Select Board Should Not Allow The Demolition Of The Old Nantucket Electric Company Building

To the editor: In regards to the proposed demolition of 10 New Whale Street, much has been made of the industrial history of Nantucket. As a whaling port, it was an epicenter of fuel procurement in its era. The story of how the island was able to grow and thrive is all about its pragmatic ability to adapt and create new ways to sustain the island as technologies changed. The humble brick building at 10 New Whale stands to represent this ongoing and never-ending process of change and ingenuity.

Who doesn't recall the racket that came from that site? The creation of energy that powered the island, right in the heart of town. Indisputably, everyone can sigh in relief that the technology has been retired, and the reverberating grind of generating electricity has been stilled. But it was a purposeful and key building allowing the island to sustain itself, supporting industry and common domestic needs. It is handsome in its no-nonsense design. It would be amazing to see a beautiful development of contemporary buildings around it, highlighting the brick, addressing the current needs of the community, just as the building and its site did for years in the past.

I am so glad there are those who are working to save the building, and I hope that many others will take a moment to really consider the importance and relevance of the site, and this resolute and steadfast structure.

Thank you,

Laura Herhold
NISDA