Here’s a video Julia Malakie shot of a recent tour of Webster Woods, a large portion of which Congregation Mishkan Tefila has tentatively agreed to sell to Boston College for potential administrative office and parking uses. (The “tour” itself starts at about the 9:15).
Video: Tour of Webster Woods
by Greg Reibman | Oct 7, 2015 | Newton | 6 comments
Kudos to Julia Malakie for this video. The sale of this land to BC is proceeding under the radar, but Newton residents should definitely not be pleased should the deal go forward. While publicly BC is talking about using this land for parking/administration, what is to prevent them from some day erecting dorms or other buildings rising to the sky from which Newton won’t receive any tax revenue? And since BC pays only a very paltry $100K+ in PILOT payments, claiming that as a Jesuit institution they shouldn’t be obligated to pay any more, we certainly can’t expect any increased revenue there, either. Given that the city is buying Aquinas, should we be attempting to buy this 28 acre site as well? No doubt Julia and I might differ on what could ultimately be done with this land. She might favor 100% preservation whereas I might advocate for developing some portion for housing or commercial use to increase our tax base. But I’m sure we’d agree that there is some urgency now to get the word out about what’s going down as the congregation is expected to vote soon on whether to approve the deal. Hopefully it can be impressed upon members of the congregation who live in Newton that this isn’t the best deal in the world for their hometown. In the meantime hopefully city officials/incumbent officeholders/aldermanic candidates might take a stand to keep this land from forever falling under BC control!
I have walked these woods in spring, summer, fall and winter off and on for 30 plus years. I have played with dogs. I have taken shortcuts to the mall. I have admired the endangered ladyslippers. Never did I think that my city would abandon these woods . Let’s step up and be a green community. Once the trees are gone, they are gone.
If this doesn’t showcase how important this landmark is to our community, I don’t know what would.
Being a resident on Glen Ave., I’ve met many long-time and 1st-time visitors – all of whom have expressed their love and appreciation of Webster Woods. Many of my family and friends from neighboring towns have said “I wish we had something like this in our town.” And to that point, I think it’s important to consider the issue from the other side… If we lose Webster Woods, what will we do to “replace” it, where would it go, how long would it take to develop, and most of all – what effort would have to be exerted to accomplish such a large project? Would it even be possible? Let’s not make the mistake of letting this treasure slip away.
Thanks so much for the excellent video. I agree with so many points made by those that participated in the walk, but I’d like to emphasize a few. Having such a large contiguous section of woods is fantastic for anyone who uses it–you can really get away from the noise and feel like you’re much further away from it all. Like many who were there, I’m in the woods 4-5 times a week, either walking a dog, going for a run, taking a peaceful evening walk with my wife, or cross-country skiing. I have no issue with a new owner using the land that is already in use for buildings and a parking lot. However, these remaining woods are a tremendous resource for the city of Newton and would be a tragic loss if further developed.
When we lived on Glen Avenue, for nearly 25 years, we were privileged to walk in Webster Woods. We also were visited from time to time by some of the residents from there: deer, turkeys (way before they became commonplace!) And even a moose that wandered in from somewhere. Right in the heart of the city of Newton. An amazing and wide collection of birds as well. Conservation of open and wild spaces is important to all of us.
Paul Gershkowitz President of CMT is misleading the congregation to believe that selling to BC is the only option. He is treating this as a business deal to get as much money as possible. CMT does not care about the land. There are many residents willing to contribute so that we can purchase the woods portion of the land (including rear parking lot) at the assessed value of $1.9million (Front portion assessed at $19million).