U.S. Fish & Wildlife's Sudden Proposed Demolition of The Pink House
On October 31, 2023, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife (FWS) announced their intention to demolish The Pink House (to occur after a 30-day public comment period from November 1- 30). This sudden announcement came after eight years of Support The Pink House Inc (STPH) working tirelessly to find a solution to save the house - included paying all expenses required by the Fish & Wildlife to prepare the house for trade. Read more here.
Demolishing the Pink House will result in our global community forever losing a beloved, cultural icon. A landmark that brings economic benefits to our area as it attracts visitors, photographers, painters, and other artisans to our local towns. The Pink House is an asset of the United States. Demolishing it is also counter to the FWS's mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Demolishing the Pink House will result in our global community forever losing a beloved, cultural icon. A landmark that brings economic benefits to our area as it attracts visitors, photographers, painters, and other artisans to our local towns. The Pink House is an asset of the United States. Demolishing it is also counter to the FWS's mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
CALL TO ACTION
DEMOLITION IS NOT THE SOLUTION!
Refuge Manager Matt Hillman wrote after the public comment period through November 30th, 2023, that 78% want to Save The Pink House, but is still proposing the demolition. STPH has spent 8 years finding the solution and need FWS to be accountable for their side of the partnered agreement.
LAND SWAP OPTIONS NEEDED!
Fish & Wildlife is still open to a land swap.
Note: The Pink House would NOT be moved to the land that is swapped.
Anyone who comes forward with land desirable to Fish & Wildlife would be PAID for their land, which we would then exchange for The Pink House so that our restorer could begin the process of restoring The Pink House for the community. This same restoration partner has generously offered to pay for the accepted land for trade, to then be able to directly swap the land for The Pink House deed, with the FWS.
The swapped land would better meet the FWS mission than the 1.07 acres that the house currently sits on. The house would stay where it is and The Pink House's Restoration Partner would fund the transaction and own the Pink House. Fish and Wildlife would end up with land they deem is ecologically desirable. Read all the benefits Fish and Wildlife stands to gain from a land swap HERE.
Land Requirements Are:
PLEASE SHARE to help find the land needed so that the Pink House can be saved & restored!!
Refuge Manager Matt Hillman wrote after the public comment period through November 30th, 2023, that 78% want to Save The Pink House, but is still proposing the demolition. STPH has spent 8 years finding the solution and need FWS to be accountable for their side of the partnered agreement.
LAND SWAP OPTIONS NEEDED!
Fish & Wildlife is still open to a land swap.
Note: The Pink House would NOT be moved to the land that is swapped.
Anyone who comes forward with land desirable to Fish & Wildlife would be PAID for their land, which we would then exchange for The Pink House so that our restorer could begin the process of restoring The Pink House for the community. This same restoration partner has generously offered to pay for the accepted land for trade, to then be able to directly swap the land for The Pink House deed, with the FWS.
The swapped land would better meet the FWS mission than the 1.07 acres that the house currently sits on. The house would stay where it is and The Pink House's Restoration Partner would fund the transaction and own the Pink House. Fish and Wildlife would end up with land they deem is ecologically desirable. Read all the benefits Fish and Wildlife stands to gain from a land swap HERE.
Land Requirements Are:
- Land value of approximately $400,000 to $500,000. It can be more.
- Located adjacent to or within one mile as the crow flies to an existing refuge OR FWS owned property.
- Located in the Northeast region (MA, ME, NH, VT, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV) though not limited to it.
- Preferably land without any existing structures on it.
- Salt marsh acres, marshland with upland or water access, or all upland if it's located where it can be of use value.
PLEASE SHARE to help find the land needed so that the Pink House can be saved & restored!!
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
Email Congressman SethMoulton and Fish and Wildlife/The Refuge and tell them why the Pink House should be saved. Consider the below talking points or see more here.
Email Congressman SethMoulton and Fish and Wildlife/The Refuge and tell them why the Pink House should be saved. Consider the below talking points or see more here.
