Newbury and Newburyport secure $200K to preserve land

Grant would pay to preserve 172 acres of open space

BOSTON – The towns of Newbury and Newburyport today received a $200,000 grant to preserve 172 acres of open space shared by the towns.

The parcel, known as Wet Meadows, is a stretch of land that serves as the gateway for many visitors to Newbury and Newburyport as they drive in from I-95. The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs provided the grant for the preservation of 146 acres of land in Newburyport and 26 acres of land in Newbury.

State Senator Steven A. Baddour and Representative Michael A. Costello wrote letters supporting the application for the Self-Help Grant.

“A great scenic vista will be preserved because of this grant,” said Rep. Costello. “I want to thank the Newburyport Open Space Committee for all of its hard work on this project and on all open space projects, which help maintain the character of our community. I also want to thank Environmental Secretary Robert Golledge for making this opportunity possible.”

The land, which is located off of Hale Street, is owned by Arturo Gutierrez. The Self-Help Grant will be put toward the purchase price of the land. Funds from the Community Preservation Act will also be used.