Hon. Michelle Wu
Mayor, City of Boston
City Hall 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02201

Dear Mayor Wu:

At a time when urgent action is needed to address climate change and to address long-standing, disparate environmental impacts in the City of Boston, we are writing to respectfully recommend and request that you take all steps needed to accomplish full Conservation of Crane Ledge Woods.

Through your leadership, full conservation would provide fair and full financial compensation for property-owner Jubilee Christian Church and would reasonably compensate the developer while achieving a  truly meaningful, positive, bold and transformative step advancing climate and environmental justice goals in Boston.

Full conservation of Crane Ledge Woods is a consensus priority for abutters and residents of Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Roslindale.  It has the support of the Green New Deal Coalition, and many organizations across the City. It is significant that organized labor does not support this project, owing to the developer’s unsatisfactory track record on Boston projects. Our coalition is in full agreement with labor in this concern.

In Boston’s history, visionary accomplishment through a collaboration of everyday residents and elected leaders have resulted in lasting public benefit - even where initial opposition and skepticism made that positive vision seem unrealistic - with the Southwest Corridor “People Before Highways” campaign being only one inspiring example.

Full conservation of this urban woodland would powerfully demonstrate that climate and housing can be - and must be - complementary and not competing goals in our City - and a needed affirmation that with patient, compelling leadership, we as a City can advance together in achieving our shared positive vision for the future.

Thank you for your past and continuing work on all issues of concern in Boston, and for appreciating that action now is timely to accomplish the positive, win-win final result at Crane Ledge Woods.