Harvard has maintained its character over the years thanks to careful planning and development. The proposal to build 36 rental apartments at 166 Littleton Road on the [former] Poor Farm property does not live up to that tradition. It is much too big and more than twice the size of the development that was originally proposed in April 2013. The project would also burden the area’s limited resources and present challenges to wells, traffic, and wetlands that cover the Poor Farm property. These concerns present real problems to the people that live in the area, as well as to the environment.
Given these concerns, it is not surprising that residents are willing to stand up and question the proposal. Contrary to the views expressed in the Harvard Press (see Expressions Nov. 21, 2014), such conduct is not embarrassing. Instead it’s a strong sign that the proposal has serious problems and is not well thought out.
Tellingly, the developers anticipated this. Only one developer bid on the proposal to build on the Poor Farm property. When the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (“Trust”) asked the other developers why they did not bid, six of them said that they did not want to face criticism from the local community. Perhaps these developers knew to expect such criticism because it does not make sense to build 36 apartments on 4 acres of land in a rural part of town. Most people didn’t move to this neighborhood to see a large apartment complex built next door. In fact, the lack of development is what drew many people to the area in the first place.
If there is going to be development on Poor Farm property, it should be smart and thoughtful. The current proposal is neither, and there is every reason to expect the neighborhood to stand up and question it. The mission of the Trust is to develop affordable housing in Harvard “in ways that do not burden the Town and that help to strengthen and maintain the Town’s rural and historic character.” That mission is admirable, and the current proposal does not live up to it.
The people who live in the area surrounding the Poor Farm property care deeply about their community and will insist that it is developed responsibly. The Trust should not move forward on a purchase and sale agreement to develop the property until the concerns of area residents are addressed and alternatives are considered.
Jason and Jennifer Pinney, Park Lane
on behalf of 120 area residents
