Although Grogan has been able to mend relations with Boston since arriving at Harvard, the University's interactions with Cambridge have deteriorated into a public war of words.

While the 20/20/2000 initiative helped relations in Cambridge by addressing the issue of affordable housing, the Cambridge City Council has continually attacked Harvard over the past 18 months on issues ranging from a living wage for Harvard employees to University development proposals.

The most recent flare-up occurred two weeks ago when the council blasted Harvard for not making the same commitment to Cambridge education as it had through its Boston afterschool initiative.

Some councilors said they see the current situation as indicative of relations under Grogan.

"It has become clear that town-gown relations have taken a southward dip in recent years," said Councillor Kathleen L. Born.

But Grogan said he has learned to expect criticism from the council during his two years at Harvard.

"I'm not concerned about the ups and downs of the City Council relationship, because if you look at the history of Harvard and Cambridge, that's the way its been for a very long time," Grogan said. "There are points of acrimony and conflict, and there are points of more positive relations."