Politicians Decry Allston Delay

Following Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s recent letter criticizing Harvard’s decision to slow down construction of the Allston Science Complex, more local politicians are stepping forward to voice similar disapproval.

In a letter addressed to University President Drew G. Faust last week, Senator Anthony D. Galluccio expressed his opposition to the construction slowdown, citing the move’s negative impact on the vitality of the neighborhood.

“Despite current economic challenges, Harvard must make the completion of the Science Complex its top priority,” Galluccio wrote. “It is my hope that Harvard, as a world leader, will see the completion of this project both as a stimulus to the local economy and a statement about our priorities as a society.”

Though other politicians did not write formal public letters, many voiced similar concerns about the implications of a construction slowdown.

City Councillor Sam Seidel said that he was concerned that the decision to slow expansion would further weaken the economy, since the construction project would have employed many local engineers and construction crews.

“My personal preference is that Harvard moves forward with this work,” Seidel said.

In a letter last month to the Harvard community, Faust announced that the construction of the $1 billion science complex would be slowed following bleak projections for the University’s endowment that could plummet as much as 30% in the year ending on June 30, 2009.

University officials had heralded the complex as the cornerstone of the University’s Allston expansion. The structure was designed to become a hub of interdisciplinary science, and the new home of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute.

In addition to urging Harvard to stick to its original timeline for Allston construction, Galluccio also stressed his desire for greater financial transparency on the part of the University.

“Allston residents find it difficult to believe that [although] Harvard seemingly had unlimited amounts of money to purchase property, it doesn’t have enough to complete the project,” he said in an interview. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Late last month, residents’ concerns about the construction slowdown erupted into active resistance as neighborhood groups decorated Harvard-owned properties with banners protesting the University’s presence. Objections that residents have raised include the unattractiveness of vacant Harvard-owned real estate and the ever-diminishing prospects for a revitalized neighborhood.

“Galluccio hit the nail on the head,” said Tim McHale, Allston resident and president of the Allston Brighton Community Planning Initiative, adding that the community and local politicians have been speaking with one voice. “Just because circumstances have changed on Harvard’s side does not mean that they can just walk away.”

State Representative Alice K. Wolf, who acknowledged Harvard’s financial difficulties, said that the University’s obligations to Allston are still binding despite the economic climate, and that the slowdown would “undermine the community’s support and trust.”

“Given how large the institution is and how many people and neighborhoods it affects, Harvard needs to make decisions that are in keeping with the needs of community, not just the University,” Wolf said.

In response to Senator Galluccio’s letter, Harvard officials emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and engagement between the different sides.

“We understand the issues that Senator Gallucio raised, and we look forward to working with the senator and the entire local elected delegation to address those concerns,” said Kevin A. McCluskey ’76, Director of Community Relations for Boston.

—Staff writer Liyun Jin can be reached at ljin@fas.harvard.edu.