“We’re very proud of this master plan and we believe it benefits not just Harvard but also the community and the city,” Band said.

The projects within the IMP will parallel construction of a science complex on Western Ave. that will house the engineering school and a mixed-use development at Barry’s Corner including both residential and retail space that is slated to break ground this fall.

Band called the Barry’s Corner facility the crossroads between the University and the community.

The IMP approved by the BRA board outlines only the project planning portion of the University’s Allston development, and does not include an additional community benefits package.

Community benefits have been hotly debated in weekly meetings between the University and the Harvard-Allston Task Force this past summer and fall. The BRA board will review the community benefits package next month.

Harvard affiliates and others who spoke in support of the IMP emphasized the importance of the relationship between the University and the community during Harvard’s continued expansion into Allston. Consuelo Gonzales-Thornhell, treasurer of the BRA board, described the trust of the community that she saw reflected in the development plans.

“Harvard has come a long way. I am very impressed by the way you responded [to input from the community and the city] and by the plans you have set before us,” she said. “I could not let this evening go by without congratulating you for that.”

—Staff writer Marco J. Barber Grossi can be reached at mbarbergrossi@college.harvard.edu. Follow him on Twitter @marco_jbg.