Nantucket Airport Terminal Expansion Clears Historic District Commission Review

A proposal to expand the Nantucket Memorial Airport terminal cleared its first major regulatory hurdle Tuesday, receiving the unanimous support of the Historic District Commission.

The terminal expansion, which has been under consideration before the Airport Commission for months, is still far from becoming a reality. Before it can be constructed, it will need approval from other town bodies, including the Planning Board and Town Meeting.

But Tuesday’s approval, achieved with little controversy, is a key step forward for the project, which would replace a holding tent currently used to accommodate guests waiting to board planes at the terminal with an indoor, air-conditioned structure.

“I appreciate this,” HDC member Val Oliver said. “I think it's good the way it is.”

The 8,100 foot expansion is currently expected to cost around $33.4 million. The airport has not yet been successful in obtaining federal funds to reduce the cost, but efforts will continue as the design moves forward. Despite the lack of federal funding so far, the Airport Commission has opted to move forward with the project, citing high demand and the risks of relying on a tent to hold passengers.

A presentation given to the Airport Commission in March suggests the expansion will include space for 375-395 passengers, four gates, concession space, and additional restrooms.

The HDC had few comments on the proposal, which they had already reviewed preliminarily at a previous meeting.

“When we did the design preview, I saw essentially this design, and was ready to put it on consent,” HDC member Stephen Welch said.