Shirley, Ayer and Harvard........ (Worcester, Fort Devens: condo, how much, military)

[ckhthankgod]

I was wondering, were each of these communities former military towns due to their proximity to Fort Devens? I noticed that each of these towns were relatively "diverse" in comparison to other communities of a similar size in the area. I thought that would be due to Fort Devens or the holdovers from that base.

Also, is it true that Fort Devens might be reactivated?

[Lowerdeck]

I can say that all three were towns in existence well before the opening of the fort. The fort was built on open space between the three, and now there's an argument over whether or not it should become its own town rather than remain in those three.

As for how much military influence there was, I dunno.

[DreamworksSKG]

I think a town would be better. It would keep development down, as the town selectmen would decide what goes in and what doesn't
I really liked the plan for the town
They were going to preserve about 2/3 of the land and keep the rest for mix use. residential and commercial. I don't think it would have been as big an impact as the yuppies in Ayer and Harvard are gawking about.
I think its another NIMBY case.

Well people in Ayer and Harvard I hope you're happy
Instead of nice parks, bike paths, and open space.
the area in about 20 years will be filled in with uncontrolled office parks, shopping plazas, and condo complexes on unincorporated land

That or the military will re use it as a base
or they will turn it into a commercial airport

Nice job self centered residents of Ayer and Harvard

I commend the people of Shirley for realizing the good this project would have done for the state

I hope there is some way they can still get the town done?
is there any way they can still get this project done without Ayer and Harvard involved? Some way the state can make a decision instead?
or can they revisit the issue again with a new plan?

[DreamworksSKG]

Here was the original plan

Tour Of Devens

Devens Massachusetts - A Community of Massachusetts Development

Open space that would have been preserved in the town of devens
Open Space at Devens

but now could be at risk

http://harvard.ma.us/Devens%20Top%20Five%20Benefits.pdf

Here's a recent article about the project
The Devens Dilemma Surfaces Again | Worcester Business Journal