In the 1970s, a coalition of community groups joined together to block construction of the Southwest Expressway through Jamaica Plain and other Boston neighborhoods. Today, the Southwest Corridor Park, a bike path that runs from the Arboretum through the Stony Brook neighborhood to Back Bay, stands as a testament to the power of community activism.

Stony Brook is located in between the Forest Hills commercial area, Egleston Square, and Centre Street, the spine of Jamaica Plain.

With several parks in the vicinity, including the Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park, there is ample greenspace nearby. Stony Brook is serviced by the MBTA Orange Line and is walking distance to the Green Street stop and Forest Hills Station. English High School is also a short walk away.