voices: the community speaks of Nantucket and GHYC

February 9, 2004

To the Conservation Commission,

It is disturbing to me to learn of the Great Harbor Yacht Club proposal and its impact on the natural environment of the area. I have studied the plans for the development and I have read the town biologist's report. I have also read the shellfish biologist's report on this proposal.

Washington Street Extension and the Creeks area is representative of the last spaces on the waterfront that have remained unchanged for decades. I personally am very concerned about the impact of this proposal on the Creeks ecosystem. As you know the Creeks area provides many islanders with a peaceful place to walk a dog or go bird watching. I am very worried about the proposed floating pier system cutting off vital circulation to the mouth of the Creeks. I am also equally worried about fueling operations that will be out at the end of these piers. The lines could burst and leak and the terminal itself could leak. A major spill out there would be a disaster for not only the immediate area but the Creeks and marsh as a whole. Many species of shellfish and finfish at various stages of their lives would be directly affected.

I am concerned about the impact of all the storm water from this development running through the town's storm drain system and into the harbor. The shear size of this project will guarantee a huge runoff during any rainstorm resulting in thousands of cigarette butts, fuel and oil drippings from cars and machinery operations, and everything else from all the parking lots and working areas right into Nantucket Harbor.

All these different areas of assault on the environment-the docks, the fuel terminal, the noise and light pollution, and the runoff and pollution going right into the harbor are very disturbing. If this project is approved there will be no going back to what is there now, a pristine and healthy area of the harbor.

As an evironmentalist, and a conservationist, I respectfully urge the Commission to reject this proposal that is far too big for the area and will forever damage the fragile ecosystem of the inner harbor and the Creeks. Let's instead save the area for ourselves to enjoy and respect and for our children and their children to do the same. We must preserve the harbor for scalloping, tourism and recreation for all.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

Sincerely yours,

Carl K. Borchert
2 Trader's Lane
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-325-7129