Why We Submitted An Environmental Justice Petition To Stop Surfside Crossing

To the editor: We’re reaching out to share an important update: members of Nantucket Tipping Point, as concerned island residents, have officially submitted an Environmental Justice (EJ) petition to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This petition requests a fail-safe review of the proposed Surfside Crossing development under the protections afforded by the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Law.

Specifically, residents have requested that the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) use its Fail-Safe authority under 301 CMR 11.04. This request is based on the serious potential impacts the development poses - particularly to the Environmental Justice population that lives in the surrounding area. These impacts include concerns related to environmental quality, public health, and equity.

We are calling for fairness and asking that the tools of environmental justice be used as they were intended—to protect vulnerable communities. What we’re asking for is transparency, accountability, and meaningful safeguards for our health, environment, and heritage.

The Fail-Safe provision was created exactly for situations like this—where a project might meet some regulatory requirements but still poses a clear and significant threat to the community. This is one of those situations.

We believe by ignoring the Environmental Justice Law, the developers and the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC) are acting in violation of Massachusetts State Law - Laws specifically designed to protect Environmental Justice communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Governor Maura Healey has made it clear that Environmental Justice is central to her climate agenda. She described the state’s EJ Strategy as a “significant step in identifying concrete ways to increase public participation and ensure the voices of marginalized communities are at the table.” We believe it’s time those words are put into action here on Nantucket.

We truly couldn’t do any of this without your continued support. Whether you’re writing letters, donating, attending meetings, or simply staying engaged, we are incredibly grateful to have you by our side.

This petition is another reminder of what makes Nantucket so special: its people. You can view the petition, map and motion here, and thank you for continuing to stand with us!

Warmly,

Meghan Perry and Will Willauer