Can residents block development near Jamaica Pond?

adamg — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:27:59 +0000

The Friends of Jamaica Pond hold a meeting on Wednesday to figure out ways to keep 12.5 acres of land on Hellenic Hill from ever being developed - possibly by convincing state and city officials to buy the land.

Earlier this year, Hellenic College, which owns the land, listed it for sale. The college took the listing down, but said it is still thinking about selling off the land.

The Friends say keeping the land wooded is vital because of the pond's history, its continued designation as an emergency water source for the city and because "Jamaica Pond Park is used daily by thousands of people to revitalize their physical, mental and spiritual health."

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the First Church in Jamaica Plain, Eliot and Centre streets.