Community members also worried that the density of the site might limit its potential.

“I think this is very under-whelming,” said Task Force member Harry E. Mattison. “Harvard’s not going to create a focus for North Allston activity in that one little corner.”

Amidst this skepticism, the University and the Boston Redevelopment Authority stressed the importance of open dialogue with the community.“We are starting a process.

If Harvard, developer, or community demands too much then the project could be unfeasible,” said Mahmood Malihi, an executive vice president of Leggat McCall Properties, the firm hired by Harvard to advise the University on its Allston planning.

“We’re hoping to draft a plan that is in line with Harvard’s goals and with the community’s goals.”

—Staff writer Mercer R. Cook can be reached at mcook@college.harvard.edu

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

CORRECTION: March 1

An earlier version of this article stated that the expected perimeters of the Barry’s Corner development project are Western Avenue, North Harvard Street, Soldier’s Field, and the Innovation Lab. In fact, the development will be bordered not by the Innovation Lab but by the Harvard Allston Education Portal.