Our plea for Dark Skies, within and near Harvard, was well presented a year go by Dr. Bernard Koskicki, who showed efficient use of non-glare lighting to provide the least offense to others. Any voluntary improvement in lighting either residential or business has not been noticeable. This improvement will probably be incremental but the effort will not be forsaken. We will continue to work with the Shirley MCI prison for improvement of their lighting that can be seen from Prospect Hill.

Action is required, however, regarding the Fort Devens jurisdiction that has been moving to a climax this year about thirty years ahead of schedule.

At the closure of the Fort in 1994, and at the implementation of the Act of 1995 MassDevelopment acquired the Fort and began development. First, the Fort was to be an "inland port" a rail and truck distribution center for New England: Guilford Motor Express and Southern Container. It also became a manufacturing center for large and small corporations including: Gillette, Parker Hannifin, American Superconductor, Pharmco, Xinetics, Media News Group, and Dunkin'Donuts. It is preparing to launch its third phase now: housing development with a proposal of 1800 units of new housing.

Because what happens in our neighboring communities, as with Boxborough and Cisco, affects Harvard, we are asking members to analyze the options and consider this latest Devens development proposal. Harvard votes to retain or yield jurisdiction of its part (2700 acres) of Devens to a new town at the binding vote in November 2006.

As for former concerns: The rest area on Route 2 is still closed with effective fencing but no removal of the problem landscape has been undertaken. Cisco traffic has been increasing, as has residential traffic in that area where 52 units of 40B housing are being developed.

The Army continues to monitor and attempt to correct the oil still found on the Barnum Road area, an area of CPRH's particular concern.

Mildred A. Chandler
President