"The University hasn't empowered someone like Paul for a leadership role," Galluccio says.

He dismisses the work of Grogan's assistants, who organize meetings with residents to pitch the University's development plans to the community. The sessions are held on weeknights and often extend for several hours, giving residents the opportunity to weigh in on Harvard's plans--often with quite harsh criticisms.

Galluccio says Grogan's assistants have no real power and function primarily to prevent the University from having to make real change.

"I feel sorry for the government and community affairs people on the front line," he says. "They're used as sacrificial lambs to insulate the University from outside concerns."

Accentuate the Positive

One of Grogan's major goals since entering office has been to publicize the positive impacts that Harvard has had on the community.

He says "a disconnect" exists in Cambridge, where residents are largely unaware of the benefits that Harvard provides to the community.

"There are a lot of amenities," he says. "[Harvard] is just an unusually nice thing to be around."

His office has conducted polls--which he says show that the University has an 85 percent favorability rating among residents--and published a series of reports highlighting the positive economic and community and role that Harvard plays in the metropolitan area.

Grogan calls the University's economic impact "staggering"--his office reports that Harvard spends almost $1 billion more per year in the Boston area than it takes in.

Grogan's major new initiative thus far as vice president is a $20 million investment in affordable housing, announced last November. The University plans to provide $10 million in low interest loans to both Boston and Cambridge to fund housing efforts--the top priority of Cambridge city councillors and residents.

This "extraordinary" commitment, Grogan says, represents a "down payment" to demonstrate the University's commitment to improving the community.

"We do take seriously our civic responsibility," he says.

Duehay praises the University's commitment to funding affordable housing.

"Outside of Cambridge, universities don't do this sort of thing," he says.

Duehay also credits the University as a positive force in the community, citing the economic impact of both Harvard and MIT.