Opinion

Devens growth: An opportunity and a challenge

Passage of the governor’s economic development bill with its provisions for more housing at Devens is an exciting development for the region. Now comes the hard work of figuring out what’s best for the residents and businesses there, as well as the surrounding towns that may, at some future time, be responsible for educating and providing services to the new residents.

With 80 acres available at Devens for residential housing today, MassDevelopment, the quasi-government agency responsible for the area’s development, could move quickly to increase the number of homes and apartments well above the 270 currently planned, which includes 46 apartments and 26 additional homes yet to be built at Emerson Green.

But the state is wise to call for a working group of stakeholders, including residents, to review the options and propose a solution that works—or is at least optimized—for everyone. The residents who have already invested in property there will have to live with the outcome, so it’s right they are represented. And when it comes to the Vicksburg Square parcel, an eyesore and an opportunity, adding housing there can only be done with the approval of the town meetings of Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley, whose votes are needed to change the zoning from innovation and technology to residential.

It’s worth noting that the governor’s bill also removes the commercial building cap at Devens, although for all practical purposes that was done two years ago when the limit was increased to 12 million square feet. Though development will ultimately be constrained by environmental restrictions put in place by the state, an increase in the number of businesses there and the expansion of existing businesses seems inevitable, increasing the demand for homes and apartments to house the growing workforce.

The need for more housing in our region is evident. We applaud the measures in Gov. Healey’s bill that support its growth at Devens and urge the working group to move quickly—and transparently—to create a plan that works for both the residents and the three towns.

An invitation: Coffee with the editor at Devens

The Press will be covering the plan to increase housing at Devens, including the progress of existing projects such as Emerson Green. We’d like to hear from Devens residents. We invite you to grab a coffee and join editor John Osborn at Marty’s Cafe Monday, Nov. 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., for a freewheeling discussion of residents’ visions and concerns.

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