Nantucket Land Bank wins waiver for Cathcart Road wildfire‑mitigation work after neighbor raises concerns

The Nantucket Conservation Commission on Feb. 19 granted a waiver and closed the application for the Land Bank's proposal at 22 Cathcart Road, a project described as wildfire‑risk mitigation and invasive plant management near a small storage cabin and public access to Cathcart Beach.

"We're requesting permission to remove invasive Japanese knotweed, to do some minor pruning in the vegetated wetland...and create a small sitting area at the site," said Liz Phelps, who represented the Nantucket Island Land Bank and said recommendations from Mass DCR and the Nantucket fire chief were incorporated into the plan.

Phelps said the proposal includes a 10‑foot clearing around the cabin, thinning and pruning along the coastal bank to reduce fuel load and improve emergency access, and relocation of a picnic table to a naturally clear overlook. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the clearing: "We requested a 10 foot box around it," Phelps said, adding that the work is intended to act as a modest fire break and to improve responder access.

Neighbor representative Jennifer Cohen, speaking for residents at 15 Cathcart, said neighbors appreciate the Land Bank's outreach but asked the commission to consider how a picnic table might change behavior: "The big concern is...having the picnic table might encourage a little more of that activity," Cohen said, citing nighttime noise, trash and fireworks. Cohen said the Land Bank and neighbors have discussed mitigation steps such as signs indicating the area closes at dusk.

Commissioners confirmed NHESP was not required for the application and that conditions would include native plantings and annual monitoring reports; the commission moved to close the application and the motion carried by roll call.