[MassHistPres] busy-body neighborhood-nazis and control freaks

[Jonathan Feist]

Hi all,

Things are getting uglier here. A member of the aforementioned  
disruptive contingent has now called us "busy-body neighborhood-nazis  
and control freaks" in the local paper. Actually, he probably means  
everyone on this listserv, in that categorization, besides just Chris  
Skelly and I (and might I mention how honored I am to be so-grouped  
with Chris...).

The actual text of the letter is appended below. Pretty much all the  
facts are deeply twisted, beyond the offensive language used.

I'm getting some feedback from others on the HC that I shouldn't  
respond, personally, as it will appear as tit-for-tat, and sinking to  
his level. I'm not enough of a politician to know exactly what to do,  
in practical terms of what would yield the best result, though I  
already drafted a pretty lengthy response. Any thoughts?

I actually think that such rhetoric makes the writer seem like a  
crackpot, and I'm actually not particularly offended, personally. But  
I think it is exceptionally bad form, and it needs to be called out.

--Jonathan


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Letter to the Editor, Harvard Press, October 16, 2009


Residents against Still River historical district

On Oct. 6, a group of Still River residents attended a meeting of the  
Historical Commission. We had seen evidence that they had been  
discussing a historical district for Still River. Chairman Feist tried  
to poo-poo our concerns, saying that discussions were very preliminary  
and that nothing would happen without Still River input, even though  
he felt it would be good for us—e.g., promising to spare us from 40B  
development.

However, meeting minutes for 2008 and 2009 record discussions about a  
historical district, none involving input from Still River. In May,  
the minutes noted that “we are now in the initial phases of  
educational outreach,” (Oh, really?). In February, the minutes  
summarized a meeting with Chris Skelly, director of local government  
programs at the Mass. Historical Commission. Skelly advised patience,  
plus partnering with the schools to increase understanding of Harvard  
history—in other words, plant the seeds in the children and wait for  
them to influence the parents.

Here is some actual input: Still River does not need, and as far as I  
can tell, does not want a collection of busy-body neighborhood-nazis  
[sic] and control freaks running our affairs. We live in our corner of  
Harvard because it is friendly, relaxed, and mutually trusting. We do  
not seek exploitation as a historical destination. Harvard’s bogeyman,  
40B, is not deterred by a historical district. Do not try to scare us,  
to patronize us, or to pander to commercial preservationists in the  
name of Still River.

But do come by some day for some fresh produce, for a swing through  
our conservation land, or for some conversation in our quaint post  
office. Come to admire St. Benedict’s Abbey with its view of Mt.  
Wachusett. Not everything you will see is as preciously pickled as in  
Williamsburg, but we love it anyway.

Fred Hinchliffe
Still River

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Jonathan Feist
jfeist at charter.net • 978-772-4864
Blog: Delights and Processes http://blogs.townonline.com/delight/
Writing about Music http://jonathanfeist.berkleemusicblogs.com/