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Kesseler Woods

Overview

One of the last large, privately owned pieces of open space in Newton, Kesseler Woods was threatened with development in 2003. At the urging of the Newton Conservators and other open space advocates, the City of Newton was successful in protecting a majority of this property through an innovative partnership with a private developer, Cornerstone Corporation.

The city paid about one third of the $15 million purchase price, using city and state Community Preservation Act funds, with the developer paying the rest. About two thirds of the land will be permanently protected as open space, and the developer also agreed to include 12 affordable homes among the apartments it will build.

By connecting the existing 20-acre Saw Mill Brook Conservation Area with the 5-acre Baldpate Meadow Conservation Area, this new property will create a 50-plus-acre swath of green in this part of the city. In addition to recreational opportunities, this area will preserve much-needed wildlife habitat, enhance groundwater recharge, and provide other environmental benefits.

Development of a trail system is scheduled to begin in the mid-2020s.

 

Size: about 16 acres    Longest Walk: trail system not yet open    Acquired: 2004

Longer Walks that include this property:
Charles River to Newton Centre

Maps

 

Scan this code using the camera or QR code app on your smartphone for quick access to maps and other information on the property.

Other maps and aerial photos:

Bing Maps bird’s-eye photo

Newton Assessor

Connects to:  Saw Mill Brook Conservation area

Trail Map


Click map for larger image

GPS Enabled Trail Map

Access City of Newton GIS Map


To see your location, press the location icon while viewing the map on your smartphone. If the blue location dot doesn’t appear when you open the map, come back to this page and click here.

Owner & Administrator Websites


Photo Gallery

History

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Boston Edison acquires land for possible future utility use

2002

Massachusetts Attorney General orders Boston Edison’s successor, NStar, to dispose of surplus land holdings

2003

NStar announces Kesseler Woods will be sold, and files preliminary subdivision plan for 68 single-family houses on large lots.

2003

City of Newton determines that city cannot afford to buy entire 42-acre property, even with CPA funds. City enters into successful joint bid with Cornerstone Development.

2004

Purchase is completed. Cornerstone begins work on single-family houses near Brookline Street.

2005

Planning continues for construction of multi-family housing, including affordable units, off LaGrange Street.

2016

Construction begins on the multi-family housing, called Hancock Estates

Features

Conservation Area
 

Additional Information

Newton Assessor’s Map ID: 82037 0003 and other parcels

 

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