As the clock runs down in the US Fish and Wildlife's (FWS) plans to remove the iconic Pink House, we want you to know that efforts to engage Congressman Moulton have not let up. He did quite a bit of campaign activity in this area, while refusing to meet with municipal and state, elected officials about options to save the house, but the Pink House project was ever-present in his schedule.
Thursday night, June 13th, with only two hours notice, his staff ran a virtual town Hall meeting. At least 3 Pink House supporters submitted questions via his online form. One caller also hoped to ask on air. She was notified that she was next up, but Moulton announced he had taken his last call. Regardless, Pink House questions were on their records. Saturday afternoon, June 15 th, a Support the Pink House (STPH) board member. Spoke with Seth at a backyard fundraiser in W. Newbury. Because Seth does not have staffers to block him, he was able to talk to Seth for about 7 minutes. The topic was the wasteful costs involved in FWS current plans, and that the PH acre, which FWS says is too valuable to surplus (one solution), will be come unbuildable within 2 years after removing the house, and drop in value by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Congressman Moulton should care about that, as should Senators Markey and Warren, seeing as Congress funds FWS, along with constituent tax dollars. Yet Seth deferred our board member to his people to follow up, who have seemed committed to dismantling any effort to be productive or effect change in this matter. We know those staffers do not attend these fundraising meet and greets. A year ago, STPH's President spoke to Seth at one where he agreed to get on a call about other ways besides land swap that Congress could utilize to release the PH/acre from federal ownership. We reached out to his District Director, and Markey and Warren's reps, but as is the norm, the call with Moulton never happened. He knows STPH board are professional people who are representing a cause on behalf of HIS constituents, same as he should be. On Monday, June 17, Moulton came to the Newburport Waterfront ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Reardon. Several well known business owners came dressed in pink wearing Pink House stickers. After saying a few words, the Congressman took off like lightening with his District Director. Everyone was a little shocked. A reporter ran after him, only to see his car had vanished. Upon his return, the reporter was heard saying he'd never seen than happen before. Through all this time, the area municiple and state elected officials asked Seth to meet with them to talk about saving The Pink House, knowing that there would be a huge public reaction if The Pink House came down. We suggested that the meeting not include STPH or FWS, so they could talk together with some hope of being frank. It's a shame that people have to go to such lengths to get Congressman Moulton to personally address this high optics issue now just 4 months from the election. The op ed and form letters in response were hollow, and people were not happy with them. Whether or not he's unopposed this cycle, you'd think he'd embrace doing something so positive and tangible for his constituents -- not in Washington, D.C., but right here where he calls home. If the Pink House is removed, the public will be holding both FWS and the elected officials who could change this outcome responsible. Maybe it's time for new, and more effective representation for this district.
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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. 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. 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. 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? Demolishing the iconic Pink House is not in the best interest of the US Fish and Wildlife service, and does not align with their mission to work with others to protect ecologically valuable land. Trading this one acre worth approximately $425,000 could net them up to 400 acres of marshland to conserve, because the typical marsh acres go for between $600-1200 an acre. While gaining very little in return, the plan to remove The Pink House leaves FWS giving up the opportunity to protect roughly 400 acres of Marshland. FWS now estimates demo to cost up to $90,000. They are listing it for auction but but have expressed they don't think that will succeed. If not, The cultural landmark would be demolished by winter. Regardless of method, removing the house will result in its non conforming lot becoming unbuildable within 2 years. It's assessed value will then drop from from $425+K to just a few thousand dollars. Adding that up, is in the range of a loss of $500k of taxpayer money. But it doesn't end there. That sum does not include the money that would additionally be needed to prepare Why would the US Fish and Wildlife Service then add more taxpayer expenses to the loss by putting a few benches, an info plaque or two, and parking for "up to four cars", which would then require perpetual monitoring... which they say they can't afford to do for The Pink House for the time it would take to do another land swap. And their final Environmental Assessment (EA) added that they now plan to fence it in to keep people from wandering. This as their final EA dated March 21, 2024 says, "This area that had long been closed to public access would afford a unique opportunity for people of all abilities to experience and learn about the Great Marsh ecosystem." Yet Greenbelt offers the same viewing area with parking for more cars about 300 yards down the road. There you walk far further and wide and can also run your dog, and fish and hunt. Since Congress funds a lot of FWS needs, our delegation - Congressman Moulton, Senator Markey and Senator Warren - should be more concerned about this needless waste. Especially when there are still viable land trade options on the table. They are being turned down by REfuge Manager Matt Hillman because, he says, "the FWS Realty doesn't have the stomach to go through it." Written by Jeff Ackley, Support the Pink House Board Member and Finance Chair
