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
Maps
Â
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:
Connects to:Â Saw Mill Brook Conservation area
Trail Map
Click map for larger image
GPS Enabled Trail 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
First three photos shown here. Click a photo to view the complete slideshow or click here to browse the complete gallery.
History
??
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
Â
Additional Information
Newton Assessor’s Map ID: 82037 0003 and other parcels
Â
Report a Problem
Â
