Where does the Crane Ledge Woods protection campaign stand today? Here’s an end-of-year wrap-up from CLWC—and it’s a very hopeful forecast!
Since September 2024, Jubilee and Lincoln have been in mediation with Mayor Michelle Wu and her administration on possible resolution of the Land Court case filed by Jubilee/Lincoln in May 2024.
Jubilee/Lincoln had filed their lawsuit contending that the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) overreached in denying the “as-of-right” project proposed for Crane Ledge Woods.
During this mediation period, CLWC recommended to Mayor Wu and Jubilee/Lincoln a clear path forward to resolution, starting with the City making a fair, respectful offer of acquisition to Jubilee/Lincoln.
CLWC listed realistic funding for this acquisition, such as including state, federal, and City sources – and specifically a municipal bond secured by dedicated Community Preservation Act (CPA) assessments.
CLWC confirmed that philanthropic partners such as Mass Audubon have committed to be of assistance, and that full conservation is a priority goal of residents and organizations city-wide, including the Boston Green New Deal Coalition.
A hearing in the case will be scheduled for early in 2025. Irrespective of the court’s final ruling, Jubilee/Lincoln will need to resume a further phase of project review by officials, residents, and groups.
CLWC continues to encourage all involved to adopt this positive vision of full conservation for Crane Ledge Woods, recommending that the Mayor and her administration lead through a full, fair, and respectful acquisition offer to Jubilee/Lincoln.
With Mass Audubon, the Boston Green New Deal Coalition, and all our project partners we are preparing a draft concept plan with specific funding sources: a practical, positive, transformative community-based vision for a landmark community park in urban Boston.
We will provide further specifics as we proceed. Look for this exciting visual in early 2025 for what Crane Ledge Woods might become!
SUMMARY OF OUR EFFORTS TO DATE:
Thank you for your past and continuing interest in Crane Ledge Woods. Together, we have been proactively working during 2024 to achieve full conservation of this 24-acre urban woodland for public benefit and community enjoyment.
CLWC envisions a positive, “win-win” final result at Crane Ledge Woods, where the property owner Jubilee Christian Church and developer Lincoln are fully and fairly compensated, and the land preserved for lasting public benefit.
Protection of this precious inland, urban natural woodland would be a clear affirmation of our shared commitment to address climate change and advance environmental justice in the City of Boston.
To recall, Jubilee Christian Church and Lincoln (formally MQMF Hyde Park LLC) have proposed a 200+ unit housing development on a major portion of the site:
Within the framework of sustainable, equitable development, needed affordable housing in Boston should be directed to walkable, public-transit areas such as through the Squares + Streets initiative – while preserving these rare, intact, urban ecosystems for their many benefits:
- natural habitat and biodiversity
- reduction in heat island
- carbon sequestration
- air pollution reduction and sound buffering
- walking trails, viewing spots for wellness
- free outdoor activities for all
Housing and natural area preservation can be, and must be, complementary for our city to thrive!
Additionally, CLWC has serious concerns about the developer’s poor track record in ensuring their work proceeds under project-labor agreements, as providing a living wage is an essential priority while advancing needed development in Boston.
The Crane Ledge Woods site along American Legion Highway bordering environmental justice neighborhoods of Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Mattapan.
