Nantucket Washington Street Beach Boardwalk Project: Comprehensive Design Review and Environmental Planning

The Washington Street Collaborative Workgroup convened on December 19, 2025, for a detailed 67-minute review of the ambitious beach boardwalk project design. This resiliency-focused initiative aims to enhance public access while addressing environmental concerns, stormwater management, and pedestrian safety along Nantucket's Washington Street corridor.

Beach Boardwalk Schematic Design Unveiled

The meeting opened with a comprehensive schematic design review for the Washington Street beach boardwalk project. ▶ Watch design presentation The proposed design incorporates several key elements that reflect Nantucket's coastal character while meeting modern accessibility standards.

The boardwalk features a curvilinear design with integrated seating areas and full pedestrian accessibility. Project designers emphasized their inspiration from existing Nantucket landmarks: "We're thinking about this kind of Nantucket language of the wooden boardwalks, the very kind of simple benches that we see at Easy Street park as an inspiration."

Key design elements include:

• ADA-compliant ramps and pathways
• Dune restoration and stabilization
• Integrated stormwater management solutions
• Strategic placement to preserve water views
• Wooden seating areas near roadway intersections

Designers noted that the boardwalk structure is "really basing the design off of those [natural dunes] so that the dune will do its job and withstand any storm and wave action as much as possible."

Landscape Wall Design and Integration

A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed landscape wall serving multiple purposes. ▶ Watch wall discussion The multi-functional structure addresses sand control, potential road elevation needs, and provides potential seating opportunities.

Workgroup members emphasized the importance of organic aesthetics. One participant noted the design "looks more organic now" and "looks like it's always been there." The goal is creating infrastructure that blends seamlessly with Nantucket's natural landscape rather than appearing as an obvious intervention.

However, concerns emerged about pedestrian safety near the wall structure, prompting discussions about whether the wall should function as a "sitting wall" or remain a simple retaining wall. The workgroup agreed to keep the design subtle and fully integrated with the surrounding landscape.

Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Flow Improvements

Pedestrian safety emerged as a critical concern throughout the meeting. ▶ Watch safety discussion The workgroup addressed intersection crossing safety and explored various protective measures.

One member asked, "Any allowance or consideration for a couple sort of stanchions there just for protection sake?" The discussion highlighted how "future change in crosswalks and arrows will help mitigate safety issues."

Safety improvements under consideration:

• Protective stanchions near the landscape wall
• Mountable traffic island installation
• Enhanced crosswalk markings
• Traffic flow management improvements

The workgroup decided to coordinate with DPW Director Drew to discuss potential safety enhancements and ensure comprehensive pedestrian protection.

Sidewalk Elevation and ADA Accessibility

The workgroup tackled challenging design constraints related to sidewalk construction. ▶ Watch sidewalk discussion The location between the dune edge and right-of-way limits created complex engineering requirements.

Designers proposed a 6-inch elevation for the sidewalk to achieve ADA accessibility standards while improving pedestrian safety. "We're raising it to get to the ADA and give that separation between the roadway and the pedestrian walk completely for safety," explained one presenter.

A workgroup member acknowledged the significant change: "Six inches is quite a bit. But whatever we come up with, if it's four, six is a lot. So, you know, I like this. Now this has changed my thinking on this a little bit because you got to have some sort of natural barrier that people see out of their windshield."

The design balances multiple priorities:

• ADA compliance requirements
• Pedestrian safety from vehicle traffic
• Environmental resource preservation
• Visual separation between roadway and walkway

The workgroup reached tentative agreement on the 6-inch elevation with a curved edge to maximize safety benefits.

Comprehensive Design Drawings Review

The presentation included an extensive series of technical drawings covering all project aspects. ▶ Watch drawings review The documentation package included existing conditions surveys, landscape plans, grading plans, and detailed planting plans.

The design team highlighted plans for decking, benches, boardwalk construction, and comprehensive dune restoration. Particular attention was paid to plant selection, with designers noting: "We've been working with recommended sort of native plant mixes for Nantucket."

Workgroup member Vince emphasized the biodiversity benefits: "The diversity isn't anywhere close to that high, so that when we're getting to the permitting agencies, we'll be able to say things like, we're going to seriously increase the diversity."

The workgroup remained open to staff feedback on plant selection and agreed to highlight native species and enhanced biodiversity in permitting applications.

Stormwater Management Infrastructure

The meeting included detailed review of stormwater drainage infrastructure plans. ▶ Watch stormwater plans The comprehensive system includes new pipes, manholes, and flap gates integrated with existing drainage infrastructure.

This infrastructure component is critical for managing water flow during storm events and preventing flooding in the Washington Street corridor.

Innovative Rain Garden Drainage System

One of the project's most innovative features is the proposed rain garden system. ▶ Watch rain garden discussion These engineered landscapes capture overflow from drainage pipes during significant storm events.

The system operates on a simple principle: "The only time the rain gardens would overflow, potentially is if there would have been flooding in the street anyway," explained a presenter. When catch basins reach capacity, water diverts into rain gardens rather than flooding streets.

