August 2003: After hearing testimony from 50 neighborhood residents in support of the Carlson petition, the Ordinance Committee votes to send both petitions on to the City Council for a vote. Harvard, Riverside’s largest land owner, submits written opposition to both petitions, which means that either one would require seven out of nine votes of the council members to be enacted.

Fall 2003: Harvard officials and city councillors begin meeting to discuss a compromise before the Oct. 28 deadline for the council to act on the two petitions. Harvard presents plans in September that the community criticize as being excessive.

Oct. 23, 2003: Community residents receive copies of a draft agreement between Harvard and the city. The Council holds a special meeting the following day to discuss the Riverside zoning but adjourns after less than five minutes after residents and councillors say they need more time to work out the details.

Oct. 27, 2003: The council unanimously adopts an agreement with Harvard after many neighborhood residents voice their support of the compromise.

Oct. 28, 2003: Both the Carlson petition and the planning board petition would have expired.

Nov 4, 2003: Election day. All nine city councillors are up for reelection.

—Staff writer Jessica R. Rubin-Wills can be reached at rubinwil@fas.harvard.edu.