And whatever doubts may linger within the group, the consensus of the stabilization committee, adds 71-year-old Geraigery, is that "the projected development for the East Cambridge Riverfront, in its essence, is beneficial to the community."

But definite problem areas loom high, namely the availability of parking and affordable housing. Low-cost housing is already a problem in East Cambridge--where the median family income is $15.929, compared to $28.278 in the Harvard area.

Some residents feel that the presence of high-tech industries will attract higher income professionals, forcing housing prices up and long-time residents out. This process, called gentrification, has already occurred in parts of Cambridge and Boston.

"There are a lot of ethnic groups which would be forced out by gentrification," says David Kronberg, editor of the neighborhood's quarterly newspaper, Losing those ethnic groups would, Kronberg adds, "erode the neighborhood's fabric."

Geraigery, who also serves on the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Commission, agrees that the issue of housing is paramount. "We've been getting shafted all along--so far there have been lots of promises, but no housing built."

In its 1978 report, the city projected the eventual construction of 1150 housing units.

East Cambridge residents, however, have some allies on the City Council in Daniel Clinton, Vellucci, and Walter J. Sullivan.

"There is no question that East Cambridge residents fear new development--and for very good reason...[but] the city will not condone economic activity if it is to be accomplished at the expense of the existing residential community," said neighborhood resident Sullivan in a pre-election statement.

But despite politicians goodwill, it may be difficult both to attract private developers and to alleviate fears of gentrification in East Cambridge. The area is not attractive enough yet to burden developers with extra costs such as requirements to build low-cost housing for the right to construct commercial buildings.