Preserve Trees and Wetlands
125 Oakland Street
Adjacent to Centennial Park
The Sisters of Charity, located at 125 Oakland Street adjacent to Centennial Park, would like to sell their 14-acre property and are seeking zoning relief from the Town through Fall Town Meeting in November, to do so.
We believe there is ample room on this 14-acre parcel to balance increased development with appropriate conservation measures which meet the objectives in Wellesley’s Unified and Climate Action plans.
We ask for conservation restrictions to protect the wetlands, mature tree canopy and other sensitive natural resources. Watch a resident speak to these issues here.
The Wellesley Conservation Land Trust has offered its assistance in protecting in perpetuity mutually agreed upon natural resources through conservation restrictions, in keeping with Wellesley’s stated conservation goals.
Please sign the following letter requesting conservation restrictions be put in place in order to protect this
town-wide natural asset that contributes to our town’s climate resiliency, natural environment, and our health.
To Add Your Name to the Letter to the Sisters of Charity,
Email friendsofbrookside@gmail.com with your Name and Address
Letter to Sisters of Charity:
Dear Attorney Himmelberger,
Thank you for listening to the concerns of the community and for sharing your revised
proposal for 125 Oakland Street. We appreciate you reaching out to us, as we also share
the goals of the Sisters: that they be financially able to both age in place, and continue their
philanthropic activities.
The over 300 residents from across Town who signed the original petition believe these
goals can be achieved while preserving existing open space on the property, which is an
integral part of the largest conservation district in town. This land has provided natural
habitat and climate resiliency to our area well before the founding of Wellesley, and through
decades of stewardship by the Sisters.
In the spirit of ongoing dialogue, we share with you the following requests to be codified in
any agreement:
- Language which clearly indicates that any future redevelopment occurs within the existing developed footprint of the property.
- Application of Conservation Restrictions or other vehicles which will protect existing open space in perpetuity.
Protecting this open space would benefit all in the following ways:
- Streamline the process for any future sale
- Meet the needs and goals of the Sisters
- Solidify the Sisters’ legacy of land conservation.
We trust any proposed buyer would also share these land stewardship values which are
important elements of any sustainable development.
By saving this land, existing and future residents of the property can enjoy the same
benefits the Sisters of Charity carefully created at this peaceful setting, and future
generations can benefit from the preservation of Wellesley’s natural resources.
We look forward to further discussing these suggestions. Again, thank you for reaching out
to the community.
To add your name:
• email: friendsofbrookside@gmail.com
• state you wish to sign the letter
• provide your full name and address
DOTTED LINES INDICATE PROPERTY LINES OF SISTERS OF CHARITY
Documents:
8.22.23 Atty. D.Himmelberger Letter with Amendment Language
8.24.23 Atty. J.Silverstein Letter
9.7.23 Slides from NRC Land Preservation Presentation
Catch up on Meetings:
8.24.23 Planning Board Meeting
8.21.23 Planning Board Meeting
9.7.23 Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Meeting - Land Preservation Discussion, and see slides, above
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