Harvard’s current leadership at the Joint Boards of Selectmen meetings reveals a propensity for endlessly evaluating matters with more study. Harvard’s leadership seems torn between their systemic financial problem and contemplating another answer, the potential revenue created if they assume jurisdiction of Devens. These financial benefits naturally come with responsibility, which would require drastic changes in Harvard’s governing structure, and alter the character of Harvard.
At a recent JBOS meeting, an Ayer selectman suggested that the existing reports from the Devens Disposition Executive Board (DDEB) already provide the majority of information needed for making another disposition decision.
The DDEB financial model, which was created over several years, provided details on all disposition scenarios—2B and 1A—using some basic assumptions. The model design allows changes to these original basic assumptions. If one had questions on the validity of the assumptions, they could be changed and a new analysis would reveal any differences in results. To make it easier, Harvard’s Finance Committee members are quite familiar with the model and could use it to assist Harvard’s leadership as they raised questions.
This raises the obvious question: Why not use existing tools and reports rather than starting from ground zero again?
One other approach for Harvard would be to consider the statement on page 45 of the Devens Reuse Plan: “A sewer ( from Devens wastewater plant) could also be extended to the Route 110/111 corridor in Harvard to serve existing and future commercial development.” Both Ayer and Shirley already have done this to facilitate development in their towns.
Harvard could negotiate with Mass Development for the above project, and thus have complete control over its future destiny. Harvard leadership could increase their tax revenue via commercial business enterprises to their liking, and still maintain their town character and governance structure. There are choices for Harvard leadership.
Bob Eisengrein
Walnut Street, Devens