- CULTURAL ICON - inspiring thousands of artists, photographers, and visitors per year
- ECONOMIC DRIVER - bringing interest and increasing tourism to the area
- HOUSE HAZARD CONDITION IRRELEVANT - The house CAN be restored by professionals who are fully aware of its condition. STPH's Restoration Partner or any restorer can tackle any issues after the swap including any mold, asbestos, etc.
- WASTE OF A VALUABLE ASSET - Demolishing the Pink House would result in the FWS forgoing close to $500,000 that could be utilized to save land that truly has highly ecological value and serves the FWS mission (see below).
Comments regarding the Fish & Wildlife's FAQ Statement
The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has provided a FAQ section on their website for their proposed demolition of the Pink House. Our thoughts to a few of their statements are below in pink.
Why does the Service propose to remove the Pink House?
In 2014, a preliminary environmental survey of the building found that it contains asbestos, a serious human health risk. The property was also in a state of disrepair when purchased, and deterioration has continued since. Given these health and safety hazards, the Service determined that the building is not suitable as housing for seasonal staff, nor does it have any other feasible use for the refuge.
Further, the property has become an attractive nuisance, requiring frequent law enforcement patrols and repair work due to vandalism. Service maintenance staff and funds are increasingly required to maintain structural stability and safety. The house has a permanently flooded basement, is within an active flood zone, and recent sea level rise predictions indicate flooding will be even more severe in the years to come. Demolition and removal are therefore in the best interest of public safety, taxpayer money, and the environmental health of the area.
What has the Service done to save the house from demolition?
In response to community members, the Service has worked diligently with landowners, elected officials, and local advocacy groups for more than seven years to find an equal-value land exchange. While several promising leads were pursued, none were ultimately successful. In the interest of safety, and to ensure the house remained intact to affect an exchange, staff maintained the house to prevent catastrophic damage. For reasons outlined above, this approach is no longer feasible.
Is the Pink House listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
No. In 2011, the Massachusetts Historical Commission determined that the house does not meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and is therefore ineligible.
Massachusetts Historical Commission has stated the Pink House is "included in the Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth and is significant for its architecture, associations and/or archeology, and qualified for the protection of a perpetual preservation restriction". In addition, the Pink House will reach 100 in a little over a year.
Of course MUCH MORE important than historical significance is the Pink House's cultural influence and importance to its ever-expanding community.
What will happen to the property if the Pink House is removed?
Removal of the Pink House would create an opportunity to enhance both the future resiliency and public access opportunities of this area. This would include repurposing the existing driveway into a small parking area and constructing an accessible observation platform. An area that has long been closed to public access would afford a unique opportunity for people of all abilities to experience and learn about the Great Marsh ecosystem from a unique vantage point.
Why does the Service propose to remove the Pink House?
In 2014, a preliminary environmental survey of the building found that it contains asbestos, a serious human health risk. The property was also in a state of disrepair when purchased, and deterioration has continued since. Given these health and safety hazards, the Service determined that the building is not suitable as housing for seasonal staff, nor does it have any other feasible use for the refuge.
Further, the property has become an attractive nuisance, requiring frequent law enforcement patrols and repair work due to vandalism. Service maintenance staff and funds are increasingly required to maintain structural stability and safety. The house has a permanently flooded basement, is within an active flood zone, and recent sea level rise predictions indicate flooding will be even more severe in the years to come. Demolition and removal are therefore in the best interest of public safety, taxpayer money, and the environmental health of the area.
- While the building has deteriorated due to lack of maintenance, it is perfectly sound and set for renovation.
- FWS has accompanied us into the property multiple times without any mention of a health risk.
- The properly is on upland and water does not reach the outside of the house even during past 20 year's worst floods.
- The current condition of the house is of little concern! This is because the Support the Pink House group has a restoration partner who has evaluated the property and will restore it at his own expense.
What has the Service done to save the house from demolition?
