Costin gains entry to Arnold Arboretum

BOSTON — Former Lynn Mayor Thomas P. Costin Jr.’s contributions to Greater Boston will be immortalized at the restored Poplar Gate to the Arnold Arboretum, which will be dedicated in his name.

A 281-acre preserve in the heart of Boston, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University stewards one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of temperate woody plants. The arboretum held a groundbreaking for the significant renewal of the Poplar Gate on Wednesday in Jamaica Plain.

The event marked the start of the construction phase of the Arboretum’s Entrance Improvement Project, a comprehensive plan to enhance accessibility, connectivity and horticultural aesthetics of all the arboretum’s portals to adjacent neighborhoods in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale.

Costin became the youngest mayor in the city’s history, at 29 years old. He served from 1956 until 1961, and worked to improve housing and revitalize neighborhoods. Prior to serving as mayor, Costin’s dedication to public service began when he won election to City Council in 1947 at only 21 years old.

Throughout his career, he has been a champion of civil rights and a community advocate for greenspace preservation.

“We honor Thomas P. Costin Jr. for making such a difference in people’s lives through nearly eight decades of public life and public service,” a statement from the Arboretum said.

Costin was an early advocate for the preservation of all 2,000 acres of the Lynn Woods, which was permanently protected last year with the help of Essex County Greenbelt Land Trust.

In 2009, Costin was also named an Essex Heritage Hero, an award that recognizes and passionate stewards who work to educate people about the culture and resources within the Essex Heritage Area.

“By dedicating this renewal of the Poplar Gate Entrance in his honor, his incredible legacy to improving lives and advancing environmental justice will touch and inspire our community as well,” the statement said.

Costin was also appointed Postmaster of the Lynn Post Office in 1961, in which he made contributions to the passing of the bipartisan Postal Reorganization Act of 1971. Due to his remarkable contributions, the Lynn Post Office was renamed in his honor in 2019.

Joining him at the groundbreaking ceremony were his daughter, benefactor RoAnn Costin, and his son, Tom Costin.

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