It's The Last Summer for The Pink House

If things continue on the course that Parker River Wildlife Refuge and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has set, The Pink House will go up for auction in the next few weeks.  

As auctioned, the house would be taken away, broken apart or whole, to another location. And the perpetual preservation restriction that Support The Pink House (STPH) worked hard to create through the MA Historical Commission, to ensure its signature silhouette and pink color would forever stay the same, would not transfer with the house.  

If the auction is unsuccessful, FWS would proceed with active demolition of The Pink House. 

The sun is setting on The Pink House forever - unless someone steps in to stop it. PC: John Abi

​A sole public meeting was held on this issue of high interest, at the urging of State Senator Bruce Tarr, 3 weeks after FWS announced their decision to remove the iconic Pink House. The Daily News reported that not one representative from the federal delegation attended the meeting. 

Despite FWS's report that 78% of the responses to their 30-day comment period wanted to keep The Pink House right where it is -- added to the flood of letters and calls to the federally elected officials who's job it is to assist constituents with federal agencies -- this is still the outcome. 

Though FWS said all options had been exhausted, Support The Pink House volunteers found and submitted several parcels that fit FWS's criteria. Some were adjacent to other refuges, some came from land trusts (both ideal to FWS). Some were offered by wonderful locals seeking to keep the Pink House standing, whose land off Rte.1A abuts the Parker River Refuge -- criteria that Refuge Manager Matt Hillman specifically requested only a month prior. All the trade parcels provided value to FWS in different ways. All were rejected. 

STPH's wetland attorney met multiple times with Hillman, going over in detail why FWS chose to decline each of the land options STPH submitted. Our attorney offered solutions, and volunteered his expertise to help it work and further increase the efficiency of the trade --an offer which still stands. 

STPH's Board even met with the Board of the Friends of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit whose purpose is to provide for Refuge needs. It was a very positive meeting that produced an understanding of the many still viable solutions available and confirmed that they could take donations to fund FWS, should it be needed, to help shore up the house while a solution occurs. 

Remember, STPH's local Restoration Partner has been on board for years, ready to buy any land FWS wants, anywhere in the country, to trade with them for the Pink House. He's patiently waited to take ownership and fulfill his personal pledge to restore the house and grounds as pictured, according to STPH's perpetual preservation restriction.

This could still be completed in time to celebrate The Pink House's 100th birthday in 2025, and ensure this beloved cultural landmark, economic driver, tourist draw and artistic muse would continue to welcome and inspire generations to come.  

Color rendering of a restored Pink House and the Restoration Partner's architectural plans approved by the Newbury Conservation Commission and FWS.

Of all those wins for our region, this outcome would be of the greatest benefit to FWS. It would make heroes of all elected officials for keeping their commitments until this succeeds,  and would be a boon for the town of Newbury, who would recoup a needed home and vital taxes that are not paid under federal ownership.
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Everything is in place to save and restore The Pink House. 

We call on political leaders who have the power to make this happen, like Congressman Moulton, to step in and make good on his commitment to see this project through to completion. Saving the Pink House can still be accomplished, but time is growing short. There are only days from FWS listing The Pink House for auction.

As a community, this region has certainly tried everything. STPH has not stopped our efforts because so many people continue to contact us every single day. Our efforts have been bolstered by business owners, organizations, prominent leaders and attorneys who have increasingly reached out personally to our political leaders with whom they have existing relationships, as they have the power to stop this unnecessary outcome. 

Yet here we are. 

Take your photos, bring your canvases, savor your rides past. Greet the special light at sunrise and marvel as each sunset makes The Pink House's windows glow, seemingly from within. Wish upon the stars above the cupola while you can, because it's looking like it will be your last chance. 

​The question is: WHY?