M-BELT is committed to upholding the integrity of the Brooks Estate as an environmental asset, and maintaining the open space and wildlife for human visitors and wildlife.

Brooks Pond 

• Trail rationalization
• ADA accessibility
• Water quality
• Habitat restoration
• Wetlands protection

Woods, trails and open areas 

• Trail rationalization
• Invasives control and wetlands protection
• Habitat and meadow restoration
• Manor-to-Pond vista restoration

In order to transform the Estate into a self-sufficient financial engine, we first need to ensure access for both pedestrians and vehicles, including rebuilding the access drive leading to the Shepherd Brooks Manor and Carriage House and creating a 50-car parking lot:

• A new entrance gate on Grove Street;
• A rebuilt, expanded road drive, leading to the Manor and Carriage House; and
• Utility upgrades including conduit electrical, and fiber-optic lines.

M-BELT’s vision for the Brooks Estate is focused on the re-use of the historic buildings for public benefit.

While the restoration and preservation of the Brooks Estate structures has been ongoing, there remains much to be done for the area to be a fully-functional facility. Future projects include the following initiatives:

For the Manor:

• Repointing the red brick exterior
• Restoring the ADA-accessible entrance/porch on the north side
• Restoring the widow’s walk
• Continue the restoration of the Manor’s interior, including public rooms, an archive room, a new caretaker apartment, and a business office

For the Carriage House

• Rebuild the roof and exterior
• Create a multi-purpose function facility, archive room, business office