"Major development projects will not go forward without say from neighborhoods," Galluccio said. "Neighborhoods will be here forever, and they have to be protected."

Galluccio ended his speech by saying the city had to maintain its character and diversity.

"Our strength is in our history. Our passsion for those less fortunate is in our bloodline," Galluccio said. "We cannot allow ourselves to gently slip into a more common place where selfishness is easily justified by entitlement, and individuality rules the day."

City and university officials praised the speech as a much-needed way to bring the community together to hear about its successes and unmet challenges.

"The mere fact that this happened is terrific," Councillor Jim Braude said. "It's important to let people know we are accountable for what happens in the city."

Councillor David P. Maher, a former school committee member, praised Galluccio's words on education.

"His discussion of public education was very forthright and touched on the challenges we have," Maher said.