"We're embarking on our second redesign and we don't have a single permit. It has cost an enormous amount of money," he says. "There has to be a better way."

Riverside Blues

While the Knafel Center project may finally be moving forward, debate over a proposed art museum by the Charles River has just begun.

The building, to be located on Memorial Drive just past Peabody Terrace, would replace Mahoney's Garden Center, a store popular with residents.

Harvard administrators have spoken with residents of the Riverside neighborhood, but city councillors say discussions have not gone well.

"I've never seen more ineptitude in conducting a neighborhood meeting," Reeves says. "I do see a very real possibility for a showdown in the Riverside neighborhood."

City officials say Harvard blindsided residents with the museum proposal and has made only half-hearted attempts to listen to neighborhood concerns.

Reeves calls Harvard's stance hypocritical, saying the University asks for community input but already has plans for the site.

"'What do neighbors want?' and 'Do you like this museum?' are two separate questions," he says.

Councillors say they want the property to benefit the city--Galluccio suggested Harvard develop affordable housing units on the site as a sign of its commitment to Cambridge.

Grogan says despite residents' concerns, ultimately authority for the property should lie with its owner--the University.

"'The community ought to determine what happens on that site'--that's kind of a novel thing to tell a private developer," he says.

Residents have unrealistic expectations, he says, for how much they are able to influence the process.

Harvard administrators seem mystified by opposition to the proposed museum--a low-lying, unobtrusive structure designed by noted architect Renzo Piano--which they say would benefit the community.

"The idea of a Renzo Piano building by the river, that seems to be a wonderful asset for the community," says Vice President for Administration Sally H. Zeckhauser, who is responsible for coordinating development with the Harvard Corporation.

On the Attack

Tensions between the city and University extend beyond straightforward issues of real estate expansion.