The purchase of 18 acres of waterfront property in Chelsea, MA, by a partnership spearhead by Mass Audubon has been approved by the state. The partnership—which also includes GreenRoots, an environmental justice nonprofit, and The Neighborhood Developers, a local community-development corporation—aims to create a broadly accessible, climate-resilient park, mixed-income housing, and community amenities along Chelsea Creek. A nature center and outdoor classroom are also planned, while the restored wetlands and a living shoreline will help shield the neighborhood from rising seas and coastal storms, and provide habitat for wildlife.

According to a Mass Audubon press release, the property—the former site of a lithograph manufacturing company—was placed in receivership at the request of the City of Chelsea in late 2024. It has been abandoned and fenced off from the public for almost two decades.

Mass Audubon says it will spend the next few months performing site evaluations and environmental testing.