To the Editor:
See it while you can: D-Day is approaching – next week! Despite the concerns expressed by numerous neighbors and lovers of history, an out of state buyer has proposed to raze the 1730s cape at 21 Pond Rd. in Damariscotta Mills – one of the oldest houses in Lincoln County.
At the Newcastle Design Review Board public hearing a couple of weeks ago, the demolition applicant presented their ideas and emphasized how much they love the quaint old community they will be moving in to – but they are loving it to death.
That house has stood the test of time for more than 275 years, and it can and should be saved. The Town of Newcastle has an ordinance and Design Review process, which was created to prevent this exact kind of historic destruction. Whether the law will be implemented according to its intent is still at stake.
On Thursday, March 7, the Design Review Board will decide whether to grant the demolition application. At the public hearing, it was confirmed that the applicant, who claims renovations to the home would cost far too much and will build a new home on the site, has not presented any documented estimates for any of the work they claim would be too expensive.
So, it appears the board will consider hearsay and generalities about potential repair costs, as the evidence they must weigh in determining the fate of this precious historic resource. It can be restored.
Recognizing the inherent cultural and tourism value etc. of these old homes, the Newcastle ordinance does not place a price-tag on the cost of restoration, instead it says, “It is the specific intent of this ordinance to: ‘Encourage the continued use of existing historically or architecturally important buildings and those which contribute to the character of the Historic areas and discourage their demolition and removal.'”
If the loss of this historic resource were not enough, the proposed project also threatens the well-being and reproductive success of the famous eagles that nest within eyesight of the house, and frequently roost above it. Right now those eagles are nesting and getting ready to reproduce – the demolition threatens yet another icon of our community.
Stand with me in opposition to the demolition – once it is gone you can never bring it back.
Let your voice be heard on this important issue for our community, submit a comment to the Design Review Board, Town of Newcastle, P.O. 386, Newcastle, 04553.