Rain garden system benefits:

• Natural gravity-based operation (no pumps or motors required)
• Reduced street flooding during storms
• Enhanced water quality through natural filtration
• Additional green space and landscaping

One workgroup member appreciated the low-maintenance approach: "Anything that doesn't require a motor and a pump for the normal storms is better."

The design includes coordination with the Salt Marsh Senior Center regarding parking lot modifications to accommodate the drainage system.

Existing Drainage Infrastructure Concerns

Significant concerns emerged about existing infrastructure conditions. ▶ Watch infrastructure discussion The workgroup identified serious problems with the pipe running from Meter Street to the harbor.

"The pipe running from the meter street system out to the harbor is a disaster," stated one participant. Sand clogging at the outfall pipe causes water to flow over land rather than properly discharging to the harbor.

The workgroup recommended replacing the pipe section between the existing structure and roadway. Draft drawings will be submitted for further review, with plans to schedule a dedicated meeting for discussing design structure details.

Boardwalk Structural Engineering Details

The presentation included detailed structural specifications for boardwalk construction. ▶ Watch structural details The design employs greenheart piles with a split cap design, buried within the proposed dune structure.

Structural specifications:

• Low-profile construction with 8-inch stringers
• Minimized height to reduce visual impact
• Landscape wall managing sand drift
• ADA-accessible ramp and stair systems
• 18-inch sand catchment capacity

"We're keeping the stringers very very shallow. We're only going 8 inches to minimize the height of this and keep it as low as possible," explained the design team. The landscape wall provides "roughly 18 inches of catchment from sand being drifted up to it," helping maintain the road and sidewalk.

Material Selection and Safety Considerations

Material selection received careful attention during the meeting. ▶ Watch materials discussion The workgroup discussed using southern yellow pine for decking while avoiding arsenic-treated materials.

One member recommended: "I suggest that you talk to Rachel Freeman about what kind of lumber is used. I want to say... just make sure there's no arsenic in it." This reflects growing awareness of environmental health concerns and the importance of safe materials for public infrastructure.

Navigating Complex Permitting Requirements

The workgroup addressed significant permitting challenges facing the project. ▶ Watch permitting discussion As a resiliency project with substantial public access components, the initiative must navigate complex coastal zone management regulations.

"We're asking for a broader mindset and policy to what we're trying to accomplish here," explained one presenter. The team faces challenges reconciling standard guidance with project requirements: "The guidance would be for a four foot boardwalk. You need at least five foot clear to have an ADA accessible pathway."

Permitting strategy includes:

• Pre-application meetings with agencies in the new year
• Seeking broader interpretation of standard practices
• Emphasizing resiliency and public access benefits
• Preparing comprehensive memorandum with permit requirements and timelines

The approach recognizes that this innovative project may require agencies to consider new perspectives on coastal development standards.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

The workgroup established clear next steps for advancing the project. ▶ Watch timeline discussion Draft submissions will be circulated to town and Land Bank staff for comprehensive review.

Comments are expected in mid-January, with approximately one week allocated for updating the schematic set and resubmitting documents. The team is developing outline specifications, a funding memoir, and basis of design documentation.

Hazen and Sawyer will create cost estimates for the 30% design documents, providing crucial information for funding decisions.

Upcoming milestones:

• Mid-January: Staff comments received
• Late January: Updated schematic set resubmission
• January 9th meeting likely canceled
• Operations and maintenance workshop to be scheduled

One presenter noted: "As we dive deeper into the operations and maintenance considerations, I think we need to talk further with land bank and town staff." This reflects the importance of long-term planning beyond initial construction.

Cost Estimation and Funding Planning

Financial planning received attention as the project advances. ▶ Watch cost discussion The cost estimate will cover 30% design documents, including engineering fees and percentage-based projections for future work.

"It is a cost estimate for the 30% documents," confirmed one presenter. The approach prepares the workgroup for potential future funding proposals, whether through town appropriations, grants, or other sources.

The team clarified: "We won't be actually submitting fee schedules for it, but more the way I understood it was we were going to be doing percentages," indicating a phased approach to financial planning.

Collaborative Approach and Project Vision

The meeting concluded with emphasis on positive collaboration. ▶ Watch closing discussion Workgroup members highlighted the importance of efficient, cost-effective project management and strong partnership with the Land Bank.

"We need to do this more. And this is good for the negativity factor of Nantucket to not affect this," stated one member, emphasizing the project's potential to demonstrate effective public collaboration.

Another member noted: "I'm thinking about how can we save money because the land bank's involved," reflecting fiscal responsibility while maintaining project quality.

The workgroup emphasized project connectivity and future potential, viewing this initiative as a model for similar coastal resiliency projects across Nantucket.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Coastal Resiliency

The Washington Street beach boardwalk project represents a comprehensive approach to coastal infrastructure that balances environmental protection, public access, safety, and community character. By integrating ADA accessibility, innovative stormwater management, native plantings, and thoughtful design, the project aims to enhance this vital Nantucket corridor for generations to come.

As the project advances through design refinement and permitting processes, the collaborative approach demonstrated by this workgroup provides a template for addressing complex coastal challenges facing island communities.

Stay informed about Nantucket's Washington Street boardwalk project and other local government initiatives. Search CivicIndex.io for complete meeting archives, documents, and updates on this and other Nantucket town projects.