Cost of Housing Units May Halt Lease of Harvard Land

The high cost building temporary houses for veterans has made the proposed acquisition by the city of Cambridge of the University owned Botanical Gardens-Observatory site doubtful, Michael J. Neville, City Councillor, told the Cambridge League of Women Voters yesterday.

Neville said that to erect a temporary house with single bedroom would cost $4200, while a two bedroom unit would come to approximately $5400. As the houses depreciate rapidly in value and the need for low rental rates is a prime consideration, Neville indicated that the project may be financially unsound.