With the approval of Harvard’s Institutional Master Plan two weeks ago, the Harvard-Allston Task Force is now shifting its focus to finalizing a community benefits package linked to the IMP. Simultaneously, Harvard is preparing for the development of the residential and retail complex at Barry’s Corner, the intersection of Western Ave. and North Harvard Street.

Although the BRA board approved the University’s nine-project, ten-year plan two weeks ago, members of the BRA emphasized that the IMP is a long-term zoning document that does not examine the impact of each project in the plan. Kevin Casey, associate vice president for public affairs and communications, said that each project will receive individual review before its construction.

The Barry’s Corner project, which received approval from the Boston Redevelopment Authority last April, will begin a 30-day site-preparation period in December. After this preparatory period, buildings on the current site will be demolished to open space for the facility that will include 325 housing units and over 40,000 square feet of retail space.

Leslie G. Cohen, senior vice president for Samuels & Associates—the firm charged with constructing the retail and residential commons—said that she did not think that this demolition process will unduly disturb the community.

Cohen also said that Samuels & Associates plans to break ground in early spring. The building is expected to be ready for occupancy by the fall of 2015.

“How that project goes off is going to show a ton of people that these things can go well,” said John Cusack, a member of the task force.

Cusack spoke of the excitement some Allston residents feel over breaking ground on development projects that have been in the planning stage for years.