Protecting Urban Wilds

In 1975, a City of Boston survey listed five parcels in Allston Brighton, totaling almost 55 acres, that make up most of what everyone thinks is public open space. In reality, all five parcels are privately held and could disappear any day. In partnership with Boston-area conservation groups such as the Boston Natural Areas Network and the Boston Greenspace Alliance and with neighborhood groups such as the Allston Brighton Green Space Advocates, we are working to preserve these sites for the current and future enjoyment of Allston Brighton residents.

Part of the preservation work has included developing a "Friends of" group to advocate for an urban wild. Examples include the Friends of the Cenacles and the Crittenton Advisory Group.

EF Cenacles
Crittenton
Kennedy Rock
Foster St. Rock and Hill
St. John's Seminary
Mount St. Joseph
Turnpike

EF Cenacles

Location: Part of the EF International language school on Lake Street.

Ownership: EF International, Inc.

Current Status: In Summer 2004, EF International placed an easement on the property in exchange for a modest expansion of its existing buildings. A survey of the property was held in 2004 to assess its condition over changing seasons and the results were published in late summer 2004. The EF International Language School is planning to build a small addition. Once the addition is complete, neighbors will take over stewardship of the urban wild. The Friends of the Cenacles is a group of concerned neighbors and property abutters, working with the Director of EF International, who wish to preserve the Cenacles open space. They meet approximately quarterly in order to refine how to care for and protect the property.

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Crittenton Hastings

Location: This urban wild is part of the current Crittenton Hastings House on Dunboy Street in Oak Square.

Ownership: Crittenton Hastings House.

Current Status: The Crittenton Hastings House is exploring how to preserve this property and make it more accessible to neighborhood residents. A survey of the property was held in 2004 to assess its condition over changing seasons. The results were published in late summer 2004. Currently, Crittenton is looking into funding to support a Master Plan process. The Crittenton Advisory Group developed in response to abutters concerns about Crittenton’s facilities and the woods. They meet quarterly to refine how to care for and protect the property. In December of 2005, neighbors of Crittenton, its staff, and the Allston Brighton CDC agreed to create a sub-committee on preservation to begin finding funding sources to permanently protect the woods. Their first meeting was held in late February 2006 at Crittenton.

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Kennedy Rock

Location: On Cambridge Street in front of Franciscan Children's Hospital.

Ownership: Franciscan Children's Hospital.

Current Status: Designated an unprotected urban wild by a 1975 City of Boston survey.

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Foster St. Rock and Hill

Location: Foster Street, across the street from St. John's Seminary.

Ownership: Boston College

Current Status: This property was designated an urban wild in a 1975 City of Boston survey. It is now under the ownership of Boston College.

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St. John's Seminary

Location: On Commonwealth Avenue.

Ownership: Boston College

Current Status: In Spring 2004, Boston College bought this property from the Archdiocese of Boston.

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Mount St. Joseph

Location: On Cambridge Street, Brighton

Ownership: Sisters of Mount St. Joseph

Current Status: In Spring 2004, this open space was converted into housing for retired sisters in the order.

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Turnpike Overlook

Location: On Brooks Street, Brighton

Ownership: Massachusetts Turnpike Authority

Current Status: Not accessible to the public.

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