In response to community members, the Service has worked diligently with landowners, elected officials, and local advocacy groups for more than seven years to find an equal-value land exchange. While several promising leads were pursued, none were ultimately successful. In the interest of safety, and to ensure the house remained intact to affect an exchange, staff maintained the house to prevent catastrophic damage. For reasons outlined above, this approach is no longer feasible.
- Their reasoning for backing out of a land exchange is inaccurate.
- Backing out is not in the best interest of the community or the taxpayer.
- Backing out does not best meet the FWS mission. (see below).
Is the Pink House listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
No. In 2011, the Massachusetts Historical Commission determined that the house does not meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and is therefore ineligible.
Massachusetts Historical Commission has stated the Pink House is "included in the Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth and is significant for its architecture, associations and/or archeology, and qualified for the protection of a perpetual preservation restriction". In addition, the Pink House will reach 100 in a little over a year.
Of course MUCH MORE important than historical significance is the Pink House's cultural influence and importance to its ever-expanding community.
What will happen to the property if the Pink House is removed?
Removal of the Pink House would create an opportunity to enhance both the future resiliency and public access opportunities of this area. This would include repurposing the existing driveway into a small parking area and constructing an accessible observation platform. An area that has long been closed to public access would afford a unique opportunity for people of all abilities to experience and learn about the Great Marsh ecosystem from a unique vantage point.
- The most significant result of the FWS demolishing the Pink House will be that the out-reaching community, visitors, photographers, painters and other local artisans will forever lose a beloved, cultural icon.
- The FWS will also bring upon itself an incredible amount of ill will that it absolutely does not need given its history in the community.
- The proposed $36,000 parking lot and platform will mean passers-by will see a parking lot filled with cars instead of a beautifully restored iconic landmark.
- The FWS proposed viewing platform will be anything but unique. Just a short walk down the road Greenbelt offers a parking area with an observation area that has essentially the same vantage point. Although currently it also offers a unique view of the Pink House.
- Finally, the FWS demolishing the Pink House opposes the FWS's core mission "to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people."
- Trading the Pink House will result in the FWS gaining acres and acres of truly valuable ecological land while giving up just one acre that has a house on it with a full foundation and abuts a busy turnpike. As such it is NOT of high ecological value.
- By demolishing the Pink House, the FWS will throw away upward of $500,000 of taxpayers' dollars. A Yellow Book assessed asset worth $425,000 and $50,000 (plus) in demolition expenses and expenses related to building a parking lot and viewing platform.
What can YOU DO? KEEP SPEAKING UP & TAKING ACTION
CALL ELECTED OFFICIALS - ASK them to:
Senator Ed Markey
SUBMIT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
WE need A LOT of letters arriving all the time! Your letters will keep the conversation going, and that is a valuable contribution.
VOLUNTEER
Please fill out the Volunteer section on our website contact page!
SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWS, POSTS & SHARES
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE FOR GOOD!
FUNDRAISE for Future Needs
Consider doing a Facebook fundraiser or own event for the Pink House.
Send a check to Support The Pink House Inc, 61 Pleasant Street, PO Box 131, Newburyport, MA 1950 or use the Donate Button on our website
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS On Our Website
FIND LAND TO TRADE
Talk this up to friends, neighbors, coworkers & family!
Even if your land does not meet the exact criteria, you never know what may work… such as parcels from others can be combined for enough acreage!
Please email us with the Parcel number and address to: info@supporthepinkhouse.com
CRITERIA:
1. Salt marsh and/or adjacent upland habitats, access to water or a road, with equal or greater ecological value to FWS. Most marsh land is worth about $1000-1200 an acre, so reaching $400K is a lot of acreage.
2. Long parcels that are up to the Refuge in NEWBURY ROWLEY, IPSWICH, even if you have a home or structures at the front, off the road... FWS is looking to have access to Rt. 1A or roads behind it that lead to it. If you are willing to carve out a parcel in back, get market value from our Restoration Partner (and enjoy tax savings), and still see it undeveloped as conserved by FWS, pls let us know asap!
