I have read with interest about the clear-cutting on the Mace property. As a kayaker on Bare Hill Pond, I find the effect of this clear-cutting to be visually jarring. The house certainly sticks out like a sore thumb, even compared to the houses perched right on the banks of the pond.
Clearly, ecological damage has occurred, in violation of existing state and local wetland laws. The Harvard Conservation Commission has attempted to deal with the violation, and time will tell whether their attempt is sufficient. In the meantime, we must realize that wetland law alone cannot protect our town: the Conservation Commission is not charged with evaluating the aesthetic impact of this violation. The destruction of the view from our pond should not be taken lightly. Harvard must consider regulations to protect the viewshed of the pond; it is not easy to enact, but there are precedents. For example, Napa Valley has ordinances protecting stripping of hillsides by housing developments.
I urge the Planning Board to consider rules governing the appearance of homes from the pond. Until such rules are in place, I hope that all homeowners can be educated on the wetland rules and be considerate of the users of the pond and the Harvard community at large. Homeowners on the pond who feel entitled to a great view from every window may ultimately be committing a selfish act, depriving the community of the shoreline’s beauty.
Mike Kilian
Candleberry Lane
