A proposal for 400 additional units of “workforce” housing at Devens was the subject of the October 4 meeting at the Devens Community Center, sponsored by State Senator Pam Resor and Representative Jamie Eldridge. Representing Governor Deval Patrick’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development were Secretary Dan O’Connell and Undersecretary Tina Brooks.
In their proposal, O’Connell and Brooks emphasized the importance to the region of economic opportunity at Devens. With 3,136 workers already employed at Devens, they said they anticipate 940 more from current redevelopment projects and another 700 within five years. With 1,640 new jobs in the pipeline, they recommend an additional 400 units of housing. Currently, the Reuse Plan for Devens authorizes 282 units, 106 of which have been completed by MassDevelopment, the developer and provider of municipal services at Devens.
The Reuse Plan, which went into effect when Chapter 498 was voted into law by the legislature in 1994, following town meeting votes by Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley, would have to be changed to reflect the revised housing cap of 682. Because the housing could be located in districts of Devens already designated as residential, there would be no use change required, although the increased density of mixed housing would require a lot size change.
Selectman Tim Clark, speaking from home on Tuesday, said that the meeting was well attended by residents from the three towns and a large contingent of Devens residents. Describing the meeting as the beginning of a dialogue between Governor Patrick’s administration and the communities, he added, “If they’re developing policy, we want a seat at the table.”
Reached at his office at the Statehouse Tuesday, Jamie Eldridge was optimistic. “It’s the start of a conversation,” he said. “I felt a real atmosphere of openness and back-and-forth from the Patrick administration and its representatives.” He quoted Harvard resident and former selectman Larry Finnegan as saying that it is the first time that someone from the governor’s administration has come out to listen to residents’ concerns.
Three members of the Devens Committee, which is an advisory board made up of five residents elected by fellow residents, responded by email that the housing proposal and the involvement of the state was a welcome step. Don Frye wrote, “It is encouraging to know that the Patrick administration has an active interest in this growing and vibrant community.”
Clark explained that O’Connell and Brooks had made the case for workforce housing that would be reasonably priced. “They think there’s a real demand and need to pair this type of job opportunity with moderate housing,” he said. He added that all the new housing would be in Harvard.
Board of Selectmen chairwoman Lucy Wallace, reached at home on Wednesday, explained her understanding of workforce housing. She said it is for those earning up to 125 percent of median income, who are priced out of the strictly-defined affordable housing category.
Clark said that, during the question-and-answer period, he emphasized the urgent need to resolve questions about where children on Devens will be educated.
Mike Boucher of the Devens Committee wrote, “The increased school population of over 200 students would provide a critical mass to support the building of a school on Devens.”
Boucher wrote of the “mismatch and disconnect” between some Harvard residents who wish for no additional housing and “those living on Devens looking to continue to build a community.” He added, “Arguments over cost of education and integrating Devens into Harvard via multiple direct-road access need to be addressed.”
Referring to the additional 400 units as a “good number to start with,” Boucher also pointed out that Devens residents have identified housing needs of another demographic group. “Residents on Devens have been very consistent in requiring some percentage of future housing to include the retired population,” he wrote.
Wallace said she pressed on the issue of governance. “You can’t have people living there without locally elected government,” she warned, “and the problem will only be aggravated by more residents.”
Clark said there was a buzz of excitement in the room when the presenters mentioned the possibility of redeveloping a portion of Vicksburg Square as housing. “It’s in tough shape,” he said, “with no clear future and huge issues that would require state assistance.” Eldridge observed that there was some real enthusiasm about the idea of fixing it up and preserving its historic character. According to Wallace, the presenters sat up and took notice of this response.
Clark reported that a wide range of opinions emerged during the question-and-answer period. Some Devens residents spoke of wanting more neighbors, more of a community, than just 682 housing units. Another worried about transportation. If 400, or 25 percent of the 1,640 new workers, live locally, how would the other 75 percent—commuters—affect or be affected by the transportation systems in place? In response to concerns about new units flooding the depressed housing market, Robert Culver, president and CEO of MassDevelopment, said that they would respect market conditions.
When asked how the changes to the Reuse Plan as referenced in the proposal would be made, Clark said Resor and Eldridge answered that legislation would be required. When pressed by Clark and others, they acknowledged that the changes would also require the consent of the three towns, as specified under the provisions of Chapter 498.
Wallace said it was clear that there are differing timelines. While Devens residents are thinking in terms of weeks, Harvard representatives are thinking months or even years. “We can’t drag it out forever,” Wallace admitted, “and this is a positive first step.”
Tom Kinch of the Devens Committee wrote, “We don’t have time on our side, in that, as is the case in one company, over 200 jobs will be created at Devens that require relocation by the end of the year 2010.”
What about the next steps? Wallace worried that this was not entirely clear. “It’s incumbent on us to go back to them,” she said. She spoke of upcoming meetings along with Selectman Bob Eubank and representatives of the Patrick administration to discuss the return of jurisdiction over Harvard’s land at Devens, and suggested that could be an opportunity to continue the housing dialogue.
