I’m speechless.

I was writing a post stating my take on the development of the Wheelwright property. In short, I really have a hard time getting worked up about it. I got called away from blog work (damn you real life!) And I come back to find out I have a pseudo-ally in Mary Baker Eaton.

Please read her post as I don’t want to represent her point of view. Mary seems to agree that this particular development isn’t actually a stake in Newburyport’s heart.

Here’s my take (and I'm not representing Mary here.) I never understood how this particular parcel earned the designation as being the heart and soul of Newburyport. To be fair, I’ve mostly viewed it from a moving car going up or down State Street. I’ve also driven or walked past the Wheelwright property on High Street.

One can’t get a real sense of the land in either case. But that is sort of my point. This land—breathtaking as Mary describes it—only steals the wind from those who are able to view it. It’s not a parcel that’s truly out there for all to embrace, behold and enjoy.

In my opinion the destruction of the Moseley Woods (I think that’s what they were calling them) at the corner of Merrimac and Spofford did much greater damage to the community. Not only did it rob the city of a graceful, natural entrance at the historic Chain Bridge but it replaced that grace with a pig pile of large homes that don’t necessarily accent the topography of the land. The homes are nice, no doubt, but the project appears left no square inch undeveloped.

In contrast, Todd Fremont-Smith appears to be leaving some significant space open. Furthermore, he kept the Wheelwright house and gardens intact—at least I believe that’s the case—and that seems to be a very good thing to do.

Finally, the Society for the Relief of Aged Women--which owned the house--now has a significant pile of money to be put toward charitable use. I concede this money would have been available if a preservationist group bought the property first, but they didn't. Still, it's worth pointing out the sale of the property is doing some good.

I certainly understand how this project didn’t sit well with neighbors who have enjoyed viewing this unspoiled land for their entire time in Newburyport. I don’t fault those favored few for opposing plans to build five houses on the property. I also hold respect for those people who hold preservation dear and appear to fight for any endangered piece of land.

I just can't get behind them in this particular fight.