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I am sure that no one on the Westport Historic Commission expected either Benjamin Squire or his family to be pleased with its decision on their demolition application, however the commission is required to uphold the law and the policy of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with respect to historic structures.

Mr. Squire seems to acknowledge that the preservation of historic structures is important. In his letter to Shorelines, he states, “I regard the work of historic preservation as an equally noble cause.” He then reaffirms this thought in his next sentence in this letter. 

The Westport Historic Commission did not designate the Squires’ house as an historic structure; the Commonwealth did. The construction date of 1770 and the photograph of the house clearly indicate that it is “historic,” as did the site view that they allowed me and many other commission members to take place.

Incidentally, during this site view I introduced myself to Mr. Squire’s wife and I saw at least two other members do so at the same time. I would have been glad to do so with Mr. Squire, but he was generally in a different part of the house. 

During the view it seemed to me that the house was in reasonably sound condition, including the roofing, siding, doors, and windows. These last two items appeared to be, if not original, at least excellent reproductions. The basement appeared to be sound and much drier than many in Westport. The stairs to the second floor are somewhat problematic, but no steeper than our own, which my wife and I in our mid-eighties manage to navigate. 

I regret not being able to attend the hearing on the 12th. The video of the meeting gives reasonable assurance that there was substantial evidence to support the decision. I am also sure that the WHC would be more than willing to work with Mr. Squires publicly on a solution to his concerns, including a possible addition to the present structure. It would be very simple to request such a meeting. These are my personal thoughts on the matter and not necessarily those of other commission members. 

Henry M. Swan
Westport Point

Mr. Swan is a member of the Westport Historic Commission.