The New Boston Crossing was put into the spotlight in 2023 when the City Commission annexed the parcel of land south of town and bordered by US59, SLT, the Wakarusa River, and the Baker portion of the Haskell-Baker wetlands. This development proposal sits upon 178 acres of land including 12+ acres of wetlands. Almost two thirds of the property is part of the 100-year floodplain and is bordered by the Wakarusa River on the southern end. We oppose this development due to ecological concerns regarding destruction of the floodplains, wetlands, and the proximity to the Baker wetlands.  To learn more click here. We also oppose this development due to cultural and ethical values. The land is adjacent to the historical Haskell Farm, the land that was farmed during Haskell's boarding school era. There is very real potential for there to be unmarked burials in this area as well as impacts to the historic Haskell Dump which is located near the Wakarusa River on the Baker complex. Read more here. Lastly, we believe that the local floodplain development permit that was approved for this project to move forward in any direction was illegitimate and false. We have attempted to resolve this within City channels (BZA, public comments, etc) and have been shut down at every turn despite the evidence. 

Baker