Further research has shown that the rot on the main pole is much more extensive than originally thought. We will have to look further into replacement. Funding may take longer to effect the replacement of the main mast.

You may have noticed that the flagpole is gone. It will be gone for the winter and be replaced before Memorial Day. The main mast is being completely replaced.

This issue was recategorized from Other to Streets/Roads.

Will this be replaced by Memorial Day?

No, the mast won't be ready to be shipped until mid-June. We are hoping to have it installed for 4th of July.

The mast has just shipped and it is raw wood. It will have to cure before it can be erected. Once we see it we will be able to tell when it can go up.

It has been over a year and both Memorial Day and July 4th have passed and August 1st looms.

The issue of funding the flag pole project has been dealt with through private fundraising as the 'Sconset Civic Association sent a check directly to the manufacturer. This was done so at the direction of the Nantucket DPW.

Apparently the mast has shipped and is curing somewhere on the island. Why can't it vertically "cure in place" and be installed?

As for the old flag pole stump that is currently in the 'Sconset Rotary why hasn't a stump grinder been used to get rid of it? This should have been just about the first thing done in preparation for the installation of the new flag pole.

The 'Sconset Rotary looks like @#$% at this point with no flag. That flag, at the rotary, is a huge part of 'Sconset's identity. It is seen by everyone who enters 'Sconset-residents and tourists alike. I don't understand why, if the 'Sconset Civic Association and the residents of 'Sconset, have paid for a new flag pole, Nantucket DPW can't respond in an equally interested manner and get the installation completed?

Seriously, are there other Nantucket rotaries missing their flag? I don't think so. How many other Nantucket rotaries have had to privately fundraise for their flag pole? I'm guessing very few.

Sincerely,

Kit Murphy

It is now well past July 4th and we have no flagpole at 'Sconset Rotary. The issue of funding the project has been dealt with as the 'Sconset Civic Association sent a check directly to the manufacturer at the behest of the Nantucket DPW.

Apparently the mast has shipped and is curing somewhere on the island. Why can't it "cure in place" vertically and be installed?

As for the old flag pole stump that is currently in the 'Sconset Rotary why hasn't a stump grinder been used to get rid of it? This should have been just about the first thing done in preparation for the installation of the new flag pole.

The 'Sconset Rotary looks like hell at this point with no flag. That flag, at the rotary, is a huge part of 'Sconset's identity. I don't understand why, if the 'Sconset Civic Association and the residents of 'Sconset, have paid for a new flag pole, Nantucket DPW can't respond in an equally interested manner and get the installation job done? How long has the flag been gone from the 'Sconset Rotary?

Seriously, are there other Nantucket rotaries missing their flag? I don't think so.

Sincerely,

Kit Murphy

This is much more than a flagpole. It is a ship's mast with a jack staff on it. We opted not to go the route of installing a simple flagpole and to try to replace what had historically been there.
We now have the mast. It is raw wood and needs both seasoning and sanding to "round" it out. We will work on this over the winter to allow it to season while we shape it. The plan is to have it ready for installation in time for next Memorial Day.

Why is it necessary to take 10 months to shape and paint this flagpole? It has been verified that the crossbar and symbolic red and green lights have
been safely stored in a cellar. David Gray would be rolling over in his grave over this debacle.

It is raw wood, not seasoned. Only seasoned wood can be used for building and this mast must be seasoned before erecting. We are concerned that 10 months may not be long enough.

Update: The mast is shaped. Replacement fittings are being handmade. Mast is targeted for installation for Memorial Day.

Thank goodness. Will believe it when I see it. It has been way too long a time given that this project was privately funded through the 'Sconset Civic Association and the residents of 'Sconset.

Kit Murphy

Memorial Day has passed and now July 4th approaches. Where is the flagpole that was targeted for Memorial Day? The village has been forgotten by the town. Certainly enough taxpayer money is received from Sconset property!!! Sheila Todd

It is a disgrace that once again there is no flag flying in the center of Sconset for Independence Day. What is the excuse this time?

Update: The jack staff that was placed for July 4th is being removed so that the remainder of the old mast can be removed from below ground. Although we tried to do it without removing the concrete collar, it has to be removed to accomplish this. The mason has already be retained to rebuild it the way it was before it was removed. Removing the below ground portion of the old mast will require drilling, jack hammers and possibly burning. This is all being done using only Town staff as the only funds allocated to the project were the funds from Sconset for the purchase of the raw wood for the mast. Thank you Sconset for your continuing support.