As a member of the Harvard Housing Partnership (HHP), I can answer a couple of the questions asked by Keith Cheveralls in the “My Two Cents” opinion piece that appeared in the August 24 Press.
The answer to his question “Why on earth (pun intended) was MHOC even invited into town by the Harvard Housing Partnership?” is quite simple. The HHP did not invite MHOC to Harvard. I have seen this idea that the HHP “invited” MHOC to Harvard claimed previously, and it is unfortunate that others now consider this fiction to be fact. The fact is that the first time the HHP met MHOC was when they came to us to discuss preliminary plans for their other proposed Chapter 40B development on Ayer Road. As a matter of fact, they had already met with the Planning Board to discuss developing the Ayer Road project as a non-40B project based on the new Ayer Road “Village” bylaw prior to ever meeting with the HHP. It is important to note that because the HHP is a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen for affordable housing issues, the town typically directs developers to meet with the HHP as a first step when they are proposing an affordable-housing project in Harvard. However, these preliminary meetings with developers should in no way be misconstrued as “outreaching” or “inviting” developers to do projects in Harvard because the developers usually have a specific project in mind when they come to us.
Another question posed by Mr. Cheveralls is “Why was it left up to the singular courage of our ZBA to demand and secure a last-minute financial ‘deal sweetener’?” The fact is that the ZBA is the singular voice and negotiator for the town during a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit process, and it is mandated by state law to fulfill this role. However, its efforts are supported by many other town boards, including the Planning Board, Board of Health, and HHP, among others. These boards provide input and perspective to the ZBA. Perhaps the most notable example of this is the high level of cooperation and coordination with the Board of Health that occurred during the public hearing process for both the Ayer Road and 15 Littleton Road projects, which was well reported by the local papers. To this effect, the HHP provided a memorandum to the ZBA recommending that a donation of $5,000 per market-rate unit be negotiated with MHOC, similar to what was done for the “Trail Ridge” project on Littleton County Road, and recommended that this be negotiated in addition to water line upgrades suggested by the water commissioners to improve the infrastructure around the proposed development. Therefore, while Mr. Cheveralls is correct that the ZBA has done an outstanding job sorting through the various issues related to the 15 Littleton Road project and should truly be commended, it is not accurate to suggest that these “last-minute” benefits are the result of a singular effort.
I believe that the answers to most of Mr. Cheveralls questions can be found with open and respectful dialogue with the various town boards and officials if one so chooses. What I ponder is how do we get to the point where fiction becomes fact in our small town and spin takes precedence over truth? It is truly tragic when those who pride themselves on seeking the truth choose to ignore the truth, or not seek it, when it does not support their cause.
Concerns about 40B are well founded and the HHP struggles with these concerns as much as anyone, yet we read in the papers nearly every week letters and articles written by “concerned citizens” that often contain misinformation and misunderstandings (see examples above) without any attempt to discuss and clarify with the various boards and officials prior to publication. In particular, the HHP is a resource to the town and able to provide realistic and factual information with regard to this complex legislation as well as Harvard’s Affordable Housing Plan. The HHP meets at least once a month, yet these “concerned citizens” never come to talk with us and discuss their concerns and issues as neighbors should or as due diligence would dictate. From all that I have read, heard, and seen over the last year, I honestly believe that the HHP is not at odds with many of the key elements and concerns expressed by these individuals and groups and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues, sort out the facts, find common ground, and work together toward the best solution for Harvard that does not involve putting our heads in the sand. Our meetings are posted and anyone can contact us to get on the agenda to discuss issues related to affordable housing, so let’s put an end to fear mongering and publicity campaigns and work together for our town’s future.
David Hopper of Littleton Road is a member of Harvard Housing Partnership.
