We read with interest the decision of the state Housing Appeals Committee in favor of the Massachusetts Housing Opportunities Corp. (MHOC), negating two important Harvard ZBA-imposed conditions to the comprehensive permit granted to MHOC for the 15 Littleton Road project. Of course, it was the financial interest of MHOC that once again trumped the civic interest of the Harvard community—a reflection of the sinister nature of the developer-driven 40B law itself.
While we may be mistaken, we assume someone or some group in Harvard invited MHOC to come to Harvard to buy up land for 40B projects. And then some group in Harvard decided to grant them a LIP, making them a “friendly” 40B. In both instances, we suspect there was a failure of due diligence, since ample evidence of MHOC’s unfriendly practices in the past has surfaced in the local press during the past year.
As abutters to the MHOC Ayer Road project, we forgive these errors in judgment. In truth, nothing can stop the self-interest of a 40B developer once he or she comes to town. But shouldn’t there now be consensus that the 40B law is a disgrace, and shouldn’t we work together in a new initiative to strike it from the books through the concerted efforts of our elected officials and our citizens?
Greg and Kathy Fricchione
Glenview Drive
