Update: June 9, 2026
From the Town's Website:
Earlier today, the Wellesley Select Board and the Town of Wellesley filed a Complaint in Norfolk County Superior Court against the Commonwealth’s Executive Office for Administration and Finance, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and MassBay Community College, in connection with the proposal to develop 40 Oakland Street under the Affordable Homes Act (AHA). The Town is challenging the designation of the property at 40 Oakland as “surplus real property” as defined in the AHA as well as the proposed aggregate density of the project. The legal action seeks a judicial ruling setting aside the surplus designation and ensuring the protection of Wellesley’s natural resources.
The Board wishes to emphasize that Wellesley has a strong and well-established record of supporting housing production and affordability. The Town has twice been designated by the Commonwealth as a Housing Choice Community, recognizing its leadership in permitting new housing and adopting pro housing best practices. Moreover, the Town has met its compliance obligations under the MBTA Communities Act and is among a relatively small number of municipalities in Massachusetts that has met or exceeded the State’s Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) threshold, reflecting a sustained commitment to the creation of affordable housing opportunities.
Since the initial presentation of the Commonwealth’s and MassBay’s plan to the Board in September 2025, the Board has been guided by the priorities consistently expressed by residents Town-wide. Our ongoing goal has been to engage constructively with the Commonwealth to shape the Request for Proposals (RFP) in a manner that is thoughtful, balanced, lawful, and consistent with the Town’s planning objectives. The Board would have preferred to continue discussions with Commonwealth officials and refrain from filing legal action at this time, but overtures for compromise, aligned with these objectives, have neither been answered nor reciprocated. Nevertheless, the Board remains committed to working collaboratively and in good faith with Commonwealth officials and other stakeholders. We will continue efforts to engage the Commonwealth as the preparation of the RFP moves forward, in the hope that the parties can reach a constructive and appropriate resolution that safeguards the qualities that make the Town a desirable and sustainable place to live. Further updates to the status of the MassBay project will be posted in a timely manner on the Town’s website.
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.
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.
This 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.
At Risk: the Largest Wildlife Corridor in our Town
- 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.
This is what we stand to lose.
Help us preserve this valuable land.
Contact us
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for more information about this land and our efforts to save it.
