Parcel 1B Legislation Stalled

A controversial bill that would ease the development of Parcel 1-B, located just off Brattle Square, is stuck in the state legislature for another week.

State Rep. John F. Cusack said yesterday the state Urban Affairs Committee will not debate the bill, submitted by City Councilor Saundra Graham, until at least April 16.

The bill, which has met loud opposition from community groups in neighborhoods surrounding the proposed development, would allow the developer of the proposed shopping mall, restaurant, hotel and housing complex to bypass public reviews.

"It takes away all the protection that we've fought so hard to win," community activist Pebble Gifford said last week.

Graham said recently she favors the development because it would provide more jobs.

The lots are located near the Harvard Motor House. Developer Richard Friedman won preliminary city planning board approval of the plan last year but must still gain state clearance for the project.