July 7, 2004
Harvard Hillside (Nashoba Publications)
By Nathan Lamb
HARVARD -- The debate about the future of the vacant rest stop on Route 2 westbound in Harvard appears to be over now, with motorist access to the site soon to end. This is the case after Gov. Mitt Romney approved of language in the annual state budget that called for the site's closure last week.
The provision was part of the Department of Capital Asset Management's (DCAM) budget, which will now require DCAM and MassHighway to shut down the rest stop and seal it off from traffic.
The decision concludes a debate that has surrounded the rest area for the better part of a year now.
The issue first arose when the town became aware of a plan from MassHighway to sell the site for development that would have established a 24-hour gas station and restaurant there.
After that plan was withdrawn in the face of public opposition, neighbors of the site began voicing safety concerns when several of them found evidence that uninvited visitors from the rest stop had broken or avoided the fence between the rest area and entered their back yards. Clothing and other items left in the area led the abutters to believe illicit activity was going on nearby.
In response to these concerns, state Rep. James Eldridge and Sen. Pam Resor, both Acton Democrats, worked to include the provision to close the site into this year's budget.
Town Administrator Paul Cohen said the decision is good news for the town and residents who live near the site.
"I think the town is pleased that the rest area will be closed and secured," he said. "This will obviously be an improvement for the neighbors who reside adjacent to that facility."
For the residents of Depot Road who reside just beyond the fence at the rear of the site, the closure is especially welcome news, as it is expected to alleviate safety concerns and preclude any revisiting of plans to develop the site; a scenario that had remained a cause for concern among some residents, even after the initial plans were shelved.
Depot Road resident Jake Jagell said he sees the decision as the culmination of lengthy effort that finally yielded dividends.
"We've been working to have that closed since the days it was just a pull off, so it's very gratifying to have the Highway Department and the governor listening to their constituents," he said.
"Considering how many things he did veto," Resor said, "we're very happy he left this, and we're hoping this means the administration is ready to move forward on the closure."
"That's certainly what it looks like, and obviously we'll have to pursue this and make sure it happens in a timely manner," she added.
Resor characterized the decision to shut the site down as a solution that serves the best interests of the region as well as the residents.
"I'm really pleased for the people who live there and the region as well," she said. "I think it'll help make sure that the beautiful viewscape there is protected."
Resor added that she's not done protecting the views along Route 2, and said she is already planning her next initiative -- obtaining light-dampening hoods for the prison lights in Shirley.