University Asks Change In Historic City Areas

University attempts to ensure the construction of new buildings for the Graduate School of Education by obtaining changes in the boundary lines of a proposed Cambridge Common Historic District were challenged by Charles William Eliot, professor of City and Regional Planning, at a public meeting last night.

In a letter to the Historic Districts Committee, the University has requested that the boundary line on the Garden St. side of the Common be redrawn to include only 100 feet of land from the street. The proposed boundary encompasses 200 feet, but the site for the ed school's new plant is included in the extra 100 feet.

At last night's public hearing, called by the Committee to discuss its preliminary report, Eliot insisted that "it would be a great mistake to reduce the depth of controlled Harvard land by a single foot." His remarks drew applause from the audience.

Eliot a leader in the long battle to establish several historic districts within Cambridge, said after the meeting that he opposes the University's request because "all the land around Christ Church must be included in the historic district."

He maintained that "the University can easily build a structure on Appian Way with the rest of the Common area" and maintained that "Harvard should not be treated differently from anybody else."

But Albert B. Wolfe, chairman of the Committee, said that the group will "seriously consider the University's request." He noted that the tentative boundary "cuts arross property lines and passes through several buildings." Wolfe refused to predict the Committee's final decision, but said that "all are aware of the problems created."

Despite specific objections, University officials have expressed general approval and support of the historic districts plan.

On the basis of requests and recommendations from all effected or interested property owners, the Committee will now compile a final report to be presented to the City Council, perhaps before June. A two-thirds vote (six Councillors) is needed to create the historic districts.