Nestled along West Falmouth’s scenic Snug Harbor, a coastal property damaged by 1991’s Hurricane Bob long stood abandoned; for 33 years, the property’s only residents have been a family of foxes. As time passed, the vacant structure began to pose a threat to the neighborhood, especially with the looming challenges of coastal flooding exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. 

The home has been deserted since Hurricane Bob.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, local residents joined forces with the Buzzards Bay Coalition to address the environmental risks posed by the deteriorated and deserted property. The Coalition collaborated closely with the community to purchase the property, and local contractors generously donated their services this winter to help the Coalition demolish the house onsite to clear the way for the next phase of the project.   

John Chester, Real Estate Property Manager for the Buzzards Bay Coalition, expressed his enthusiasm for this cooperative endeavor. “It’s been wonderful to collaborate with these neighbors and local contractors on this project. We have taken a property that was both dangerous and unattractive and will restore its ecological values.” 

Local contractors generously donated their services to help the Coalition demolish the house. 

With the site cleared of its former structure, work can begin to create a greener and more resilient landscape. In lieu of the abandoned building, the Coalition plans to replant the area with low-maintenance native plants. This will not only restore natural habitat but also improve drainage and infiltration during increasingly frequent coastal flooding in the area.