More than 90 Boston University officials and community members gathered in the School of Management last night to discuss the development of a Life Science and Engineering Building and new graduate student housing, outlined in BU’s newest seven-year version of the Master Plan.
The sites of the 10-story Life Science and Engineering building at 24 Cummington St. and an 11-story graduate housing complex located at 580 Commonwealth Ave. were among the main issues discussed, sparking debate from task force and community members. Both sites are scheduled for demolition in March.
Community members from the Kenmore Residents Group and the Kenmore Association expressed their appreciation for the projected additions to the BU campus, while some members of the Audubon Circle community were concerned about the Master Plan’s lack of definite boundaries as the campus continues to grow over the next seven years.
‘What we need to do is make sure that the boundaries of the campus are identified,’ said Archie Mazmanian, a member of the Cottage Farm Neighborhood Association in Brookline.
Other community members demanded that the Boston Redevelopment Authority, which is in the process of reviewing the Master Plan, require BU to make definite boundary outlines in its Master Plan, which now only delineates proposed development sites on its currently owned property.
‘In essence, we have told you what we think our horizon is,’ said BU Senior Vice President Richard Towle. ‘We have shown you all the property we own and what we intend to develop.’
Although some community members were disappointed with the newest Master Plan, others said they admired the plans outlined.
‘For me, this plan clearly shows progress,’ said Terry North, president of the Kenmore Residents Group. ‘In this economy, I’m grateful for any project that will bring jobs into Boston.’
During the hour-long presentation prior to public comments, consultants explained the details of the two new buildings. Due to the sizable number of people in attendance, there was less time for questions and comments from task force members, but the overall presentation was positive, BU spokesperson Kevin Carleton said.
‘The meeting gave members of the public a chance to talk about the issues brought up in the discussion,’ Carleton said. ‘There were an awful lot of points made. Some were extreme and just struck me as bitter and absurd.’
The mixed reactions about the two new buildings continued in comments made about the student presence in Allston-Brighton and Audubon Circle neighborhoods, one resident complaining that residents look out at ‘nothing but students screaming and yelling.’
Other residents in attendance expressed gratitude for having BU students in their neighborhoods.
John Hoffman, whose grandmother lived on St. Lukes Road for many years, said he watched his grandmother benefit from the help of BU students.
‘BU students helped her shovel snow, they took her to the hospital when they fell, they took care of my grandmother for years,’ Hoffman said.
Task force member Jessica Crooker, the lone BU student in the group, said she hoped to influence the perception of BU students.
‘What I don’t approve of is all the negative stereotypes about students,’ Crooker said.
The public comment period for the 2003-2010 Master Plan ends on March 1.
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