The end of World War II created a unique problem in American history. As veterans returned to their hometowns and families, most found that while they wanted to buy or rent homes, very few were available. Around the country, communities looked for ways to provide affordable, modern housing as quickly as possible, and the City of Newton was no exception. Unlike most other communities, though, Newton chose to build an entirely new neighborhood for its veterans, including 412 houses, a shopping center, and a school. This new neighborhood was called Oak Hill Park.

Oak Hill Park is located in the southernmost part of the City at the West Roxbury (a Boston neighborhood) line. It is roughly bounded by Mt. Ida College to the north, the Boston City limits to the south, Dedham Street to the east, and the Charles River to the west.

Unlike many similar veterans’ housing projects in other communities, Oak Hill Park was financed by the City itself, without the aid of state or federal funds. The City funded the project with a $1,250,000 bond issue. In addition, the new sewer and water main, which was estimated to cost an additional $4,000 per lot was provided by the City. The land, formerly the Highland Sand and Gravel Pit, was sold to the contractor for $50 per lot, although its per lot value at the time was estimated at $2,000-$2,500. It was the largest single project ever undertaken by the City, and it was the largest local project of its kind built under Chapter 372 of the Acts of 1946, which allowed the City to borrow and spend money outside the debt limit to construct housing for Veterans.

 Oak Hill Park History compiled by Jonathan T. Melick