Cambridge Rejects Proposal to Lease University Parking

Cambridge City Manager James L. Sullivan yesterday rejected a proposal from the Cambridge School Committee to alleviate traffic congestion near two local high schools by leasing parking space in the University's Broadway garage.

Sullivan said the plan, under which the committee would pay Harvard $185 per year for each of twelve spaces, would set an "inappropriate precedent" by favoring some city employees over others.

The proposal would also conflict with the city's policy of discouraging its employees from using private cars instead of mass transportation, Sullivan said.

William Lannon, Cambridge superintendent of schools, had supported the committee's adoption of the plan last November because it would have provided "increased flexibility" for school employees travelling to the Cambridge High and Latin and Rindge Tech schools.

Lannon said that Sullivan's action had "cut down on my options," but said he understands Sullivan's reasoning.

Donald C. Moulton, assistant vice president for community affairs, said yesterday the University had not expected Sullivan to reject the plan, and had go ahead with extensive plans to accommodate the committee's request.

"We were just trying to provide a service for which we were asked," Moulton said