Robbins Report

No More Delays in Blasch Project

  Wellfleet - No More Delays in Blasch Project - Deconstruction Has Begun

  This photo shows the perimeter protection provided for construction with insets of the present Billboard House and an architect's rendition of its Colonial-style replacement. Both views are from the street.

Story & Photographs by Peter Robbins

Monday morning was cold and damp in Wellfleet. However, it was acceptably warmed during a meeting with Emily Beebe at the site of the ongoing controversy. Her explanation of the project was not only educational to this writer, but is worthy of a presentation to those voicing so much concern. Emily, the Blasch's project representative, has been given carte blanch to ensure the project is as eco-friendly as can be. From geothermal heating to eco-friendly septic systems to a water run off system way beyond requirements.

Weather "permitting", deconstruction moves forward

With permits in hand, the Blasch project is proceeding. The weather has slowed the arrival of the cranes, but the deconstruction of the Billboard House is under way. Not demolition, deconstruction.

Plumbing fixtures, wood, decking and other building materials have been recycled and given to local people in need of them. The process of removing the building will happen over a two week period at a great deal of expense. The house will be taken apart in sections and removed by crane. What a novel approach! An eco-friendly removal of a passé building.

Delays cost more than money. Of concern presently are the 4 nurseries being maintained on the property under Beebe's watchful eye. To maintain the integrity of the fragile native plantings , a nursery was created for the bearberry, beach grass, beach plum, and bayberry plants. The replanting process is of concern not only to Beebe but those in conservation as well. While the selectmen make sure they can get an attorney who is not a "Ham and Egger", as stated at the last meeting, the very plant life that so much effort went into to preserving, is at risk of dying.

Wellfleet conservation folks have put a great deal of time and effort into this project, with a considerable amount of restrictions to ensure the protection of the fragile area. A comment made at one meeting was, "If conservation had done their job we wouldn't be here." The process is taking on the appearance of a dysfunctional family. They did do their job, like the building inspector, and both did it very well.

Millions spent in fruitless, unnecessary appeals

"Why don't you just do the town of Wellfleet a favor and donate the property."So as millions of dollars continue to be spent by the Blasch family, which will probably triple the tax assessment for the town in the end, the emotional aspect of this fruitless appeal process should be stopped.

Imagine this, Mark Blasch was attending one of the meetings and was approached by a certain party and told, "Why don't you just do the town of Wellfleet a favor and donate the property." After spending five or six million, that would sure give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

I made it a point to talk to as many town officials as I could, and in doing so I also will make it a point to protect those that did not want to be identified.

Not illegal? "Its an emotional issue, and may have something to do with visual impact." Asking one town official,"If the applicant made all the good faith efforts possible, met all the guidelines from every branch of the town government, filed all the appropriate documents, met all the standards and was within the by-laws, how and why are the Board of Selectmen trying to stop the project ?" The answer amazed me. ""It's an emotional issue, and may have something to do with visual impact."

So while certain selectmen make comments like, "This is just the warm up pitch, it's not the ball game", or "...dangerous grounds to give that authority to the building inspector."

The most "dangerous grounds" may be under the town's feet

I would suggest this--the ones that are on dangerous grounds are those of you trying to change the rules mid-stream. Be careful what you wish for. Paying attention to issues like, open meeting law violations, conflict of interest violations, or perhaps potential civil rights violations may be in Wellfleet's best interest. Someone should pay attention, before another governmental body takes an interest.

Having read most of what I could, talked to as many people as I have, I find nowhere in any of the rules, regulations, by-laws or documents, where a project can be stopped because it is an " emotional issue." Having said that, if "District Objectives" is the next line of defense, based on "visual impact", which house would you prefer to look at atop the bluff?

I don't feel it will ever get this far, but I would pay to see this one play out in court!