COLONIAL WAY PROPERTY HOLDERS OPPOSE PETITION

At a Council meeting in the City Hall last night, property holders near Colonial Way voiced considerable objection to the University's petition to close the street that divides almost in half a plot of land bordering on Memorial Drive on which one of the new House units is to be erected.

Harvard owns all the land abutting on Colonial Way, which, moreover, is but rarely used and not at all necessary. The principal complaints in regard to its closure were based on a possible depreciation in property value which might take place if a House were built shutting off neighboring residences from their outlook over the Charles. One real estate expert foresaw a possible loss of as high as 60 percent.

The City Council took no action last night beyond referring the matter, together with the unopposed petitions to straighten and widen a part of Holyoke Street, to a committee for further consideration.