“We’ve created something that Harvard has to react to,” he said of the strategic framework.
In a press release, the mayor said Harvard’s early funding illustrates its dedication to the community’s vision.
“Today’s announcement is proof that this plan is the foundation for great things to come for this community,” Menino said.
Berkeley said he hopes Harvard next targets the “streetscape” for improvement. The chain-link fences that populate the gateway into Allston do not fit Harvard’s look, he said, and the University has an opportunity to improve the appearance of the neighborhood.
Berkeley said he thinks that with the University’s resources and its apparent commitment to working with the community, such a goal would not be out of reach.
McCluskey said he perceives city support to be “absolutely critical” for the success of Harvard’s Allston ambitions.
“What we’ve seen a sign of here is that they’re willing to work with the mayor on his priorities,” Berkeley said. “It’s not just going to be my neighborhood, it’s going to be theirs. [If] they look at it from that perspective, we all win.”
—Staff writer Nicholas M. Ciarelli can be reached at ciarelli@fas.harvard.edu.