Northeastern University has offered to place a conservation restriction to permanently prevent future development of approximately eight acres of existing open space on its Nahant campus. The open space to be preserved is located east of Murphy Bunker, which houses several of the university’s marine science research labs.
In addition, the university has offered to grant the Town of Nahant an easement to ensure continued public access to Canoe Beach from the adjacent municipal parking area. The conservation restriction and access easement would take effect following the completed expansion of the university’s Marine Science Center.
The Nahant Board of Selectmen has proposed taking the open space from Northeastern by eminent domain. Instead, the university’s offer to place the conservation restriction would preserve, at no cost to the town, approximately 90 percent of the open space sought by selectmen, who propose spending $4.5 million to acquire the parcel. University officials estimate that the cost of the proposed taking would be substantially higher.
The package also includes tuition scholarships for Nahant residents to attend Northeastern, funding for the town’s elementary school art and music program, scholarships for local elementary and high school students to attend the center’s Coastal Ocean Science Academy summer program, paid internships at the Marine Science Center for Nahant students, and free public lectures and films for residents.
