U.S. Fish & Wildlife's Sudden Proposed Demolition of The Pink House
On November 1, 2023, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife (FWS) announced their intention to demolish The Pink House (to occur after a 30-day public comment period from November 1- 30). This sudden announcement came after eight years of Support The Pink House Inc (STPH) working tirelessly to find a solution to save the house - included paying all expenses with donor funds as required by the Fish & Wildlife to prepare the house for trade. Read more here. FWS asked STPH into a contract signed 12/15/2020 because they said trading this unwanted acre and house they no longer had a use for would be so beneficial to their mission.
STPH, the town of Newbury staff and committees, and an additional 40 probono professionals and tradespeople did the work required by FWS to prepare the house for trade. FWS did not deliver on their part. Donor funds were used for the various fees and expenses incurred. Our federally elected officials - Congressman Moulton, Senator's Markey and Warren - are not stepping in to help work to one of the many solutions that are available, or hold FWS accountable. Who is the watch dog?
THE PUBLIC HAS TO BE THE WATCH DOG.
Demolishing the Pink House will result in our global community forever losing a beloved, cultural icon. A landmark that brings economic benefits to our region, as it attracts visitors, photographers, painters, and other artisans to our local towns. The Pink House is an asset of the United States. Demolishing it is also counter to the FWS's mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
STPH, the town of Newbury staff and committees, and an additional 40 probono professionals and tradespeople did the work required by FWS to prepare the house for trade. FWS did not deliver on their part. Donor funds were used for the various fees and expenses incurred. Our federally elected officials - Congressman Moulton, Senator's Markey and Warren - are not stepping in to help work to one of the many solutions that are available, or hold FWS accountable. Who is the watch dog?
THE PUBLIC HAS TO BE THE WATCH DOG.
Demolishing the Pink House will result in our global community forever losing a beloved, cultural icon. A landmark that brings economic benefits to our region, as it attracts visitors, photographers, painters, and other artisans to our local towns. The Pink House is an asset of the United States. Demolishing it is also counter to the FWS's mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
BREAKING NEWS:
THE PINK HOUSE HAS BEEN LISTED FOR AUCTION, TO BECOME LIVE ON Wed July 10, 10 am ET.
We are working to STOP that.
THE PINK HOUSE HAS BEEN LISTED FOR AUCTION, TO BECOME LIVE ON Wed July 10, 10 am ET.
We are working to STOP that.
STAY UP ON THE FACTS WITH THE LATEST ARTICLES THAT TELL WHAT'S TRUE:
- Is it the Last Summer for The Pink House? READ THE FACTS HERE
- Newbury is fighting to reclaim the much needed Pink House/acre and return it to their tax rolls. READ ABOUT IT HERE
- FWS's unnecessary choice to remove The Pink House is an opportunity cost of $500K loss of tax payer money. LEARN HOW
- There are several accurate Letters to the Editor In the Daily News in late June and early July. If you don't have a digital subscription, we post them in their entirety on our Facebook pages. READ Save The Pink House by Ginny Eramo
- Find all the news by scrolling back through all our blog articles.
CALL TO ACTION
DEMOLITION IS NOT THE SOLUTION!
Refuge Manager Matt Hillman wrote after the public comment period through November 30th, 2023, that 78% want to Save The Pink House, but is still proposing the demolition. STPH has spent 8 years finding the solution and need FWS to be accountable for their side of the partnered agreement.
What can YOU DO? KEEP SPEAKING UP & TAKING ACTION
1. CALL ELECTED OFFICIALS - ASK them to:
We confirmed with the listing agent that the auction can still be paused at this stage. Here is the PLAN. It's going to take every one of you helping. Take even just 15 minutes to do one of these a day - listed in order of priority.
2. EMAIL, CALL, DROP BY the PARKER RIVER REFUGE to tell Refuge Manager Matt Hillman (who says this is his decision), that you want this stopped, and have learned from the GSA that he/FWS can absolutely stop the auction even now. Parker River Refuge: (978) 465-5753 [email protected]
2. CALL Senator Markey's Boston office: (617) 565-8519
4. EMAIL and call Rep. Kassner Kristin, [email protected], (617) 722-2000 (press for name and say her assistant- Christina ECKERT to get to an actual voicemail)
5. Email and Call Rep Shande, [email protected] (617) 722-2400
Rep Shande has been repeatedly heard saying The Pink House issue is not her district!
DOES SHE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU? Tell her to speak FOR YOU, if you are in her district.
