Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnonymous Public Comment Letter #2- OpposedTo whom it may concern, My wife and I considered it a blessing to have been chosen to purchase 139 Old Stage Road in 2016.It was our first home and a home we made many memories in. We felt that we had the quintessential Cape Cod sea captain’s home,and wanted to preserve the historical nature of the property and honor sea captain Augustus Childs who built the home in the mid-1800s and is buried in the cemetery across the street.The previous owners even shared historical documents of the home and we enjoyed having conversations with people who had previously owned or stayed at the property.We passed along all the historical documents and information to the new owners when we sold the home. That is why we were heartbroken to make the decision to sell our dream home in 2021 and move to be closer to family. We explicitly stated to our realtor that we wanted the home to go to a family or individuals who would continue this tradition of taking care of this historic home.That’s what we had thought would happen when we sold our home and we never would have sold it if this was going to be the outcome. That is why it is devastating to us to hear about plans to demolish the home and guest house and rebuild both on the property.We invested a significant amount of time and money into the property and we were shocked to have seen pieces of the property discarded since we transferred ownership. The previous owners whom we purchased the home from,reported no health issues or structural issues with the property.After living in the home for five and a half years,we also had no health issues or structural issues with the property.We assumed that since it is a home that is over 125 years old,it is not going to be up to today’s architectural standards.We also had a licensed contractor install permanent beams in the basement to support the floor,at our realtor ’s direction. After reviewing the presentation that the current owners have conceived for this meeting,I understand the plans that they have to build a home that is more suitable for them on this property.As the current owners,they have every right to do so. But if the intent is to keep the characteristics of the community and to respect the architecture of the home,the plans fall short.The conceptual plans of the new home look nothing like the 1940s example of 139 Old Stage Rd,that the new owners provided in the presentation and said that they want to emulate.As well,there are no conceptual plans for the guest house that have been provided by the new owners.If it is similar to the style of the main house,again,the plans do not respect the current design of 139 Old Stage Road. In closing,I ask that the Historical Commission give some additional thought in their determination on whether or not 139 Old Stage Road should be demolished.This was not only a memorable home for my wife and I,but is a piece of Cape Cod history that cannot be replaced.This is a unique sea captain’s home from the mid-1800s which fits into the characteristics and culture of the rest of the homes in the neighborhood,not a new 21st century build. Thank you.