Only days before finishing a $1 million renovation of the Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center, the center found out that Harvard's $88 million purchases included their new site.
"You haven't become our neighbor. You've become our landlord," said Marti A. Glynn, executive director of the center. "For us, $1 million is our life savings."
Allegations
During the meeting, residents linked allegations originally leveled against Beal companies, which purchased and held the land for Harvard, to Harvard, the properties' ultimate owner.
Janet L. Entersz expressed concern that Harvard was the real owner of the property when Beal Companies demolished a historic 19th century mill complex in order to create a $20 million shopping center that includes Star Market.
"I was shocked. Given Harvard is an educational institution, it's very hypocritical," Entersz said.
Beal Companies demolished this historic site after a community-based protest led by Timothy McHale and supported by Brighton-Allston Historical Society and Boston Preservation Alliances. Beal Companies proceeded with destruction in 1995 despite the Landmarks Commission's designation of the site as a temporary protected landmark.
Aftershocks
After the meeting, Harvard officials said they were optimistic that the anger residents showed would be put aside and Harvard's presence in the neighborhood would benefit both Harvard and Allston.
"We came not only to talk but to listen and learn," Rowe said. "It's clear people are still working through the surprise news."
Community leaders shared a similar view.
"I think this was a venting session and rightly so," said Paul Berkeley, president of the Allston Civic Association. "Whether trust can be built depends upon how Harvard reacts."
Many of the residents who did not speak during the meeting seemed more positive about Harvard's move into Allston.
"Somebody was going to buy that property anyway," said Allston resident Carole F. Gunning, who has lived in the area for 55 years. "I've always worried that more industry would be detrimental. Harvard usually beautifies the property. I'd rather have an institution of learning than a factory."
Despite residents' concern about how Harvard has treated them up till now, many seemed optimistic about working with the University in the future.
"This is about money and power," said Gunning. "We don't have money. We can have power if we work smart."
--Vincent B. Chu and Karen A. Medlin contributed to the reporting of this story.