HomeMy WebLinkAboutHolmes Letter of OppositionDear Barnstable Historical Commission,
I am writing to VEHEMENTLY oppose the (hilariously deemed ‘partial’) demolition of the gorgeous
historic house at 43 Iyanough Ave in Hyannis Port. It appears the plan is to move the house to the
middle of this lot and build up so high on either side as to obstruct other peoples' views, and push it
right to the edge of the property line, thereby also crowding neighbors - and I guess they need a pool,
too. This on a street that runs along the harbor and the pier in a central location in our quaint village.
Obviously this is inspired by one family's self-serving interest at the expense of the immediate neighbors
and also the entire community. It's not difficult to understand that reshaping a historically significant
home into as much of a mansion as possible very much undermines the integrity of our Cape Cod village
whose character, charm, and appeal depend on preserving its historical values.
My family and I live at 688 Scudder Ave, directly across the street from a house that was once a historic
sea captain’s home but has since been transformed into something enormous and out of character. The
new structure features towering columns, a second-floor outdoor walkway leading to multiple separate
doors—each with its own exterior light—so that at night, I kid you not, it could easily be mistaken for a
hotel.
To make matters worse, a pool and an egregious plastic fence now enclose the property. Every single pre-
existing tree, including beautiful old cedars, and all the bushes were torn out and replaced with non-
native, water-intensive plants arranged in a rigid, formal style—completely disregarding the natural,
organic aesthetic of Cape Cod’s native landscape.
My family history in Hyannis Port dates back to the 1800's, and we are deeply concerned about the
ongoing erosion of the community's integrity, character, and uniqueness. In short, its history. This issue
extends beyond just the house across from us on Scudder; there are numerous other examples.
It is beyond heartbreaking, and I believe many in HP feel the same way. However, these same residents
are often unaware when proposals for new developments are put forth. They return in the summer only
to find drastic construction already underway - and by then, it's too late.
Sincerely,
Katharine Holmes
688 Scudder Ave
Hyannis Port, MA 02647