She represents Newburyport - whose businesses benefit MOST by PH, whose city council was the FIRST to unanimously vote an emergency resolution to save The Pink House (with her SISTER as President!), whose Mayor, and Chamber President support this, + the Newburyport Preservation Trust, who sponsored the writing of the Pink House Preservation Restriction. Pink House art has raised funds for the NBPT Art Association and Anna Jakes.
She represents Amesbury, whose three biggest businesses- Flatbread, Amesbury Industrial, and iMarc- have been huge supporters, whose many businesses (most gone in Covid) sold PH stickers and carried brochures (Craft Beers, Bakehouse, Positive Works, etc). We had a fundraiser in Amesbury. We have many many volunteers and PH fans and donors from Amesbury.
She represents Salisbury - the Salisbury Select Board wrote a letter of support immediately in November, and their board members Takesian and Chair Colburn have been more outspoken in the papers and at every meeting + consistently helpful behind the scenes. Salisbury is home to the Tourist Bureau who wrote a letter of support. Pink House paintings helped raise funds at the Salisbury Carousel fundraiser, run by their most prominent resident who is a huge PH fan and supporter, and PH trees have participated in several Sea FeEstival of Trees - winning last year for best tree for a cause.
She represents Merrimac too. How can it not affect HER DISTRICT?
Refuge Manager Matt Hillman wrote after the public comment period through November 30th, 2023, that 78% want to Save The Pink House, but is still proposing the demolition. STPH has spent 8 years finding the solution and need FWS to be accountable for their side of the partnered agreement.
What can YOU DO? KEEP SPEAKING UP & TAKING ACTION
1. CALL ELECTED OFFICIALS - ASK them to:
- STOP THE DEMO/AUCTION PROCESS NOW
- WORK WITH STPH to solve this efficiently instead of favoring FWS. They represent YOU not FWS.
- ASK FWS to accept land already offered
- OR get the Secretary of Interior to declare it surplus, where FWS will still get market value (eliminates the need for swap land)
- OR Write a Bill ---or be open to the bill STPH's attorneys can provide
- THIS WILL BE A WIN for ALL -- the elected officials, FWS and the community
We confirmed with the listing agent that the auction can still be paused at this stage. Here is the PLAN. It's going to take every one of you helping. Take even just 15 minutes to do one of these a day - listed in order of priority.
2. EMAIL, CALL, DROP BY the PARKER RIVER REFUGE to tell Refuge Manager Matt Hillman (who says this is his decision), that you want this stopped, and have learned from the GSA that he/FWS can absolutely stop the auction even now. Parker River Refuge: (978) 465-5753 [email protected]
- There are solutions still on the table - don't let anyone tell you they are not possible - including the FRESH solution of returning it to the town of Newbury.
- If you will no longer support the Refuge, as so many are reporting, via taking part in their programs, donating, volunteering. This will be effective and the TIME IS NOW to get them to listen - because all we have done to date has not budged Matt Hillman and his bosses one iota. They expect a 25% budget cut next year so rely on your donations even more -- and rely on you taking part in their programs to pay less taxes (via PILOT).
2. CALL Senator Markey's Boston office: (617) 565-8519
- FLOOD him with the request to come to the table with the TOWN of NEWBURY, talk to SENATOR TARR and the GOVERNOR and WORK to STOP THE AUCTION TODAY and help facilitate a solution.
- Thank them for hearing you and fighting for you
- URGE THEM TO CONTINUE THEIR QUICK WORK TO STOP THE AUCTION
4. EMAIL and call Rep. Kassner Kristin, [email protected], (617) 722-2000 (press for name and say her assistant- Christina ECKERT to get to an actual voicemail)
- Ask why her voice has been minimal if not overtly missing, when this has been one of the biggest issues in her district.
- Ask how can we vote for her again in November when she is not representing this? We know she cares about The Pink House.
- Tell her you'd like her to immediately STEP UP and REP you, her constituent. If she doesn't, she may very well lose over this issue! And that would be a shame.
5. Email and Call Rep Shande, [email protected] (617) 722-2400
Rep Shande has been repeatedly heard saying The Pink House issue is not her district!
DOES SHE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU? Tell her to speak FOR YOU, if you are in her district.
She represents Newburyport - whose businesses benefit MOST by PH, whose city council was the FIRST to unanimously vote an emergency resolution to save The Pink House (with her SISTER as President!), whose Mayor, and Chamber President support this, + the Newburyport Preservation Trust, who sponsored the writing of the Pink House Preservation Restriction. Pink House art has raised funds for the NBPT Art Association and Anna Jakes.
