We need to produce 200 housing units to achieve the 10% State required goal for low and moderate- income families-at least 30 units per year. The Housing Bank will provide resources to housing in the same way the Land Bank provides resources to open space.  

-The construction of multi-family apartments must be encouraged. Where? On Town-owned land at Fairgrounds Road and the Housing Authority property on Surfside Road. Smaller units are needed for single households, newlyweds and those downsizing. 

-Allowances for accessory apartments should be expanded on existing properties. Smaller efficiency units would provide needed housing with minimal impacts. Second dwellings must continue to be allowed. 

• Transportation: Nantucket's road system must receive more investment. Our budget of $200,000 per year is inadequate. The incoming Selectmen must address this issue, increasing the budget and seeing that existing through-roads like the Boulevarde and Monohansett become public ways. Dowtown traffic and parking must be improved. I support the upcoming traffic study and support the construction of a well-designed, historically appropriate parking facility as part of a downtown transportation center on the former electric company property.
  

• Alternative Energy: Nantucket is located in an area that has the most favorable wind conditions in the entire country. The harnessing of this resource should be overseen by and benefit the area in which it is located. We have an opportunity to explore the area known as "south of Tuckernuck" following a model set by another Massachusetts community, the Town of Hull, which could make Nantucket an exporter of electrical power. I urge the further examination of not only wind energy, but tidal and current energy in the general area of south of Tuckernuck.
  

• Expedite Important Community Projects: Several projects that represent tremendous new investment by private individuals or are long-term public projects remain stalled, in limbo or otherwise frustrated by some public officials. It is time for these to move forward. The Great Harbor Yacht Club, The Dreamland Theatre, Point Breeze Hotel, Stop and Shop Expansion, Community Safety Building are all important examples. Everyone needs to come together and finish these projects for the benefit of our Island. We'll be a better place to live in with these projects constructed and controversy behind us.
  

• Inclusion for all Citizens: Nantucket has many positive attributes, sometimes forgotten by those who bitterly complain about change. Nantucket has much to be proud of, protecting more open land, preserving community-wide historic character,  building miles of bike paths, keeping taxes low, seeing property values soar and employing all those who wish to work than most any other Massachusetts communities. We should focus our energy on the positive, welcoming new residents of different ethnic backgrounds, encouraging young people to be involved in political life and sharing the wealth of our island community. My campaign energized many to become involved and now the challenge is to step forward and be part of the community. My words to the people of Nantucket- Do not leave the duties of community to others.
  

It has been my honor and pleasure to be your public servant. I wish my fellow board members all the best. Please work with your new members in a spirit of openness and collaboration. I'll always be available to you or the incoming board members to share my advice or experiences.

The following is a list of  some of the accomplishments achieved while serving as both your Selectman and County Commissioner:

1. Chairman of the Nantucket and Dukes County Commissioners Summit (October 27, 2004)

2. Created an Energy Committee (2004 Nantucket Town Meeting Article 74).    

3. Negotiated and secured through an Oral Agreement with Massachusetts 10th District United States Congressman William Delahunt an additional 20-year lease of Nantucket's Brant Point Boat House in July 2004 on the Nantucket Lightship.

4. Managed and developed a compromise that balanced Nantucket's 2006 $60 million dollar budget.

5. Crafted a $35.5 million dollar plan (construction commenced six weeks ago) to help upgrade and expand Nantucket's Surfside Wastewater Treatment Facility (April 2005 Special Town Meeting Article 3). 

6. Fought to save 22 teachers' jobs (April 2005).

7. Helped pass a Non-Binding Resolution to study Fertilizer and Pesticide Usage in Nantucket County. (2005 Nantucket Town Meeting Article 54). 

8. Supported Major Change and Reform within Nantucket's Town Government to a Town Manager Form (change will take place officially in April 2008).  

9. Supported a solution to increase Affordable Housing in Nantucket County.

10. Put forward to the public a Capital Programs Compromise (Fall 2004).

11. Proposed Wind Farm in alternative energy site south of Muskeget Shoals. (January 2007).

12. Called for a Special Election to fill empty Selectman Seat (August 2006). 

13. Urged the Adoption of the U.S. Conference of Mayor's Climate Control Agreement (February 2007).

14. Brokered Peace within the Planning Board by issuing a public statement asking those Board Members to forgive each other and move-on with government business.  (January 2007).

15. Supported Several Major Changes to Island's Road Infrastructure to improve Island Traffic Circulation and the fixing of the Boulevard.

16. Helped lift the prohibition of the sale of alcohol on Sundays on Nantucket. (April 7, 2004).

17. Responsible for bringing Boston Red Sox World Series Trophy to Nantucket (June 2005). 

Your Public Servant, 

Doug Bennett

Nantucket Selectman and County Commissioner