The Cambridge Planning Board recommended this week that the City Council change the zoning laws covering Observatory Hill.

Harvard didn't want to build the garage immediately--such a plan is mentioned only in its long-range plan--but area residents, who are already annoyed about the construction of an athletic facility there, want to be sure it doesn't get built, ever.

The council is likely to approve the recommendation, partly because it is an election year and fighting Harvard is always good for votes.

The Faculty Council has begun discussion of a petition, submitted last spring, asking for a women's studies concentration, but has not come close to reaching a conclusion.