She represents Amesbury, whose three biggest businesses- Flatbread, Amesbury Industrial, and iMarc- have been huge supporters, whose many businesses (most gone in Covid) sold PH stickers and carried brochures (Craft Beers, Bakehouse, Positive Works, etc). We had a fundraiser in Amesbury. We have many many volunteers and PH fans and donors from Amesbury.
She represents Salisbury - the Salisbury Select Board wrote a letter of support immediately in November, and their board members Takesian and Chair Colburn have been more outspoken in the papers and at every meeting + consistently helpful behind the scenes. Salisbury is home to the Tourist Bureau who wrote a letter of support. Pink House paintings helped raise funds at the Salisbury Carousel fundraiser, run by their most prominent resident who is a huge PH fan and supporter, and PH trees have participated in several Sea FeEstival of Trees - winning last year for best tree for a cause.
She represents Merrimac too. How can it not affect HER DISTRICT?
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS
Tell them why the Pink House should be saved. Consider the below talking points or see more here.
Tell them why the Pink House should be saved. Consider the below talking points or see more here.
- CULTURAL ICON - inspiring thousands of artists, photographers, and visitors per year
- ECONOMIC DRIVER - bringing interest and increasing tourism to the area
- HOUSE HAZARD CONDITION IRRELEVANT - The house CAN be restored by professionals who are fully aware of its condition. STPH's Restoration Partner or any restorer can tackle any issues after the swap including any mold, asbestos, etc.
- WASTE OF A VALUABLE ASSET - Demolishing the Pink House would result in the FWS forgoing close to $500,000 that could be utilized to save land that truly has highly ecological value and serves the FWS mission (see below).
Comments regarding the Fish & Wildlife's FAQ Statement
The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has provided a FAQ section on their website for their proposed demolition of the Pink House. Our thoughts to a few of their statements are below in pink.
Why does the Service propose to remove the Pink House?
In 2014, a preliminary environmental survey of the building found that it contains asbestos, a serious human health risk. The property was also in a state of disrepair when purchased, and deterioration has continued since. Given these health and safety hazards, the Service determined that the building is not suitable as housing for seasonal staff, nor does it have any other feasible use for the refuge.
Further, the property has become an attractive nuisance, requiring frequent law enforcement patrols and repair work due to vandalism. Service maintenance staff and funds are increasingly required to maintain structural stability and safety. The house has a permanently flooded basement, is within an active flood zone, and recent sea level rise predictions indicate flooding will be even more severe in the years to come. Demolition and removal are therefore in the best interest of public safety, taxpayer money, and the environmental health of the area.
What has the Service done to save the house from demolition?
In response to community members, the Service has worked diligently with landowners, elected officials, and local advocacy groups for more than seven years to find an equal-value land exchange. While several promising leads were pursued, none were ultimately successful. In the interest of safety, and to ensure the house remained intact to affect an exchange, staff maintained the house to prevent catastrophic damage. For reasons outlined above, this approach is no longer feasible.
Is the Pink House listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
No. In 2011, the Massachusetts Historical Commission determined that the house does not meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and is therefore ineligible.
Massachusetts Historical Commission has stated the Pink House is "included in the Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth and is significant for its architecture, associations and/or archeology, and qualified for the protection of a perpetual preservation restriction". STPH has created that preservation restriction (PR), and had it approved by the town of Newbury Historical Commission and the Select Board. The Pink House will be 100 years in 2025. The plan is to see it restored by then according to this perpetual PR
Many houses like The Pink House that are not on the national register are revered for their historical significance, cultural influence and importance to its ever-expanding community. Don't allow FWS to use that to justify their actions.
What will happen to the property if the Pink House is removed?
Removal of the Pink House would create an opportunity to enhance both the future resiliency and public access opportunities of this area. This would include repurposing the existing driveway into a small parking area and constructing an accessible observation platform. An area that has 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 from a unique vantage point.
Why does the Service propose to remove the Pink House?
In 2014, a preliminary environmental survey of the building found that it contains asbestos, a serious human health risk. The property was also in a state of disrepair when purchased, and deterioration has continued since. Given these health and safety hazards, the Service determined that the building is not suitable as housing for seasonal staff, nor does it have any other feasible use for the refuge.
Further, the property has become an attractive nuisance, requiring frequent law enforcement patrols and repair work due to vandalism. Service maintenance staff and funds are increasingly required to maintain structural stability and safety. The house has a permanently flooded basement, is within an active flood zone, and recent sea level rise predictions indicate flooding will be even more severe in the years to come. Demolition and removal are therefore in the best interest of public safety, taxpayer money, and the environmental health of the area.
