voices: the community speaks of Nantucket and GHYC

Nov. 30, 2003

Mr. John Pagini
Planning & Economic Development Commission
Nantucket MA 02554

Dear John,

When considering the petitions from the Great Point Partners for the approval of the plans for Great Harbor Yacht Club, it may be pertinent to question what the purpose of this venture might be. Whatever it is, "Great" looks like it might be a fetish with the would-be founders.

"Developer" seems to be the proper term for them, neither of whom seem to have any credentials as dedicated sailors, yachtsmen or boaters. Nor are they listed in the Nantucket phone books.

Is the "club" to be a not-for-profit facility serving affluent seasonal yachties, or a profit-making enterprise whose purpose must be to serve the interests of the stockholders?

Either way, before they demolish the boatyard as we have known it since its founding in 1917, a little knowledge about the original founders of the "South Beach Boat Yard" and their purpose might be interesting if not persuasive in the way we look at the present petition.

The original boatyard builders were Henry and Florence Rand Lang, longtime property-owning devotees of Nantucket from Montclair N.J. Among their Nantucket endeavors, they presented the bell for the Congregational Church, furnished the playground equipment for the new Children's Beach, imported sand to build a beach next to the boatyard. Florence built or restored little studios for the nascent art colony.

The Langs founded several Nantucket companies as World War I was coming to an end. Henry's will dated January 8, 1925 (Probate Court record 2108) made a very clear statement as to the purpose of these enterprises. Here is the pertinent part, verbatim:

"For many years, my wife and I have made our summer home at Nantucket Island. On account of our interest in and love for the Island, we have attempted to develop the Island, to provide facilities at fair and reasonable prices and to otherwise render service to the people thereof.

"With this policy in view, we have formed companies under the Massachusetts laws, known as the Island Service Co., Inc., the Nautican Realty Co. and the South Beach Boat Yard Co., Inc., and at the date of this will, my wife and I own a majority of the capital stock in these companies.

"If my wife shall survive me, I know that she will continue to carry forward our plans for these companies, [Note: she did] but if she should not survive me, then I desire that time shall be given for the liquidation of these companies or the transfer of the stock to purchasers who will have at heart the BEST INTERESTS OF THE ISLAND... (my emphasis).

"If however, my wife shall not survive me, then I give, devise and bequeath to Oswald Drew Ingall and Arthur W. Jones, both of Nantucket, and my nephew Walter Kidde...and Lawrence W. Sanders [both] of Montclair N.J., and to their successors, as trustees, all my shares of stock in said companies..."

As is now well known, after Florence died, the Ingall family became the owners of the Boat Yard and are responsible for the new purchasers.

In view of the history of this original enterprise which has indeed served the people of Nantucket well for almost a century, I believe it is proper to point out that what will be physically destroyed will also take down with it a fundamental obligation to the well being of the Island people.

Before one gambles $200,000 for admission to this new "club" -- for profit or not for profit? -- one should contemplate what crucial Island service -- and obligation -- he will help destroy.

And, may I suggest, so should the Town's permitting authorities.

Sincerely,
CSL

 

cc: Conservation Commission
Historic District Commission
Planning Board
Marine & Coastal Resources
Zoning Board of Appeals
Island newspapers