Town Meeting, Turbine Money, and the Real Start of Season

May 6, 2026 · ACK Deals

So Monday's Town Meeting happened and honestly? The Our Island Home vote was the plot twist nobody saw coming. After getting shot down last year, the $137 million Sherburne Commons plan passed 959-321. That's Nantucket math for you — we'll spend eight figures on a nursing home but still argue over $50 beach parking.

Meanwhile, GE just cut us a $10.5 million check for that Vineyard Wind turbine blade that went rogue last July. Remember when half the South Shore was covered in foam and fiberglass? Turns out corporate accountability costs exactly $10.5 million on an island where a decent lunch costs $30.

The real news though? We're officially in shoulder season chaos. Straight Wharf is "opening mid-May" which means sometime between now and July, depending on whether they can find staff willing to work for island wages. The Steamship's running three trips from Hyannis but good luck getting a car reservation before August.

Oh, and we're apparently in a Level 1 drought, so your automatic sprinklers can only run twice a week. This is the same island where people water their hydrangeas with Fiji because the tap water tastes like low tide, but sure, let's conserve.

At least Spring Fridays are back at Bartlett's Farm with wine and cheese pairings. Because nothing says "I can afford to live here" like spending $40 on three sips of wine and artisanal crackers.

Whether you're gearing up for the summer hustle or just trying to survive another Nantucket spring, our local vendors have everything you need to make it through Memorial Day weekend and beyond.

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