Healey Tries to Stop Demo of Iconic Pink House
Republican State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr Joins Fight
ON THE ROAD TO PLUM ISLAND — Gov. Maura Healy last week stepped into the fight over the Pink House, temporarily putting on hold the federal government’s plans to demolish the house and build a viewing platform on its acre of land on the edge of the Great Marsh.
But the federal Fish & Wildlife Service (F&WS) may ignore the governor and other state officials and try to remove the house, citing safety concerns and environmental concerns.
Healey said the planned demolition of the almost 100-year-old Pink House “is on hold pending conversations between the Governor’s office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other stakeholders to determine the path forward. The Pink House is a beloved local landmark that makes valuable contributions to the North Shore economy by attracting tourists and artists from across the country.”
The governor thanked state Sen. Bruce Tarr, the Senate Republican Minority Leader from Gloucester; Rep. Kristen Kassner, D-Hamilton, and the non-profit citizens group STPH for their involvement.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said, “The Pink House has a storied history and is an essential piece of the fabric of our North Shore community. We’re hopeful that by bringing everyone together at the same table, we can move forward on solutions to save The Pink House and benefit our environment and our economy for the long-term.”
Tarr, who represents Newbury in the Senate, said, “The Pink House is a structural icon that contributes significantly to our cultural economy, symbolizes our vulnerability to climate change, and emphasizes the importance of working toward more resiliency.”
He added that “unrelenting efforts of supporters from across the region and beyond” could open “the opportunity to capture a win-win victory.”
“The Pink House is an iconic part of the Plum Island landscape and an important economic driver to the region that will be gone forever once demolished,” Kassner said. “Working together, we have an opportunity to breathe new life into this cherished landmark that will serve our communities for decades to come.”
“The Pink House is an identifier of our state, as much as the Motif #1, the Gloucester Fisherman and the Citgo sign,” said Support The Pink House (STPH) president Rochelle Joseph.
She said the group wants to help the F&WS acquire new land to conserve or put to use, while “keeping this cultural asset of the commonwealth in its iconic location.”
In the Commonwealth’s Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets, the Pink House at 60 Plum Island Tnpk. in Newbury has significant architecture, association or archaeology, and it qualifies for perpetual preservation restrictions, according to non-profit Support the Pink House (STPH).
Last week an anonymous donor pledged $1 million to the F&WS if it would stop the demolition.
The million-dollar donor talked with Matt Hillman, Parker River Refuge Manager, asking for a short-term hold on demolition and to meet and discuss options for a land trade. He offered to shore up the structure against weather, cover the cost of any remediation left unfinished, any other costs involved as a donation, including making the demolition company whole if their already signed contract is not completed.
Hillman declined the proposed donation, saying it did meet the agency’s plans, STPH said.
Also last week, STPH found a parcel of land that it believes fits the agency’s criteria within a mile of the four refuges Hillman manages.
“We were expecting this (Hillman’s refusal of the donation), so we got to work, and within two hours found three parcels adjacent to four refuges for sale in the right price range,” said Alison Odle, STPH founder and board member.
Joseph said, “We have always worked with the dual goal of seeing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acquire new land to conserve or put to use, while keeping this cultural asset of the commonwealth in its iconic location on behalf of the many north shore’s businesses, visitors, artists and constituents.”
