Is Harvard's Proposed Development Right for Allston?

In Allston, Harvard University has a proposal for a major development underway, including expansions of facilities for the university as well as housing and business spaces. The proposal could have major implications for the community, as it would radically change the landscape, and some advocates are concerned that change might not necessarily be for the better, citing the classic tension between town and gown.

They fear issues like a high vacancy rate that might leave the new development underutilized, or promised benefits that never actually appear. On the other hand, a well-executed design could be a masterpiece of urban planning and development, especially with responsible and skilled Boston contracting firms at the helm. Can Harvard and Allston work together to create a solution that satisfies both?

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