Haskell Property To Become Urban Park

State government is stepping up to save what some call  "The Heart of New Bedford.' 

Secretary of Environemtnal Affairs Rick Sullivan Tuesday announced a $500,000 grant to help preserve the six acre Allen Haskell property off Shawmut Avenue.

 Allen Haskell, a famed horticulturalist, died in 2004. 

The property will become an urban park, complete with greenhouses, historic homes, landscapped gardens and open space. 

Allen's widow, Ellie is excited about the future of the property....

New Bedford will also contribute to the project by donating city owned land, and $100,000 in Community Development funding.