Just in time for Mother's Day! An Osprey couple have been building a nest in The Pink House chimney. And a whole new world of Pink House lovers have come out of the woodwork, observing from afar, driving out to see them, joining out social media pages, and speaking up for the cause- to keep the iconic house right where it is. Last year, sticks and straw were seen sticking out of the chimney. We called it to FWS' attention then, concerned that an animal had gotten into the house. A commenter on our pages said they saw a bird trying last year so we assume some of that has formed the base for this year. There likely is a screen within the chimney at a certain depth to hold the softer grasses and bedding that he began by bringing to her in little bits, then bigger and longer swaths of grasses. The female primarily stays at the site, arranging what he brings to her, tucking things in just so to her satisfaction. Then she waits, until she sees him approaching once again. Once the base was established, he began to bring sticks... and more sticks. While the initial sizes were good, as pictured here, he naturally began to bring bigger ones to build out as they would on a wider platform, but many were so big they fell off before they could stabilize them. As a result quite a bit have collected themselves in the corners on the roof. At least it's there for them to repurpose! This has been a tiring task for the male, who was seen putting his head on the female's chest after days of brining really big branches that weren't the right size. The usually time to start a nest is in April, and this couple started in early May... Some are speculating they are young and practicing. Time will tell. If they succeed, they will have eggs, then chicks who need to grow to being fully fledged. Nesting season should take us into the end of August sometime.
Delighted as all are to have the opportunity to observe this, please do so quietly, and from as far away as possible, to respect their need for space and calm. She needs to feel secure to have her babies. Please share this blog on your social media or via email. Stay tuned, as we keep you updated. We have some new developments to post about! First the Pink Moon rose over The Pink House, creating a super special, memorable night for many photographers and folks in the region - some came from as far as CT and ME.
Then - a rare show of the Aurora Borealis in the vast skies over The Pink House, which proved to be Many to all who could make our public meeting on April 8. STPH conveyed substantial progress at that meeting, which we'll summarize here for any who could not be there. Since then, we've gotten an update which you can find below: Our public meeting was well attended and it was wonderful to see and hear such a passionate, highly interested group. Attendees were happy to learn that STPH's board and volunteers have continued to work full steam, despite that Parker River Refuge Manager Matt Hillman refused repeated requests for more time before he released the final Environmental Assessment to Remove the Pink House. Just 48 hours before that announcement, STPH members had 3 long conversations with Matt, saying they had land irons still in the fire, asking for even just two more weeks. Though he said no, within days we had confirmed 5 parcels (4 in Newbury, 1 in Rowley), all offering different advantages to Fish and Wildlife (FWS). It's difficult to see how one of these or a combination, which Matt stated publicly had always been an option, could not have worked if FWS wanted to get this done. These five added to prior parcels we submitted in February and March that had been declined, several of which had solid merits. We want to applaud and acknowledge these new landowners, who offered their private property in response to STPH because they felt compelled to help save this cultural icon and support artists and area businesses in their community. Owners said they had not been approached by FWS before, and if so, they may not have done the same. All options have clearly not been exhausted, FWS's stated basis for their decision to demolish The Pink House. On April 1, Nick Anastasi, STPH's attorney from Pierce Atwood, reached out to the Department of the Interior (DOI) solicitor to ask for a meeting with high ranking FWS decision makers. We felt sure they would reconsider if we had land they could accept. And we weren't sure they fully grasped just how much The Pink House is integral to this region - not just as a sentimental marker to small group of people. Nick wrote a comprehensive cover letter, we organized the 5 land offerings with stats, maps, and compelling reasons why they could work, along with a memo restating the many benefits FWS still has to gain vs. the lost opportunity cost of auction or demo. We included a stack of letters from organizations like the Tourist Bureau, the Chamber, preservation trusts, a few elected officials and government leaders of surrounding towns to show just how many people AND organizations in this region want The Pink House to stay and for FWS to take the benefits inherent in the trade. It was a very strong package. Knowing FWS could stop their plans at any moment, we hoped the many advantages to them would prevail. We also felt if FWS said no to this, in addition to at least 9 other special properties we brought them that could have worked, it would speak volumes. UPDATE: After waiting 3 long weeks, the DOI Solicitor informed our attorney that FWS is not presently interested in exploring those land offers, giving insufficient reasons or legal basis. We are still pursuing a resolution with them and hope to bring them around. Our attorney has requested they provide an explanation suitable to give to our donor community who is deserving of that information, and reiterated the desire for a meeting. Once again we all are waiting. Please remain vigilant, as we are not being informed by FWS, our former partner, as to the timing of their next steps. Rather, we anticipate they will again surprise the public with another announcement. If you'd like to express yourself or do something to help, scroll down to the ACTION segment of this letter. IF YOU WANT TO HELP OR TAKE ACTION:
At the April 8th meeting, people asked STPH to keep fighting. We followed by saying the power is in the people. The Pink House needs everyone to pitch in to that effort with us. The room responded with thunderous applause. What can you do? WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR! Please make your voice heard. (Use Pink House in the title if you can).
