In early 1998, residents rejected the original plans for the building because of its unwieldy size in comparison to surrounding buildings. Harvard responded with an alternative plan of two smaller buildings, connected by an underground tunnel. Both Coolidge Hall as well as the University Information Services (UIS) building across the street would have to be demolished with the new plan.
Mary Power and building architect Harry Cobb spoke about Harvard's most recent changes in the plans for the Knafel Center to about 60 members of the Cambridge community at Sackler Auditorium last December.
After a long and detailed presentation, the meeting allowed residents to air the concerns they still have regarding the Knafel Center.
"It was a good process with an open exchange of thoughts," said Paul S. Grogan, vice president for government, community and public affairs. "We registered that we don't have a hearing problem."
But Cambridge activists are pushing for even more.
"It's a step in the right direction, but people still need time to reflect on what they heard," Pitkin says, referring to the revisions that the University proposed at the meeting.
The MCNA is still working on its next step. It will hold a meeting tonight to discuss the Knafel plans, and will also be discussing a subcommittee report on proposed guidelines for Harvard's soft-edge development.
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