This 5-acre site, adjacent to Richmond Great Point Development’s Meadows Apartments, was highlighted in the 2021 Housing Production Plan (HPP) as an ideal location for new housing. The HPP, commissioned by the Town of Nantucket and the Nantucket Affordable Housing Trust, was adopted by the town and approved by Massachusetts’ Department of Housing and Community Development in September 2021.

The plan outlines goals and strategies for affordable housing development from 2021-2026, including promoting “Friendly” Chapter 40B projects, which allow for higher density in exchange for affordability. While this project isn’t a 40B, it offers a significant community benefit: the developer has voluntarily committed to restricting 100% of the units to year-round occupancy, a restriction that will be permanent if the zoning change is approved by Town Meeting voters.

Unlike other potential sites highlighted in the HPP, such as 51 Sparks Avenue (leased through 2091) and 31 Fairgrounds Road and 10 Rugged Road (both already developed), 13/13A Woodland Drive is uniquely positioned for housing development. With nearly 5 acres of available land, it offers a prime opportunity to meet Nantucket’s pressing housing needs.

The HPP identified challenges like existing industrial buildings, storage, and septic requirements. However, these obstacles have been largely addressed—industrial buildings and storage have been cleared, and the property is bordered by the Sewer District on two sides, making it eligible for inclusion by a Town Meeting vote. If approvals are secured, construction could start as early as 2025, with the first homes ready for occupancy in early 2026.