“The Devens reuse challenge demands a visionary planning effort grounded in environmental, social, economic reality. It must be realistic, pragmatic, market-driven, flexible and future-oriented.”
–From the Devens Reuse Plan, Nov. 1994
What a great goal, what a concise selection of words to frame the task of redeveloping Devens. What dynamic wording: realistic, pragmatic, market-driven, flexible and future-oriented. All represent, cry out for, ongoing and serious review to stay current.
Has “flexibility” and “future-oriented” become locked in the repetition of old grievances and defense of outdated concepts?
We need to question aggressively and constantly. Have we been nimble, current, flexible, and receptive to changing markets? Are we open to new ideas in this constantly changing world?
Vicksburg Square is in desperate need, and Devens deserves its immediate and complete renovation. Do you not see the opportunity, the sanity, and the worth of the current proposal? Every town planning document for Ayer and Harvard created in the last 10 years cries out for affordable residential units. Rentals are cited as necessary but in extreme short supply.
I view Vicksburg Square residential rental development as an asset to the area housing stock. Rentals don’t compete with residential resale in the area. It seems reasonable that many renters will use Vicksburg Square as a stepping stone to ownership in the region. I see this as, “They come, they like, and they stay in this region.”
Indulge me for a minute and let’s just play out this scenario.
Jay is a returning veteran, two tours oversees and finally ready to launch his civilian life. He’s recently married and needing to gain traction in civilian society. He plans on additional schooling but needs to work along with schooling to support his new family. He finds a job in Fitchburg that pays a modest starting salary. His family needs a place to live on his $28,000 income; his wife worked while Jay was overseas, but they are now expecting their first child, a son.
They see Vicksburg Square’s affordable rental veterans preference units at a cost they can afford, and they qualify. This young family starts their new life in a two-bedroom unit at Vicksburg Square, Devens.
They first discover the joy of easy walks on quiet streets, skating on the outdoor rink, sliding down the slope behind their unit. A short walk to the playground brings joy to their young son. They fish and swim at Mirror Lake. The affordable season pass is a blessing on their tight budget.
Jay likes to golf but limits himself to evening rates to stretch the family budget. A big day for this young couple is hopping the train to Boston and enjoying the sights and sounds of the North End and shopping at Faneuil Hall. Another favorite of Jay’s family is Fruitlands. They have, on many a weekend afternoon, enjoyed the vista at Fruitlands. They attend most summer events held there.
Both volunteer at the Devens Museum, and Kathy, the matriarch, is hoping to start a small local theater ensemble; the intimate confines of the Bataan & Corregidor Memorial Theater are just perfect. Kathy substitutes in area schools; her favorite is the Parker Charter School, where she hopes to be able to teach when family responsibilities allow it. Jay is enrolled in evening college courses at Mount Wachusett Community College on Devens.
Jay’s parents downsize from their four-bedroom Harvard home to a senior rental in Hale Hall, Vicksburg Square. They never dreamed that their fondest hope of having family near would materialize. Spending serious quality time with their grandson and family, they thank Trinity Financial daily for their vision for Vicksburg Square and their two-year persistence to make it happen. Jay’s dad is a former Green Beret who immediately becomes active in veterans organizations in the region. Jay’s mom is a former elementary teacher and despite the move to Hale Hall she continues as an aide at the Hildreth Elementary School in Harvard. Evenings she runs a volunteer study program she organized in the Vicksburg Square function room for Devens, Ayer, and other regional students in need of just that little extra help.
Well, they have been here eight years, and Jay’s family now numbers four. Jay loves his job and with the recent promotion, looking for a home is now in the family’s immediate future. Their attachment to this region and proximity of Jay’s parents results in a decision to restrict their housing search to the immediate area of Ayer, Harvard, or Devens. Jay’s parents plan to stay another 10 to 12 years, until the grandchildren reach that independent age, then relocate to a warmer climate.
So goes the story, a never-ending loop of young families or retired couples, cycling in and out of Vicksburg Square rentals.
Am I the only one to see this story play out in countless variations over the next number of years? Go ahead, dream a vision and see the possibilities that a revitalized Vicksburg Square can create.
I do not see budget deficits, unmet problems or a burden on surrounding towns. I see hope, opportunity, fairness, prosperity, and growth for Devens and the region. Saving Vicksburg Square means housing; there is only this one option. This plan, the Trinity plan, makes sense on so many levels of analysis.
I have faith we, the three towns’ voters, can dream big dreams, collectively make momentous decisions, and wisely fashion a future for Devens that brings prosperity and pride to all.
To reject this proposal chips a piece from a prosperous Devens future; to pass this proposal adds a layer on which Devens and the region can build.
Phillip Crosby is a Devens resident and is chair of the Devens Committee.