- While the building has deteriorated due to lack of maintenance, it is perfectly sound and set for renovation.
- FWS has accompanied us into the property multiple times without any mention of a health risk.
- The properly is on upland and water does not reach the outside of the house even during past 20 year's worst floods.
- The current condition of the house is of little concern! This is because the Support the Pink House group has a restoration partner who has evaluated the property and will restore it at his own expense.
What has the Service done to save the house from demolition?
In response to community members, the Service has worked diligently with landowners, elected officials, and local advocacy groups for more than seven years to find an equal-value land exchange. While several promising leads were pursued, none were ultimately successful. In the interest of safety, and to ensure the house remained intact to affect an exchange, staff maintained the house to prevent catastrophic damage. For reasons outlined above, this approach is no longer feasible.
- Their reasoning for backing out of a land exchange is inaccurate.
- Backing out is not in the best interest of the community or the taxpayer.
- Backing out does not best meet the FWS mission. (see below).
Is the Pink House listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
No. In 2011, the Massachusetts Historical Commission determined that the house does not meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and is therefore ineligible.
Massachusetts Historical Commission has stated the Pink House is "included in the Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth and is significant for its architecture, associations and/or archeology, and qualified for the protection of a perpetual preservation restriction". STPH has created that preservation restriction (PR), and had it approved by the town of Newbury Historical Commission and the Select Board. The Pink House will be 100 years in 2025. The plan is to see it restored by then according to this perpetual PR
Many houses like The Pink House that are not on the national register are revered for their historical significance, cultural influence and importance to its ever-expanding community. Don't allow FWS to use that to justify their actions.
What will happen to the property if the Pink House is removed?
Removal of the Pink House would create an opportunity to enhance both the future resiliency and public access opportunities of this area. This would include repurposing the existing driveway into a small parking area and constructing an accessible observation platform. An area that has 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 from a unique vantage point.
- The most significant result of the FWS demolishing the Pink House will be that the out-reaching community, visitors, photographers, painters and other local artisans will forever lose a beloved, cultural icon.
- The FWS will also bring upon itself an incredible amount of ill will that it absolutely does not need given its history in the community.
- The proposed $36,000 parking lot with a few benches adn fencing will mean passers-by will see a parking lot filled with cars instead of a beautifully restored iconic landmark.
- The FWS proposed rest area will be anything but unique. Just a short walk down the road Greenbelt offers a parking for more cars, the same view - and you can run dogs, while FWS has added that they intend to fence off the area to prevent wandering and do not welcome pets.
- FWS demolishing The Pink House opposes the FWS's core mission "to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people."
- Trading the Pink House will result in the FWS gaining multiple acres of truly valuable ecological land while giving up just one acre that has a house on it with a full foundation and abuts a busy turnpike. As such it is NOT of high ecological value.
- By demolishing the Pink House, the FWS will throw away upward of $500,000 of taxpayers' dollars. A Yellow Book assessed asset worth $425,000 and $50-90,000 FWS estimates for demolition expenses + $36,000+ expenses for building a parking lot and viewing platform.
SUBMIT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
WE need A LOT of letters arriving all the time! Your letters will keep the conversation going, and that is a valuable contribution.
SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWS, POSTS & SHARES
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE FOR GOOD!
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS On Our Website
WE need A LOT of letters arriving all the time! Your letters will keep the conversation going, and that is a valuable contribution.
- Newburyport Daily News: 400-words through their online form at: https://www.newburyportnews.com/site/forms/online_services/letter
- Boston Globe: 200-word letters should be sent exclusively to the Globe at [email protected], and must include the sender’s name, address, and phone number. They will only contact you (within 10 days max) if they are going to use yours. Please keep trying!
- Write to any local paper! The further the word goes, the better. We have signatures from people all over New England wanting to keep The Pink House.
- You are opposed to the demolition or auction (thus must be moved) and want the Fish & Wildlife Service to accept an offered land swap. The FWS will collect many benefits, and to let STPH’s Partner restore it.
- Businesses benefit from TPH bringing people here from everywhere, who then shop, eat, rent or buy here, especially in the off-season.
- You’re an artist who supplements their income from Pink House art.
- How culture, architecture, history and nature make the area unique and are part of why you live and pay taxes here.
- Your cause earned money through Pink House Art at a fundraiser/charity event.
SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWS, POSTS & SHARES
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE FOR GOOD!
- Comment on our posts, as well as liking them.
- Post on our social media but also on your own.
- Your own posts reach more, but sharing from others really helps too!
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS On Our Website
- Read our BLOG regularly
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