At first blush, Harvard University’s development plan seems like a straightforward campus expansion, with a mix of new academic and sports buildings that would create a nicer environment for students on the Boston side of the Charles River.
But within the pages of the document, filed with city regulators Friday, is a broader proposal to transform North Allston itself, bringing new shops, restaurants and residences that will help revitalize the nondescript area.
Comments
As Boston born and Brighton bred, I am increasingly nauseated by the takeover of this section of town by BC (Brighton), BU (Allston, and a bit of Brookline), and Harvard, whose goal seems to be to make sure its campus directly touches BU's, and dust away Allston, until it hits BU properties.
In my view, if the buildings are not 100% classroom, Harvard needs to pay taxes like everyone else, and not dole out whatever it thinks is 'fair' to Boston, as a non-taxable non-profit - quite a joke actually. My guess is, that will not happen.
Pretty soon, Allston-Brighton will become America's 'Collegetown', and I want to see Boston made whole through proper privately funded infrastructure improvements, and property tax payments.
As long as they pay taxes on this property...time to lose that non-profit status BS as taxes are taken off the tax roles....which means that those that cannot afford to go to Harvard have to make up the difference for the loss taxes.