The letter was published by the Cape Codder on Sept 25, 2020.

To the Editor:
I’m recalling, as I walked Coast Guard Beach in the “off season”, I would feel a sense of gratitude for those who had the vision and the stamina to protect this coastline. I now, am walking in the footsteps of the brave Coastguard of old and the words of Henry Beston are just as true today.

It may be a leap to our little Rock Harbor, but this is not about size. Eastham Rock Harbor offers that “sense of place”.

In 1644, seven families settled in this area. “Using Plimouth’s shallop and longboat, the work parties would shuttle across Cape Cod Bay to Rock Harbor transporting building materials, equipment, and furnishings” (1)

In the 1700’s and early 1800’s, Rock Harbor was an important port, a packet landing for vessels from Plymouth and Boston,as well as Salem , Maine, and the Canadian Maritime provinces.(2)

Eastham Rock Harbor is a special place. Though small, it gives us this history. Pleasure boats have replaced longboats. Rich marsh life, tidal flats. and the Rock for which the Harbor is named are here. This is a place for walking, sitting and reflecting. It is “as it was”. It offers an unspoiled vista which becomes rarer. It is “Old Cape Cod”

We must resist placing structures which intrude upon this “sense of place”. I find the plan for the harbormaster’s new office not suited for Rock Harbor.

1. “Where Sea and History Meet” Orleans Bicentennial” 1997
2. Nomination form National Register of Historic Places 10/2000

Gail Hoffman
Eastham

Eastham’s hidden gem deserves to be protected, Cape Cod Times
Joyce Donovan
Sept 25, 2020

This column was originally submitted as a letter to the Eastham Select Board.

I recently viewed the Sept. 14 Select Board meeting and I share the same concerns as neighbors who are working diligently to keep Rock Harbor the beautiful, natural resource that it is. It speaks Cape Cod, it is Cape Cod.

My husband, Bill, and I just recently became aware of this comprehensive proposed project of the harbormaster building. In as much as we realize the need for a new home for the harbormaster and the town’s environmental services staff, this proposal does not come close to the original plan voted on at the 2018 town meeting. The rendering of the building, in my opinion, does not characterize the history of Cape Cod design. The building and walkways are not aesthetic and are not styled after one of the most beloved art designs in New England.

I think if more Eastham residents and property owners were privy to the schematic design of the building, they would want to go back to the drawing board.

We have owned property on Bridge Road for close to 40 years and have rented a boat slip in Eastham Rock Harbor for 20 of those. We appreciate the simplistic, natural beauty that the harbor provides. As boat slip renters, we see Rock Harbor being utilized June through September by many Eastham residents, not only the 50 slip users. In our experience, the harbor is always busy and the traffic flow pattern presented in the proposed plan is neither logical nor practical. The rinse stations would be better utilized near the beach! I question how the harbormaster staff is going to monitor increased foot traffic that a “destination venue” may create after hours. On occasion during holidays, we have had unwelcome visitors walking on, sitting on and leaving trash on our boat.

Hopefully, this beautiful natural resource will keep the distinction of being Eastham’s “hidden gem!” I will share my opinions with the Select Board and town administrator.