voices: the community speaks of Nantucket and GHYC

Robert and Kelly Paterson
70 Union Street, Nantucket, MA
02554

November 12, 2003

Nantucket Conservation Commission
37 Washington Street
Nantucket, MA 02554

Dear Board Members,

We are writing this letter to put on the record our concerns with the proposed Great Harbor Yacht Club application to the Conversation Commission. We feel that this proposal will make a major impact to our lives and property since our residence is located adjacent to this Major Commercial Development.

Our first concern is the proposed new underground fuel storage tank located with-in the 100-year floor plain, and in very close proximity to our home. Reference page 37 of the Wetlands Protection Regulations stating that all-commercial tanks shall be outside the 100-year flood plain.

I realize that the proposed pier is not before you, but this will have an impact on our current use and summer boating. Our ability to access our boat is affected by this change as the access to the harbor because of the proposed pier. As natives and property owners in the area for over 37 years this is a significant change to our day to day lives as well as others.

Another concern relative to our property and the surrounding area is the proposed grade increases from elevation 7' to 8.9' per parking plans submitted by the applicant. This will cause flooding of our property and surrounding properties since in a storm event the applicants drainage will no longer function as noticed in several prior storms catch basins work backwards. Please remember the 1991 "No Name Storm" my property and neighborhood were underwater and area storm drains worked backwards.

We have voiced our concerns a number of times at meetings we have had with the Owners of the Yacht Club. The Developers have told us that they would work with us but nothing has been done to date.

During a meeting at the Tuckernuck Inn I asked to have the racks moved to the other side of the Sports Barn and was told by Mr. McCarthy that he and the members of the Club would not want to look at them. We have tried to stress the point that ourselves and others are going to be greatly impacted, which doesn't seem to matter.

We feel strongly that the proposed Boat Repair Building, Boat storage racks. Parking lot and added lighting will make a major negative impact on the value of our home. There are many more concerns, new grade elevations for buildings and parking, underground fuel storage close by my house, noise, and excess lighting around our home.

There are a lot more points that need to be looked at as well in general the change in land use behind our home which will become the working end of the Club. An area that the new members do not want to see or hear.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss all aspects with you the board and the Applicants of the Yacht Club. We do not want the applicant and the Commission to think that we are totally against this proposal, however we feel that our investment, i.e. home, and neighborhood will be potentially damaged by the current proposal.

Thank you for your consideration,

Robert Paterson and Kelly Paterson