Second Dwelling Facts

Many people are confused about second dwellings and what they mean to Nantucket. Here are some stats and facts that the island really needs to come to grips with when they approach the issue of growth.

Some second dwelling facts you may not know:

• 75% of all future buildout is comprised of second dwellings. (NP&EDC)

• Second dwelling build-out has sharply increased. 22% of all existing second dwellings have been built in the past five years. (RKG Report)

• Most existing second dwellings (57%) are owned by seasonal residents. (NP&EDC)

• A surplus of second dwellings makes it harder for year-round residents to rent their smaller cottages in the summer to make ends meet.

• The increase in seasonal rental stock, along with the real estate boom has resulted in a sharp decrease in guesthouse/hotel business – industries that employ many year-round islanders.

• Second Dwellings add significantly to our potential sewer usage. 70% are located in existing or proposed sewer districts. (NP&EDC & RKG)

As you can see growth is mostly about second dwellings. And as you may know, and feel, this is a very emotionally charged issue. It hits home. It touches on important private property rights issues and has a direct impact on people's net worth.

But we have to talk about it and work it out as a community. Unless we do, we will never get the growth issue under control. Happily, there is an excellent compromise solution.

I envision a slight tweak to the Chapter 100 bylaw that will mean year-rounders can retain their right to build an affordable second dwelling to house family, or to make additional rental income to make ends meet. While simultaneously limiting other uses of second dwellings in order to reduce the impact on the cost of sewers, roads and other infrastructure.

I'll outline the entire plan in tomorrow's blog post. Stay tuned!