Contact TV stations WBZ-TV and radio, WGBH-TV, WCVB-TV to do the same. CALL/EMAIL ELECTED OFFICIALS: FEDERAL: If you haven't already, pls write or call the offices of Moulton, Markey and Warren. Pls call 1 or all now while you're seeing it!
STATE: If you already have done the above, pls call or email and any other elected official, like:
Donate HERE Volunteer HERE Write us at [email protected] if you have questions! Thank you! Last night was quite a sight -- not just that of the full Pink Moon rising, but the gathering of many photographers who came to capture it as it rose over The Pink House. Spirits were high as person after person arrived to find their spot and get settled before the first sliver could be seen on the misty horizon. Some came from as far away as Connecticut (7 hours roundtrip said one couple), others from as close as Plum Island. Still others were able to join in from places as far flung as California, Arizona, Michigan and Rhode Island among others, thanks to the ability to go Live on both the Support The Pink House Facebook and Instagram pages. There will be so many photos from last night showing up all around social media so keep an eye out! We also expect to see them in homes and New England shops and art galleries as well as contributing to notable area fundraisers like Greenbelt's Art in the Barn and our Anna Jacques hospital. The Pink House is integral to the community in so many ways. Huge thanks to Bob Lobsters' new owner, who gave his blessing to use the parking lot. When Bob lobster opens, will all be there to return the support! We saw 8-10 cars parked just a hop down the road at the Essex County Greenbelt's viewing area as well. Can't wait to see some of the shots they got from that angle. Excitement began to mount as the word spread this week but I had no idea who would join me. It was truly wonderful to share so much good will and camaraderie. It was pretty chilly, with a healthy wind, but I can safely say all who participated left with warm hearts. Many expressed their desire to keep the iconic landmark standing for many decades to come, to inspire and to continue as a touchstone for making life long memories. Written by Sandy Tilton, Photographer, and fellow Pink House board member, Rochelle Joseph
Support The Pink House submitted 5 new parcels of land to the US Fish and Wildlife Service decision makers on April 1, 2023 through their legal team. Our legal representation went to the Department of the Interior Solicitor seeking a meeting with Wendi Webber, Steve Kahan and others who may not fully realize what was happening here.
