Editorial — "Nantucket's Challenge of the Present''

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Nantucket's Challenge of the Present

THE SENSE OF responsibility as concerns the future of Nantucket grips all of us who feel the present challenge. The effect of increased building in the once open land of the Island has brought dismay to many who recognize the necessity of preserving the natural landscape. This awareness of the paramount issue is a good omen. It is vital to our future that the challenge must be met.

In the modern terminology what is called the "built environment" is an encroachment on the natural features of the out-lying land, and a destructive influence as it affects the future economy of our island. What we must guard against is the selfish ideas of those who are determined to live in the present to the exclusion of how this affects our future. They fail to realize the experience of the past. They ignore what has been Nantucket's greatest asset - its historical past. This is a factor which has a direct and immediate appeal - the old island landscape and the old town in the sea. It is an asset which requires protection constantly. It is a vital part of the future of Nantucket.

Land owners, developers, architects and speculators are now involved in a significant struggle, but their perspective seems to be concerned with only the present scene. Yet it is against the background of the future. In the foreground is an historical past which has become our Island's "stock in trade." In nibbling at the outlying land we have damaged to a considerable degree those scenes which have been aspects of our past and which have also become a powerful factor in laying the course for our future progress.

Because the present directly affects the future, this new Nantucket challenge must be met. We face various conflicts of interest. But we must recognize the future well-being of Nantucket is the important issue. We must preserve those vital factors which have sustained Nantucket over the years. The Historic Districts Commission should be strengthened and supported, the Conservation Foundation encouraged, the Land Bank and similar organizations maintained. Public support is essential; the recognition that the average citizen understands the present situation and wishes to do something to protect the Island - and to protect his own future, as well - is one fact which can not be ignored.

Edouard A. Stackpole