Help defend Wellesley's
largest conservation corridor

For several months, a small group of concerned residents has quietly laid the groundwork to protect the 40 Oakland Street parcel and the surrounding shared natural spaces that have been used and cherished by thousands for many decades. With our own funds, we took the time to research, consult experts, and build a strong factual and legal foundation before asking the broader community to get involved. To date, we have invested more than $35,000, which has allowed us to move forward with focused confidence.

The next phase requires wider financial and community support. We hope you will join us by donating to our new nonprofit organization, Friends of Centennial, so that we can take the necessary action to stand up against this proposed project.

The Mission of the Friends of Centennial is to preserve and protect the 45 acre property at 40 Oakland Street by eliminating or significantly minimizing the proposed development of the property, thereby preventing irreversible harm to the forest, Centennial Reservation, and the surrounding communities.

The 45 acre parcel has been added to the Commonwealth's Surplus Land list under the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. Despite months of petitioning by our citizens through direct engagement with MassBay Community College, DCAMM*, and EOHLC*, the property remains on the Surplus Land list to be sold to a private developer to build a minimum of 180 housing units.

*Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance

*Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

We Need Your Help!

The Affordable Homes Act (AHA) is a new and unique law that requires cutting edge land use expertise. We have hired the attorneys of Hill Law for their vast experience in Massachusetts land use law and permitting, real estate litigation and environmental law, and for their experience working with big cities to small neighborhood groups.

Protecting the clear interests of the area’s natural and livable environment requires specialized and dedicated legal resources. Hiring independent counsel will ensure the interests of Friends of Centennial will be represented. We believe this should happen simultaneously with the efforts of the Town, and we fully support our Select Board that has asked 37 important questions of the State.

Read the letter sent on our behalf by Hill Law to the MassBay Board of Trustees to understand why we are making the claim that this land should be protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and is not "surplus land."

Please consider a generous donation today to make sure this land is protected.

We would be happy to answer questions you may have. Write us at FriendsOfCentennialReservation@gmail.com and we will respond promptly.

Learn more:

Wellesley is committed to advancing affordable housing and is an active partner working with the Commonwealth to increase and diversify housing:

Wellesley exceeds the State’s 40B affordable housing requirement, far surpassing many communities. It is compliant under the new MBTA Communities Act, rezoning to allow 1600 housing units within half a mile of public transit. Wellesley has adopted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), 20 percent inclusionary (affordable) zoning, and created a Strategic Housing Plan. Notably, Wellesley has added approximately 550 multi-family units in recent years including: The Nines, Fieldstone, The Albion, Terrazza, The BelClare, The Bristol, Highland Park, Cedar Place, and currently under construction, The Bellwether. Wellesley is also in the process of permitting a new senior living facility at 888 Worcester Street (200 units), and approved 500 more rental units at The Nines.

The State insists on building 180 units on the parcel. Even if the entire project is confined to the five acre parking lot - which is far from certain - that level of development is pernicious and will overpower one of Wellesley's most important natural assets. MBTA services are over a mile away, making it car dependent for transit and essential services; there will be increased vs. lessened congestion; shared parking with college students; and no assurance of affordable housing. There is also no guarantee the college will get the full amount of funds needed to support its students other than the sale of the 40 Oakland Street parcel which falls short by a lot.

Read more here:

"Let's not accept a check-the-box narrative for MassBay property," Letter to the Editor, The Swellesley Report

Wellesley Conservation Land Trust clarifies Boston Globe article

Wellesley Select Board asks State 37 questions.

At Risk: the Largest Wildlife Corridor in our Town

State land to be sold outlined in "red" above. Map is hand illustrated, lines are approximate.

The "top half" of what we think of as Centennial Reservation is actually owned by the State.
Combined, these 80 acres are the largest forested lands in Wellesley - an amazing natural resource, providing clean air and water, stormwater capture, wildlife habitat, and recreation.
Massive construction and development would erode this natural resource.

* Construction plans on the campus side were shared at the 9.16.25 Select Board Meeting.