This is not the Falmouth Heights Maravista Improvement Association. The purpose of this organization is to fully represent the homeowners in Falmouth Heights Maravista. So that the situation that developed February 1999 never happens again. This letter can be viewed on www.FHMHA.com. This is an information association at this time. In the future we may form an active organization, if necessary. Email address: FHMHA@yahoo.com. The following is a time line of events with the “Nomination of Falmouth Heights to the National Register of Historic Places”. 1. Area and number of buildings to be included: · Acreage: approximately 106 acres · 335 contributing buildings (houses, garages, sheds) · 127 non-contributing buildings · Total 462 buildings · Approximately 700 + property owners 2. Steps taken in this nomination: Feb 22, 1999 Meeting of the Falmouth Historical Commission with the board of selectmen 2/22/99 in which they notified the selectmen of their intention to apply for a state grant to nominate Falmouth Heights, Waquoit and the Teaticket school to the NRHP. Note: selectmen did not make a motion either to approve or not to approve the FHC’s intentions, but they did express the following concerns: Selectman Valiela was concerned that a meeting had not been held with residents of Falmouth Heights and that this could not be properly taken care of before the March 8, 1999 deadline to apply for the grant. She suggested leaving out Falmouth Heights until a later time. Selectman Clarkson was concerned that Falmouth Heights residents be made aware of the application before moving ahead. The Falmouth Historic Commission ignored the selectmen and moved forward. Feb 27, 1999 Informational meeting held by FHC 2/27/99. NO MINUTES TAKEN. Approximate attendance based on recollection of a property owner who attended was 25. This same property owner asked questions regarding the building review process and DID NOT receive answers. The attendees were NOT qualified in any way as to their ownership of property in the area to be nominated. Aug 30, 1999 Informational meeting held by FHC 8/30/99. NO MINUTES TAKEN. Residents who attended report that the majority in attendance were OPPOSED to the nomination. Approximate attendance was 60. The attendees were NOT qualified in any way as to their ownership of property in the area to be nominated. Article in the Upper Cape paper documents that objections were raised. July 2000 Falmouth Heights – Maravista Improvement Association distributed a proxy ballot regarding the National Register nomination. The majority of those responding are opposed. Falmouth Historical Commission has ignored this majority to date. Also the Falmouth Heights Improvement Association’s Board of Directors has ignored its members’ majority objection and moved forward with support of the nomination. July 23, 2000 National Register nomination was discussed at the Falmouth Heights – Maravista Improvement Association annual meeting. Objections were raised and questions were unanswered, however an informal vote indicated majority in attendance approved. July 2000 Despite clear objections, concerns and unanswered questions by residents, the nomination was submitted to the Mass. Historical Commission by the Falmouth Historical commission without the majority support of the property owners and without the approval of the Falmouth Board of Selectmen. Aug 31, 2000 Board of Selectmen’s meeting at the Lawrence School. Over 200 people attended. Falmouth Historical Commission gave a presentation of approximately one hour in duration. There were many questions and statements of opposition. Betsy Freidberg of the Massachusetts Historical Commission stated that if the majority of property owners objected, the nomination would not move forward. Sept 7, 2000 453 (71% to date) notarized signatures of objection were presented to the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Falmouth Board of Selectmen with a request that the nomination to withdrawn. Our Letters of Objection have been ignored to date by the Board of Selectmen, the Falmouth Historical Commission and the Mass. Historical Commission. We had to insist on a confirmation of receipt of the letters by Mass. Historical Commission after again being ignored. The Massachusetts Historical Commission responded that it may be 12-18 months before the matter is reviewed. Sept 8, 2000 Town Counsel Frank Duffy, in a written opinion with regard to the nomination of Falmouth Heights to the National Register of Historical Places states that Massachusetts General Law allows the Falmouth Historic Commission to make such recommendations subject to the approval of the Selectmen. Sept 18, 2000 The Falmouth Heights nomination is placed on the Selectmen’s agenda for Monday, October 23. Sept 20, 2000 Town Administrator Peter Boyer confirms in writing that the Board of Selectmen has not voted approval of the recommendation. Sept 25, 2000 Selectmen decide to postpone the meeting. It is rescheduled by Peter Boyer for Tuesday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. Oct 24, 2000 Selectmen voted not to approve the nomination of Falmouth Heights. NOTE: As of Aug 2002, 78% of the properties presented notarized signatures of opposition to the nomination.