Adam Baacke, Commissioner, 
Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance 
One Ashburton Place, 15th Floor, 
Boston, MA 02108

Juana B. Matías, Secretary 
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300 
Boston, MA 02114 

Dear Commissioner Baacke and Secretary Matias:

On behalf of the Charles River Regional Chamber and the Wellesley business community, we write in support of the designation of surplus land for housing at 40 Oakland Street.

As you are well aware, Massachusetts is in the midst of a severe housing shortage that is affecting every aspect of our economy, particularly our small businesses. This challenge is especially acute in communities such as Wellesley, where a lack of housing makes it harder for employers to attract and retain workers and leaves local business districts with fewer customers to support shops, restaurants, and services.

That is why we believe transforming MassBay Community College’s underutilized parking lot into housing represents a tremendous opportunity for the town. The addition of up to 180 smaller homes would create new opportunities for teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality employees, young professionals, and older residents looking to downsize. At the same time, Wellesley Hills businesses would benefit from hundreds of new residents within walking distance of local establishments.

The surplus designation also advances two other important public goals: conservation and education. The Commonwealth’s willingness to permanently protect approximately 37 acres of currently unprotected forest while concentrating development on an already disturbed parking lot is an extraordinary offer that may never be repeated. At the same time, proceeds from the land disposition will support important investments in MassBay Community College, helping strengthen an institution that plays a critical role in workforce development throughout our region.

That said, we share concerns regarding traffic, stormwater, wetlands, and parking. Any development on this property will have impacts, and we encourage the Commonwealth to address them in the RFP itself through clear mitigation requirements. While active litigation may complicate dialogue, the voices of Wellesley's residents and businesses should still help shape the project. In particular, we encourage the RFP to incorporate traffic and pedestrian improvements along Oakland Street and Route 9 to safely accommodate future growth.

We urge the Commonwealth to continue its efforts to address our housing shortage, support MassBay Community College, and permanently conserve valuable open space by designating 40 Oakland Street as surplus land.

Sincerely,

Greg Reibman

President & CEO 

Charles River Chamber

117 Kendrick St., Suite 300, Needham, MA 02494