Harvard ERC framework coming together

[Anthony D'Isidoro]

Harvard ERC framework coming together (Jeff Sullivan, The Bulletin: June 24, 2021) 

The Harvard Allston Task Force (HATF) met on June 15 and discussed the Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) planned for the neighborhood with Harvard and the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA). 

The large complex, surrounded by Western Avenue, Cambridge Street, Hague Street and the Resilience building at 500 Soldiers Field Rd., is part of a large redevelopment plan spanning several years, according to Harvard representatives. 

Sasaki Architect Martin Zogran said the idea is to now put in place public realm, open space and basic building designs as placeholders so that there’s flexibility for the area in the private sector while maintaining concrete promises for public spaces and greenspace. The plan shows an extension of Oxford Street, which is the private roadway running along the length of the Library Garden at the Honan-Allston Branch of the Boston Public Library, for example. That extension runs the length of the ERC, according to the plan, and would reach Soldiers Field Road once completed. 

Zogran said several areas of that greenspace plan and other building allotments have changed since first proposed in 2018. The full plan can be found at https://bit.ly/ 2UgKd5E. 

Zogran said that according to his group’s assessments, the main area of focus for phase 1 will be the central area on Western Avenue and Cambridge Street. He said their assessments have found that the majority of that area would benefit being commercial, with residential construction running along the greenspace corridor to the west. 

While the Framework Plan is not a zoning document, Zogran said it does set down a guide – a framework, if you will – of what kinds of development shapes would be optimal for the area. For one thing, big rectangular boxes are out. He said the idea is to have stepped buildings to create diversity for the eye. He said this could be achieved by limiting the length of individual buildings, breaking down the scale of large buildings with stepped and scaled-back areas, strategically incorporate small-scale special buildings, and orient and design buildings to mitigate the effects of wind. 

HATF member Brent Whelan said he was concerned about the idea of residential in that area and wanted to know exactly what populations Harvard envisions living there. 

“What breakdown of working class, middle class, affordability requirements, opportunities for home-ownership, what is the vision of the framework of this ERC?” he asked, adding that he would like to see a plan on how Harvard intends to recruit workers from the area as well. 

The full plan, which wasn’t released at the time of the meeting, states that Harvard is looking to put around 1,000 units of housing within the long-term development of the ERC, and that it would comply with regulations from the City of Boston Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP), which currently requires 13 percent of units to be income-restricted. 

“The document is an honest reflection of what we know right now, and I think many of the updates are towards the gist of your question, which is what are real developments in diversity and inclusion in the district,” said Harvard Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations Mark Handley. 

“That’s the question, yeah, and I’m hoping we’ll get to an answer,” Whelan said, adding he didn’t understand why the meeting was being held before residents could see the plan. 

BPDA Senior Institutional Planner Nupoor Monari said it was more of a preview of the plan and a chance for residents to re-familiarize themselves with what has been previously presented and how that plan has changed since its original inception in 2018. 

“The intention was for Harvard and Sasaki to talk you through what is essentially a very long and detailed document,” she said. “The intention is not to only have one meeting on the project and we can get back together at any point the task force feels is appropriate.”

For all related materials to the ERC and to see a recording of this meeting, go to https:/ /bit.ly/3gYcdmy.