3. Upland in the price range that is near a Refuge or FWS owned land that may have value for a use like storing equipment, near a light house they own, or rescue boats they can get to and from a road to use in flood zones.
4. Deed and land must be unencumbered.
CALL ELECTED OFFICIALS - ASK them to:
- STOP THE DEMO/AUCTION PROCESS NOW
- WORK WITH STPH to solve this efficiently instead of favoring FWS. They represent YOU not FWS.
- ASK FWS to accept land already offered
- OR get the Secretary of Interior to declare it surplus, where FWS will still get market value (eliminates the need for swap land)
- OR Write a Bill ---or be open to the bill STPH's attorneys can provide
- THIS WILL BE A WIN for ALL -- the elected officials, FWS and the community
Senator Ed Markey
- Phone: MA: (617) 565-8519 DC:
- Email: jim_cantwell@markey.senate.gov, cc: Liam_Horsman@markey.senate.gov
- Phone: MA: (978) 531-1669 DC:
- Email: Rick.Jakious@mail.house.gov , cc: Seth.Moulton@mail.house.gov ,
- Phone: MA: (617) 565-3170 DC: (202) 224-4543
- Email: Janice_rottenberg@warren.senate.gov, cc: Caroline_freedman@warren.senate.gov
SUBMIT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
WE need A LOT of letters arriving all the time! Your letters will keep the conversation going, and that is a valuable contribution.
- Newburyport Daily News: 400-words through their online form at: https://www.newburyportnews.com/site/forms/online_services/letter
- Boston Globe: 200-word letters should be sent exclusively to the Globe at letter@globe.com, and must include the sender’s name, address, and phone number. They will only contact you (within 10 days max) if they are going to use yours. Please keep trying!
- Write to any local paper! The further the word goes, the better. We have signatures from people all over New England wanting to keep The Pink House.
- You are opposed to the demolition or auction (thus must be moved) and want the Fish & Wildlife Service to accept an offered land swap. The FWS will collect many benefits, and to let STPH’s Partner restore it.
- Businesses benefit from TPH bringing people here from everywhere, who then shop, eat, rent or buy here, especially in the off-season.
- You’re an artist who supplements their income from Pink House art.
- How culture, architecture, history and nature make the area unique and are part of why you live and pay taxes here.
- Your cause earned money through Pink House Art at a fundraiser/charity event.
VOLUNTEER
Please fill out the Volunteer section on our website contact page!
SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWS, POSTS & SHARES
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE FOR GOOD!
- Comment on our posts, as well as liking them.
- Post on our social media but also on your own.
- Your own posts reach more, but sharing from others really helps too!
FUNDRAISE for Future Needs
Consider doing a Facebook fundraiser or own event for the Pink House.
Send a check to Support The Pink House Inc, 61 Pleasant Street, PO Box 131, Newburyport, MA 1950 or use the Donate Button on our website
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS On Our Website
- Read our News Tab regularly
- Join our Newsletter
FIND LAND TO TRADE
Talk this up to friends, neighbors, coworkers & family!
Even if your land does not meet the exact criteria, you never know what may work… such as parcels from others can be combined for enough acreage!
Please email us with the Parcel number and address to: info@supporthepinkhouse.com
CRITERIA:
1. Salt marsh and/or adjacent upland habitats, access to water or a road, with equal or greater ecological value to FWS. Most marsh land is worth about $1000-1200 an acre, so reaching $400K is a lot of acreage.
2. Long parcels that are up to the Refuge in NEWBURY ROWLEY, IPSWICH, even if you have a home or structures at the front, off the road... FWS is looking to have access to Rt. 1A or roads behind it that lead to it. If you are willing to carve out a parcel in back, get market value from our Restoration Partner (and enjoy tax savings), and still see it undeveloped as conserved by FWS, pls let us know asap!
3. Upland in the price range that is near a Refuge or FWS owned land that may have value for a use like storing equipment, near a light house they own, or rescue boats they can get to and from a road to use in flood zones.
4. Deed and land must be unencumbered.