Town of Nantucket seeks $5.4 million for Loran housing renovations to support public‑safety staff

The Town of Nantucket is asking voters to approve $5.4 million at the upcoming town meeting to fund phase four of renovations at the former Coast Guard Loran housing complex, Chief of Police Jody Casper said. The town took ownership of the property in 2018 after the police department had operated there under a long‑term lease from 1985 to 2018.

Casper said the work is aimed at bringing the men's dormitory into code compliance and improving safety, functionality and energy efficiency. "The work includes upgrades to communal bathrooms and showers, replacement of aging plumbing, electrical, and fire alarm systems, renovation of the kitchen and dining areas, new energy‑efficient heat pump systems, updated ceilings and LED lighting, and improved security features," Casper said.

If approved, the town would borrow $5.4 million to complete the phase. Casper said an affirmative vote "would result in an estimated tax impact of approximately $8.03 per year for 25 years on a year‑round residential property valued at $1,878,950 and that qualifies for residential exemption." The town described the project as aligned with Select Board priorities on housing.

The Loran facility houses about 35 members of the town's seasonal public‑safety workforce and two year‑round staff, Casper said, and he stressed its role in maintaining services during the summer: "This housing is mission critical during the peak summer season when demand for services is highest and housing availability is limited." The presentation also emphasized energy and resilience improvements intended to lower long‑term energy use in a coastal environment.

Casper said phase four is expected to be completed by June 2028. The funding request will be decided at town meeting; no formal vote or motion was recorded in the overview presentation.