HTU Asks Timetable

The Harvard Tenants Union, in a letter addressed to Harvard Real Estate (HRE) president Sally Zeckhauser, this week demanded that the University make public its long-term plans for renovating the rental properties it owns in the city.

The letter refers to a "five year plan" for "making capital improvements in rent-controlled properties," adding, "on several occasions since last spring, officials from HRE have made mention of the existence of such plans."

Zeckhauser said yesterday that while the University has a general outline of repairs and renovations it wishes to make, "nothing is chipped in stone. We have a general idea of what we want to do, but nothing is hard and fast." She added HRE would not give any timetables to tenants.

The letter comes as the tenants' union prepares to mount a strong challenge before the Rent Control Board to Harvard's requests for rent increases. The University has asked--and generally received--rent hikes from the board for painting, plastering and other such work.

Tenants claim that much of the work is actually deferred maintenance and hence the cost should not be passed along.

The tenants union is also asking for notice further in advance of any planned renovations and repairs.

A Harvard-owned building at 9-13A Ware St. is the current focus of the battle, with nearly 40 per cent of the more than 100 tenants protesting a University plan to install new thermopane windows during the winter months. A spokesman for the tenants, Robert Epstein, said they object to the timing of the installations and fear they will result in large rent hikes.

Harvard workmen yesterday replaced the window in one apartment despite a posted sign warning them not to, Epstein said, adding tenants in the building were considering legal action as a result.