The town of Ayer at the recent super town meeting voted not to support MassDevelopment’s proposal for Vicksburg Square development. Ayer’s vote has given the towns an opportunity for a better solution. I voted to support the issue, but reluctantly. I was concerned there was no “organized” opposition. No Harvard town committees submitted reports.
There is a similarity between MassDevelopment’s present proposal and its previous “Scenario 2B” proposal. If the proposal passed, MassDevelopment would have a free hand without oversight or input. Harvard has recently learned how developers of elderly housing at Route 2 and Ayer Road failed to include sidewalks—a dangerous and limiting factor. All agree Vicksburg Square needs to change dramatically. Citizen input and oversight is needed—perhaps a charrette and then professional advice. Before heavy equipment arrives a well-planned outcome must be agreed on. A developer can give excellent advice but not be the planner on an issue of this importance to us all.
Jeff Harris
Whitney Road
