HomeMy WebLinkAboutWilliam Young Humphreys Dickey Letter of OppositionDear Barnstable Historic Commission,
I am writing to express my deep concern over the increasing erosion of Hyannis Port’s
historic character, most recently with the proposed remodel of 43 Iyanough Avenue. While
labeled a “partial” remodel, the plan calls for a sprawling 9,000-square-foot structure that
would extend to the property line, overwhelming the lot and encroaching on its neighbors.
The proposal to shift the house and build upward would also obstruct cherished views,
disrupting the open, harmonious landscape that has deflned this community for
generations.
This is not just about one house. It is about the systematic unraveling of what makes
Hyannis Port unique. My family has been part of this community since the 1800s—one of
the longest lineages in Hyannis Port. I have witnessed flrsthand the values that have
preserved this town for generations: respect for history, thoughtful stewardship of the land,
and an unspoken agreement that no single homeowner’s ambition should come at the
expense of their neighbors or the character of the village itself.
Hyannis Port is not just a desirable place to build; it is a place built on tradition. It is a
community where homes have stood for over a century, where the landscape refiects Cape
Cod’s natural beauty, and where change has always been approached with care and
consideration. My great-grandfather was one of the original founders of this town, and I can
say with certainty that he and his contemporaries would have never imposed such self-
serving and disruptive changes on their friends and neighbors. The fact that these
oversized, out-of-place developments continue to be approved is not only disheartening—
it is a direct threat to the identity of Hyannis Port.
We have already seen historic properties gutted beyond recognition, century-old trees
ripped from the earth, and plastic fences and artiflcial landscapes replacing the native
beauty of Cape Cod. This particular proposal is another glaring example of that
destruction. It does not belong here. It would not just alter one property—it would chip
away at the very fabric of Hyannis Port.
Hyannis Port has endured for generations because its residents have understood that
history is not something to be casually discarded. I urge the Commission to take a stand—
not just for this house, but for the future of our community. If we do not protect what makes
Hyannis Port special, we risk losing it forever.
Sincerely,
William Young Humphreys Dickey