Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHolmes CorrespondenceDear Barnstable Historical Commission, I wanted to take a moment to follow up afler the recent meetfng and share some reflectfons that have been weighing on my mind. First, I believe it was unfortunate that so many of the oppositfon letters focused on the inaccurate claim that the proposed house would be 9,000 square feet—an understandable mistake, but one that ultfmately weakened our positfon by making it seem as though size was our primary concern. It is not. As you know, the true issue at hand is far greater: the ongoing erosion of Hyannis Port’s historical integrity and the increasing trend of overdevelopment that fundamentally alters the character of our beloved community. As I mentfoned during the meetfng, this is an ongoing phenomenon. The eastern block of Scudder Ave— the heart of the village—between Wachusett and Irving Avenues, once a testament to Hyannis Port’s unique and understated charm, has been irrevocably altered. What remains for those of us who deeply care about the integrity of this village is a profound sense of loss and a heightened sensitfvity to what is happening now. We contfnue to witness homeowners clearing every last natfve tree, disregarding the natural landscape, and replacing it with overbuilt structures that maximize square footage at the expense of history and harmony. I mourn—truly mourn—every magnificent old cedar that is cut down. These trees are part of the living history of this place, silent witnesses to generatfons of families who have walked these streets, played in these yards, and sought refuge in the quiet beauty of Hyannis Port. Just last fall, in the off-season as usual, at the bottom of Hawthorne Avenue on the way out to Squaw Island, about twenty, maybe more, cedar trees that had enclosed a uniquely special yard for over half a century were cut down. They had surrounded and defined a lovely little yard we always called the Secret Garden. Those trees were healthy, their loss unnecessary. That small, shaded sanctuary, which had quietly brought joy to so many, is now gone forever. The heartache of these losses accumulates, each one another wound to the fabric of our community. It is from this place of deep collectfve grief that the oppositfon to 43 Iyanough Avenue arises. It is not simply about square footage; it is about an evolving pattern of development that is out of step with the historical values that have defined Hyannis Port for generatfons. While the technical aspects of the proposal may be correct—the lot coverage percentage, the preservatfon of portfons of the original structure—what is at stake is the spirit of how that lot is being used. The new scale, the additfons, the imposing two-car garage, the oversized driveway—all placed front and center, visually dominatfng the landscape and disruptfng the historic rhythm of the avenue. A pool, no matter how small, is stfll a pool— a space designed for noise and actfvity, something that has never been publicly visible in Hyannis Port before. The cumulatfve effect is a residence that belongs in the aftfuent suburbs of Wellesley, not in a historic seaside village. This is not about denying change; it is about ensuring that change respects and preserves the essence of Hyannis Port. For generatfons, this community has been a refuge—not for the ostentatfous display of wealth, but for its quiet escape. Our founders were wealthy, yes, but they created a place to retreat from the pressures of that wealth, not to showcase it. The Hyannis Port Golf Club and the West Beach Club, at their core, were simple barns—humble, welcoming, and unpretentfous. No longer. These two foundatfonal places have been transfigured into “bigger and better,” resultfng in a tremendous loss of the original tone and aesthetfc that once defined them. That spirit of understated elegance is what made Hyannis Port special. But in recent years, we have seen a shifl—a push by a small but influentfal group toward something more extravagant, something that moves away from the core values that have always represented this place. Many in the community are lefl stunned, heartbroken, and frustrated, feeling powerless as they watch these changes unfold. I regret the tfmbre of my initfal letter—I wrote it in anger and exhaustfon, and in hindsight, it did not fully reflect the depth of my concerns. What I truly wish to express is gratftude—for your kindness, for your understanding, and for your willingness to listen. I also wish to express hope. Betty Ludtke and I have been discussing the possibility of seeking a formal historical designatfon for Hyannis Port, with the protectfons that such a designatfon would afford. We recognize that this is an ambitfous goal, but we feel it is worth pursuing. With so much new money coming into the community, we need to ensure that the values that have defined Hyannis Port for generatfons are not lost in the process. I deeply appreciate the tfme and thoughtiulness you have given to this matter. Thank you for your contfnued dedicatfon to preserving the history and integrity of Hyannis Port. Sincerely, Kate Holmes 688 Scudder Ave PS - Importantly, this is not JUST about Hyannis Port. HP is just one piece of the larger fabric of Cape Cod itself. And as such, HP represents 'the whole' - the larger Cape Cod community. Thank you again.