Construction Must Go On

In a meeting with the Harvard Allston Task Force on Monday night, Allston residents erupted in anger and frustration over the university’s ambiguous plans regarding Allston development progression. In particular, residents expressed concern over Harvard’s continued acquisition of property while it has simultaneously enacted plans to slow the building of the new science complex. Residents are worried that a slowing pace of construction in Allston will mean leaving these purchased properties vacant—preventing other businesses from entering the area. The university has already slowed its purchase of raw materials intended for use in later phases of the science center project.

Though the vocal indignation of residents can seem off-putting, the university should recognize an important change in the message it is now receiving: Many Allston residents understand the positive value of Harvard’s developments on their side of the river, and they want Harvard to proceed with construction as scheduled.

Allston residents are correct to be dismayed by the construction slowdown. The new science complex and the rest of the Allston project will benefit the university in a host of ways over the long run, but we can only receive those benefits once the project is complete and operational. Moreover, the project will improve the city of Allston’s economy, infrastructure, and culture—benefits that will be stalled if Harvard simply buys and holds unused property. Harvard must view it as an essential priority both for the residents of Allston and for the university community to use whatever resources are available to maintain the anticipated pace of Allston construction.

This exhortation particularly applies to the science complex portion of the development program. The university plans to finish laying its foundation, but the slowdown as proposed will slow or stop the later phases of the project.

The university has fought a constant struggle with the Allston community over the details of the expansion across the river. But now, at this point in the construction, a chorus of residents finally agrees that the continuation of Harvard’s growth across the river is in residents’ best interest. We encourage both sides to see this as a new common ground for the furthering of the Allston project. If the university fails to recognize and capitalize on this newfound enthusiasm for construction, it will surrender an opportunity for goodwill and progress with our Allston neighbors. Of course, most importantly, delaying Allston construction jeopardizes the future vitality of our university in favor of extreme spending trepidation.