City Debates Med. Library Property Sale

Several Boston city officials seem to think that the University should be able to purchase the Martin School property on Huntington Ave, for the proposed new $7.5 million Medical School library, even with the Boston City Council officially opposing the action.

At the Council's Monday meeting, Councilor William J. Foley introduced a resolution calling for Boston's School Committee, Redevelopment Authority, and Planning Board to scrutinize closely any decisions to sell the property to the University. The measure passed 8 to 1.

It seems, however, that several Councilors view the present situation as a general problem, not only a Harvard one. Councilor Christopher A. Iannella said last night that "I am not opposed to giving institutions property, but I am opposed to their taking the best land off the tax roll." He said that Foley's measure was aimed mainly at other colleges, and the sale to the University probably would be completed.

Yesterday, Councilor Foley said that he has proposed an alternative plan for the University to purchase another section of land located near the school, but he conceded that the city might sell the Huntington Ave, site if there were not enough space in his suggested area.

A member of the School Board, George F. Hurley, said that he thought "the sale is going to go through all right." Before the University can purchase the school property, the School Board and then the Committee on Sale of School Land and Buildings must approve the transaction.