Gary D. Hammer, public approvals manager for Harvard Planning and Real Estate and a former member of the Conservation District Study Committee, says that while it is unclear whether the Defense Fund can appeal decisions as a formal group, other mechanisms are in place for an effective appeal.

"If nothing else they probably have enough registered voters [10] to sign a petition, which is allowed under the ordinance," Hammer says.

The City Council tabled an amendment to the Conservation District legislation that would have limited standing of appeals for groups like the HSDF.

"The Defense Fund would have had a more problematic attitude toward the Conservation District if the amendment had passed," Nathans says.

Harvard's Role

"We're very supportive of the Conservation District as one of the larger property owners in the Square," says Mary Power, Harvard director of community relations.

Harvard has worked with other Cambridge conservation districts, most notably with the Mid-Cambridge district on the Knafel Center project. In this area, hearings by the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission delayed Harvard's building plans by more than a year.

But according to Power, the formation of Conservation District in Harvard Square will have little impact on the way Harvard conducts itself.