Are you content with the services, accessibility, and appearance of Harvard’s commercial district, located on Ayer Road between Route 2 and the Ayer line? When you need groceries or a prescription, is your provider conveniently located near you? Are you aware multiple companies are interested in opening a grocery store in Harvard’s C district but restrictions from bylaws passed in the 60s are negating serious consideration? Finally, are you happy with the C district as it is today, or do you think it could be improved?
On Saturday, June 14, the Harvard Economic Development Committee (EDC) will be hosting a Commercial District Development Forum from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Harvard Library Volunteers Hall. The forum is open to all and will be an opportunity to learn about development plans for Harvard’s commercial district as well as required changes to bylaws necessary to achieve desired developments.
The EDC will present activities and achievements based on the charter to improve services of Harvard while retaining the town’s character. Harvard Town Planner Bill Scanlan will provide designs and schematics for how the C district could look in the future, given potential plans, including a grocery store, pharmacy, town center, bike/walking paths, sidewalks, retail space, office parks, etc. There will also be representatives from RKG Consulting, presenting their analysis of the C district for the Master Plan/Master Planning Steering Committee, including current bylaws and any changes necessary for appropriate development. Finally, we will have a 30-minute open discussion with questions and answers on issues and requests for commercial development, especially regarding traffic, bylaw requirements, taxes, real estate, quality of life, and other concerns regarding the C district.
I hope you are able to attend the forum and join the discussion regarding development of the C district.
Jim Stevens
EDC chairman
