GOvernor Healey's Pink House Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
 
Governor Healey, Leader Tarr, Representative Kassner, Support The Pink House Inc. Respond to U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Decision to Remove The Pink House 


BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Representative Kristin Kassner and Support The Pink House’s President Alison Odle issued the following statements in response to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)’s decision to demolish the building known as “The Pink House” at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in March while further options were explored. FWS had previously agreed to pause demolition after Governor Healey intervened and requested additional conversations about potential paths to save the beloved structure. Despite extensive negotiations, FWS has notified the state that it will be moving forward with demolition in the coming weeks. 


“The Pink House is a beloved fixture on Plum Island and a special part of the history, culture and fabric of greater Newbury and Newburyport. We are deeply grateful for all of the residents, including artists, who have made their voices heard about how meaningful the Pink House is to them and their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Last fall, we stepped in on behalf of community members, businesses and our tourism industry to try to preserve this important economic driver and landmark. With the partnership of Leader Bruce Tarr and State Representative Kristin Kassner, we worked diligently toward a solution with FWS but unfortunately they are moving forward with the demolition. Though the house will be removed, we remain committed to working together to evaluate additional steps we can take to ensure that the legacy of the Pink House will endure.” 
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"While I am both frustrated and disappointed that we couldn't find a way to save this iconic structure that is important in so many ways, I am deeply appreciative to everyone who worked tirelessly to achieve the common goal of preserving this structure,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Governor Healey, Support the Pink House, local officials in Newbury, Salisbury, Newburyport and beyond, Representative Kassner, our federal legislative colleagues and many others gave the task of preserving the house the type of attention, focus, and perseverance it deserved. Now that remarkable effort will be part of the Pink House legacy that holds special meaning for the region and our Commonwealth.” 


“The Pink House is an iconic part of the Plum Island landscape that has inspired artists, attracted tourists, and warmed the hearts of residents for almost a century," said Representative Kristin Kassner (D-Hamilton). “I want to thank Governor Healey and her team, Senator Tarr, the hard work of Support the Pink House, the generosity of the anonymous donor, and so many others for this valiant final effort to preserve this cherished landmark. I wish we had been able to prevail, but there were too many obstacles to overcome.” 


“Support The Pink House did everything in our power to make this work,” said Support The Pink House’s President Alison Odle. “Our mission was formed by the people– to facilitate a solution to save and restore The Pink House in place, in perpetuity. All deeply appreciate the tremendous response to them by the efforts of Governor Healey, her office, Senator Tarr and Rep Kassner. After considering even a last-ditch effort of moving the house within the vista, we join all who will be completely devastated by the imminent loss of this treasured landmark and what it could have become.” ​