Elena DeFoe

This Master Plan outlines principles and objectives for the town's development and preservation. Key areas of focus include protecting and restoring natural and cultural resources, maintaining municipal services, improving circulation through diversified transportation, and encouraging varied housing types. The plan also emphasizes promoting energy conservation and renewable technologies, fostering sustainable economic development, and detailing specific area plans for targeted improvements such as historic preservation and landscape strategies.

The agenda for the Conservation Commission meeting includes several new hearings, such as a Notice of Intent for Gannon & Benjamin Company, Inc. to remove an existing timber fixed pile pier and rebuild an expanded pier at 30 Beach Road. Discussion items cover the letter of supervisory role of the Conservation Agent and an Order of Conditions update for 29 Harbor View. Continued discussions involve an Enforcement Order update for 30 Ashtons Way and an update to the Local Floodplain Bylaw. Requests for Certificates of Compliance pertain to 44 Hines Point (Elevated Boardwalk), 15 Duane's Way (Boat Shed, DEP #74-996), and 15 Duane's Way (Removal of Invasive Species, DEP #74-1005). Administrative approvals include gravel placement at 159 Beach Rd (MV Shipyard). Minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting are scheduled for review.

The committee meeting focused heavily on budgetary recommendations for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting (ATM) and discussions on staffing levels. Key topics included the review and recommendation of a 40-hour per week Deputy Shellfish Constable position, which was ultimately recommended for approval. The committee also addressed rising public safety budgets, passing recommendations for the Ambulance budget, and recommending approvals for the Fiscal Year 2026 budgets for the Council on Aging, Conservation, Constable, Debt & Interest, Harbor, Select Board Other, and Treasurer/Collector departments. Furthermore, the committee recommended approval for ATM Warrant Articles concerning Cyber Security funding, the Council on Aging Electric Vehicle purchase, and the Assistant Library Director position. Discussions also involved the Town Administrator's contract, housing subsidy, and the establishment of a Park & Ride revenue separate fund.

The committee meeting covered updates from the Chair regarding the first HPP Public meeting scheduled for April 10th, updates provided to the Selectboard concerning housing-related statistics, priority lists, available funds in the Housing Trust ($534K), and the Lease to Locals program. Further updates included the timeline for the STR joint assessment program results, the distribution of GIS mapping system information, and the status of TAHC-worked By Laws sent to the Attorney General's office for review. Discussions focused on priority items, including the Covenant program on Nantucket and the Lease to Locals program, with the committee seeking to research and present these possibilities to the Municipal Trust Fund Board. The Chair stressed the need to fully understand the process for proposals before the Trust. The Cat Hollow hearing was briefly discussed, noting changes in the number of units and unresolved issues regarding nitrogen reduction units.

The Zoning Board of Appeals agenda for the meeting scheduled for January 15th, 2026, included several public hearings and discussions. Key items involved public hearings for Case 2565 (request for amendment to special permit at 28 State Road), Case 2566 (request for an in-ground swimming pool at 54 Lake Street), and Case 2567 (request for an in-ground swimming pool at 36 East Sound Lane). There was also a continued hearing for Case 2558 regarding the renewal of a special permit for a Bed and Breakfast at 60 Mt Aldworth Road, continued to March 12th, 2026. Discussions were planned regarding an update from the Tisbury Zoning Bylaw Review Committee concerning potential pool bylaw revisions and the application of the new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Law to old Special Permits. Correspondence indicated opposition from an abutter regarding the pool request at 54 Lake Street, and communication from the Pilot Hill Farm Architectural Review Committee regarding concerns about the pool proposal at 36 East Sound Lane.