A very astute reader of the Newburyport Political Blog has this to say:

“We were preserved because of the 1811 fire and the storm that filled the harbor with sand. Since that time, until the early 80s when low prices brought so many of us here to restore, there was no money to demolish and rebuild. Long-term depression was our gift. Now, there’s money, and lots of it, and we are faced with the downside of economic success. We can now, finally, demolish and rebuild.”

Well, “yuck.” Unfortunately, it is my belief that this reader is right. And I have heard this opinion many times before.

Just look at the Wheelwright property, the rape of the Ridge, “the compromising of another stately building and its surrounding property which will visually affect the historic landscape of that area.” (From another reader of the Newburyport Political Blog.)

So what to do?

George Cushing, of Frog Pond (yes, there really is a Frog Pond) at the Bartlett Mall, the new political consultant for the Newburyport Political Blog is mulling this dilemma over.

George Cushing of Frog Pond at the Bartlett Mall
contemplating this dilemma

George Cushing feels that the only way to prevent “demolish and rebuild” is by having zoning amendments that protect our historic heritage. Otherwise, “ouch” the future looks very, very bleak.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport