A Chance To Correct Course

To the editor: On October 1, the Select Board will review an appeal by the Nantucket Preservation Trust (NPT) seeking to overturn the July 8 decision by the Historic District Commission (HDC) to allow National Grid (NGRID) to demolish the historic structure at 10 New Whale Street, in the heart of the Old Historic District (OHD).

The HDC’s decision was arbitrary and capricious:

1. Unanswered Questions – Commissioner Angus MacLeod asked a critical question about the engineer’s report that went unanswered. He cautioned it was premature to decide without complete information, yet his concerns were dismissed.

2. Public Comment Cut Off – Commissioner Oliver noted that new information warranted full discussion. Instead, when NGRID’s counsel showed impatience, the Chair shut down comment, silencing respected preservation professional Mickey Rowland.

3. Specialist Testimony Ignored – A July 7, 2025 letter from Glenn Boornazian, a leading architectural conservator whose work includes the U.S. Capitol and Grand Central Terminal, was excluded. Much debate focused on when the letter arrived rather than weighing its informed testimony.

4. Reversal of Position – In October 2024, the HDC unanimously opposed demolition.
Commissioner Pohl then compared the building’s value to the Three Bricks. Despite an incomplete engineer’s report and the opinion of a world-renowned authority urging restoration, he and others reversed course.

5. Neglect Downplayed – Chair Welch noted the building was in disrepair before NGRID bought it in 2001, minimizing both the neglect under its ownership and the stewardship it should have provided over 24 years. 

We respect that HDC members are volunteers serving under immense pressure. Still, this decision overlooked critical questions, silenced public comment, and excluded authoritative opinion. By curtailing the fact-finding process, the Commission based its decision on opinions rather than facts. On October 1, the Select Board can correct course and reaffirm our community’s commitment to preservation. Together, we can make this right.

Sincerely,
Amy Ford Keohane