HomeMy WebLinkAboutLudtke Letter of OppositionDear Barnstable Historical Commission, March 16, 2025
I write to forcefully oppose the proposed partial demolition at 43 Iyanough Avenue in Hyannis Port. I am
a year round resident of Hyannis Port. I come from a family who has enjoyed Hyannis Port
generationally. The village has successfully retained its historic character, while welcoming renovations
and additions allowing old and new families to grow generationally.
It was a year ago June that I, and three other Hyannis Port families, came before this very board, seeking
partial demolition requests for our homes. I spoke in favor of my own and the other three. Mine was
the most extensive of the four; what was approved by this board is now under construction. It would be
hypocritical of me to support my own project and not those of my neighbors who are seeking to make
the most of their homes. So what is it about 43 Iyanough Avenue that inspired me to write in forceful
opposition to it? Let me try to put it into words.
There are nine prominent homes that ring Fortes Beach and the Hyannis Port Yacht Club. They are along
two Avenues, Iyanough and Washington. Collectively, these homes have retained a comfortable and
appropriate massing around the harbor for the better part of a century. The grandest of the nine, have
large yards that give the homes the space they need to comfortably command their sites. The historic
framework of these nine homes brings great comfort and a sense of historic continuity to the families
who live in Hyannis Port and the many visitors to Fortes Beach. I would extend that feeling of comfort to
the boaters who boat off of the beach and yacht club pier.
Two of the nine homes have had extensive, meticulous historic renovations in the last few years. The
results are nothing short of stunning. As visitors round Washington Avenue, entering Hyannis Port, they
are treated to an extraordinary view. There is a reason that countless athletic events bring their race
courses and runners along this very route.
Some years ago, an owner of one of these nine homes came before your board. This owner proposed a
full demolition of his home. The selectmen’s conference room was literally overflowing with opponents
to this full demolition. People were sitting on the floor. Letters poured in. Nobody could believe that
anyone could possibly propose tearing down this historic home. There was not a single person who
spoke in favor. The owner eventually decided not to pursue his project and sold the home. It stands
today with some internal renovation but untouched externally.
The partial demolition of 43 Iyanough that is before this board is in a very real sense a full
demolition. No, not in the strict sense of the purview of the board, but in the sense that the home that
will be built based on the approval of this partial demolition will be unrecognizable. Does it meet zoning
setbacks? Sure, but what about everything else?
Massing matters, both the massing of the home itself and the greater context of the massing of the nine
homes that ring the waterfront. Open space matters. The play of light and air between homes
matters. Size matters. It is too large for the site, both in breadth and height. Scale
matters. Reasonableness matters. Comfort and compassion matter. The comfort of the community and
the compassion to recognize when a proposal will literally tear a community apart.
I will close with another consideration which has to do with what this proposed partial demolition and
renovation will do to the interior of the village. I live on Wachusett Avenue, west of the post
office. When I walk out of my home I have a view of the water. I can look down Wachusett Avenue to
see the water but the more subtle and precious view is the view between the existing homes to the
water. In the summer, both Mr Clark and Ms Hughes fly American flags. Between their homes and sheds
is a beautifully framed view of the water. It brings an important felling of light, air and connectivity to
the water to the heart of the village.
Sometimes it takes an artist’s eye to capture something so subtle and precious. Below are two images to
help you understand how amazing and important this view is. Everyone who traverses the center of the
village and goes to the post office sees it and feels it. The first image is a recent photo that I took soon
after sunrise one morning. The second is an artist’s rendition. The artist removed Mr. Clark’s house in
the painting to capture the feeling because it is so special. That is the beauty of art to capture a feeling
that is difficult to put into words.
This lightness that is felt in the heart of the village will be lost if you approve this partial demolition.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments on the partial demolition of 43 Iyanough Avenue in
Hyannis Port. I strongly encourage you to deny this request. It is a bridge too far. The historic context of
the village of Hyannis Port will not be able to absorb it.
Sincerely,
Betty C. Ludtke
30 Wachusett Ave
Hyannis Port, MA 02647
(774)810-2360