This came just a few days after Refuge Manager Matt Hillman announced via Press Release that they had finalized their Environmental Assessment to Remove The Pink House, even though 78% of their 398 commenters said they wanted the house saved. FWS had worked with several local land owners in Newbury, some abutting the refuge. Today, STPH is submitting 5 new land options found in Newbury/Rowley alone, proof that all options have not been exhausted, as FWS claimed. Added to the land we found as mentioned in our February 8th Update, Land swap is not the only way to succeed. Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman Moulton have the power to free the house/acre through other means, and when asked, have not communicated what has been done to pursue those. They remain unresponsive to this large outcry from not just their constituents, but from area leaders and organizations such as the Tourist Bureau, The Essex National Heritage, the Greater Newburyport Chamber, Senator Bruce Tarr, Mayor Reardon, Rep. Kristin Kassner, and the governing bodies of Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury, among others. “There are still alternative options to make this work for Fish and Wildlife, the people and the elected officials,” says Jeff Ackley, a Support The Pink House Board member. “We will not stop working on solutions and appealing to Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman Moulton to help their constituents and Fish and Wildlife succeed with this highly visible community project. It’s an opportunity for them to be champions of what should be a very positive outcome.” Concerned and committed Pink House supporters streamed through the doors of PITA Hall on Plum Island last night. The crowd was eager to hear the significant new developments Support the Pink House (STPH) accomplished in the effort to save The Pink House in it's setting, while helping the US fish and wildlife service FWS achieve their mission of getting far more beneficial land. STPH President Rochelle Joseph said, "New things happen daily that shift the picture, and we are following every last option. Attendees were happy to learn that STPH's board and volunteers have continued to work full steam, despite that Refuge Manager Matt Hillman refused repeated requests for more time before he released the final Environmental Assessment to Remove the Pink House. STPH announced that just days after, they had found and submitted 5 new parcels of land, 4 in Newbury, 1 in Rowley, all offering different advantages to FWS, if FWS wanted to make the trade work. They introduced attorney Nick Anastasi who has joined the efforts, along with wetland Attorney Jeff Roleofs. On April 1, Nick submitted these lands to higher decision makers within FWS requesting a meeting to discuss ways this can work, based on the waste of taxpayer monies to now demolish the house, and create, monitor and maintain a fenced in sitting area, when the FWS should instead benefit from acquiring many acres of new lands. "The community had a great deal of passionate support and determination in solidarity with us to not give up the mission of saving and restoring the Pink House, " Founder and Board member Alison Odle said. "At times outrage was expressed at how difficult FWS has made this process, and meeting attendees were eager to share ideas and strategies on how to keep fighting to keep the house standing where it is." One gentleman offered that he rallied against FWS shutting down the 45 year old tradition of the surfcasting lottery, leaving many fishermen in the region as unhappy as the bird watching community, who heavily reacted to a similar 30 day public comment period FWS held in October regarding filling in fresh water bird habitats as part of a new habitat management plan. In each case, FWS's response to the people are that their voices have "No Significant Impact" on FWS's intended plans to the contrary. Another resident stood to read a section from the FWS website on historic preservation, similar to Eric Rosenthal's statement read at Senator Bruce Tarr's November 20th (2023) Public meeting on the topic which was met with thunderous applause. "At many National Wildlife Refuges, you can also see evocative pieces of America's past, including fossils, buildings, museum objects and archaeological remains." They have over 5000 buildings, nearly half of which are not Nationally Registered - to debunk an often cited excuse FWS has used to justify demolishing The Pink House - a clearly proven cultural asset in their portfolio. If FWS kept it under that program, while FWS should fund it, STPH has repeatedly offered to raise money through the Friends of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to cover restoration, or supply donated workers and materials to help. FWS has consistently declined, even when Senator Tarr lobbied for the option. This was part of their former Buildings Matter program which STPH brought to Congressman Moulton's attention in 2019, asking his office for help to ask why FWS should not keep The Pink House. Congressman Moulton's letter went up to the Dept of the Interior for an answer back - which was essentially a no - and shortly after, the Buildings Matter pages were no longer on their website. The crowd ended the meeting with applause and thanks - and several vigorous request that STPH not give up. “Public outcry has only grown, says Joseph, "and that’s why we keep using every minute, 7 days a week, working on the public’s behalf to fulfill the mission that was born from the public's value of The Pink House." But STPH told the group that the power the people, so encouraged all to join in to help through a variety of ways. Handouts with action items were left on each chair, some of which can also be found on our STOP THE DEMO page as well as in earlier blog posts right here in the NEWS section.
Some asked for meetings to be more frequent. STPH used to hold monthly meetings and are considering a virtual option for the next one. Stay tuned to our social media (Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter) for when that may be scheduled. Odle said, "The public is at the heart of our mission, and they continue to inspire our determination to save the Pink House for them, and for our future." If you head in to Olives Coffee and Bakehouse you'll not only get some of the best coffee and baked goods in town, you'll be treated to an exhibit of Pink House art, all done by local children! There are so many, and more being added all the time. The pride and delighted smiles on the kids faces show how integral this house is to the community! Please stop in and tell owner Debra Ball and her wonderful staff how much you appreciate them for doing this. It's no surprise they were awarded Newburyport's first Community Service Award by Mayor Reardon. Take home a bakery bag of their mouthwatering baked goods to enjoy... or make someone's day and bring them some of their freshly made treats! Or both! Located at 341 High Street, in Newburyport, their sign and white building can't be missed (and there is a Pink House decal right on their front window!) Bonus: There's parking in the back and a nice bench out front to sip their piping hot coffee and watch the daffodils bloom. THANK YOU
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September 2024
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