A recent issue of the Harvard Press provided an interview with past Harvard leader Bill Ashe about the future of Harvard surviving financially by assuming jurisdiction over Devens. Our hope is that others may also give their opinions on whether Harvard should assume jurisdiction of Devens. Perhaps it happened at last Saturday’s BOS public discussion about disposition.
Bill gave a very simple reason for jurisdiction over Devens—it will solve Harvard’s systemic financial problems. Forgotten is the fact that past Harvard leadership precipitated the very systemic financial problems that now exist. When Fort Devens was active, and Harvard’s population was suddenly increased, Harvard was flush with money from state aid from Chapter 70 funds and the lottery, because of this increased population. The increase was an average of $1 million per year for many years. However, in the 2000 census, when it was noted that Harvard’s population decreased because of the decommissioning of Fort Devens, the generous state aid was reduced.
Thus started the need for regular overrides to replace the lost state aid, and the overrides continue to this day. It appears Harvard’s past leadership created the current systemic financial problem. But lo and behold, assuming jurisdiction over Devens would solve this systemic problem. However, this revenue will not be available for another 10 to 15 years.
In addition, of course, no mention was made of the responsibility Harvard would assume, i.e., creating a vastly increased governing structure to provide the services now furnished by Mass Development for the more than 80 industries created at Devens.
Talk about changing the cherished character of Harvard—the latter need will certainly do that.
Bob Eisengrein
Devens
