HomeMy WebLinkAboutHorsley Letter of OppositionTo the Barnstable Historic Commission,
As a life long year round resident of Cotuit Village I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposed
moving of the historic Ebenezer Crocker Jr house at 49 Putnam Ave, Cotuit.
This house is one of the most important historic landmarks in our village and is a prominent and beloved
view from Ropes Beach landing and from most of Cotuit Bay.
It would be a great loss to the entire village to have this home moved from its original location.
The project proponent who recently began buying up properties along this shoreline is widely known
among Cotuit villagers for distasteful destruction and development that is harmful to the historical
character and charm of our village. His actions strike at the very core of what we all love so much about
this village - it’s history.
One argument the proponent made in their proposal to move this house is that it can’t be seen from the
road and that it’d be better viewed from a spot further to the north at the low point in a field. The truth
of this matter is that the proponent just installed a row of fully grown evergreens along the edge of Old
Shore Road, which blocked the view of the house from the road. Prior to that (earlier this summer 2025)
there was a clear view of the home both from Putnam Ave, Old Shore Road, and from much of the bay
(when traveling by boat as most of us Cotuiters often do). If this home is allowed to be moved it would
no longer be in view of the bay (where it is a beautiful reminder of our history) and would be only be
seen for a brief second when one rounds the 90 degree curve at Putnam Avenue albeit obscured by
trees and tall grasses as it would sit at the low point of the field where a barn once stood. This proposed
move would tuck this historic landmark out of the developers way so they can build freely on the land
where it currently stands in their way - this is indeed the true intention.
Moving this house would be nothing short of another destructive atrocity at the hands of this very
wealthy individual who does not live here and does not understand the character and value of our
village.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to share these comments.
I sincerely hope something can be done to prevent this loss.
With hope,
Bryan Horsley
61 School Street
Cotuit, MA 02635