Vicksburg Square pro and con; Devens residents weighing in

by Anonym · Friday, March 16, 2012

As the “super town meeting” approaches to decide on changes to the Devens Reuse Plan, zoning bylaws, and zoning map that would pave the way for developer Trinity Financial’s proposed redevelopment of the former military housing at Vicksburg Square into rental apartments, Devens residents this week received ballots in their mail for an informational vote meant to gauge the level of support in that community for the project. The votes will be counted and the results will be shared at a meeting of the Devens Committee on Monday, March 19.

The non-binding vote was a request of the Harvard Board of Selectmen at a public hearing in February. Selectmen, and some Harvard residents, had said it would be helpful to know before super town meeting what the people who live in Devens want.

Major changes to the Devens Reuse Plan and zoning laws require approval by the town meetings of Harvard, Ayer, and Shirley, the three towns whose historical boundaries include portions of the former military base.

Along with the ballot, Devens residents received this week “pro” and “con” statements on the proposal. Devens Committee Chairman Phil Crosby wrote in favor of it, while Devens resident Heather Knowles wrote for the opposition.

The Press has posted both statements here and here.

1 comments on article "Vicksburg Square pro and con; Devens residents weighing in"

3/17/2012 5:02 AM

I support Trinity’s proposal for Vicksburg Square and hope you will too. Here are my reasons:
1. VBS was built for housing and preserving its historical architecture makes it nearly impossible to redesign for any other use. Despite our collective desire to have more business and less housing on Devens, VBS is not suitable for the innovative technology center as zoned in the reuse plan. The buildings are not supple enough to offer the flexible floor plans and shipping bays required by new (and hopefully growing) incubator ventures. Also the region has an abundance of such space which is now vacant.

2. I feel very passionately that we need to do more for our military that have sacrificed so much for this country. The veteran’s preference for the affordable units grants us the opportunity to give back to these dedicated women and men.
3. The housing is for workers, not welfare housing. “Affordability” is set by HUD and currently the income range is from $16,594- $57,780 (established by HUD, updated for 2012) Single Person: $16,869 – $41,100; Couple: $16,869 – $46,980; Family of Three: $19,509 – $52,860; Family of Four: $19,509 – $58,680. Many such workers live in our communities.
4. The economic analysis of VBS needs to be taken in the broader context of Devens. I appreciated the analysis done by the Ayer finance committee and DEAT. However, taken alone, any housing area would show that town services cost more than the tax revenue received. Currently there are about 2700 people employed by business in Devens, but the current housing cap is only 282 units. The Trinity plan will add 246 units. It is only fair that we provide housing for a greater portion of this workforce.
5. Preserving VBS is a collective decision between our towns. At this point no one knows whether VBS will become part of Ayer or Harvard or even a possible town of Devens. When the time comes for disposition, the towns will consider all aspects of the DREZ to determine an equitable way of parsing its resources including VBS. Trinity has a very impressive record for constructing and managing housing. I think this is our last best shot at reviving this beautiful piece of local history.
Carolyn McCreary
Ayer