About the Charlesview Apartments
December 18, 2006
Where: The Charlesview Apartments consist of 213 low-income apartments on the corner of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue at the edge of the Harvard Business School campus (right circle on map).
What is so complicated: While occupied by about 600 residents, Charlesview is owned and operated by a separate board of directors. The board decided about three years ago to negotiate with Harvard University to relocate and rebuild the 35-year-old complex, which is badly in need of repair. The separation between the board and the residents has greatly complicated the negotiation.
Recent developments: After two unsuccessful proposals, last month Harvard offered Charlesview a 6.5-acre site further up Western Avenue currently occupied by the Brighton Mills Shopping Center (left circle on map). The Board found the offer suitable and has begun to pursue a swap. Some residents, however, remain unhappy and have protested the proposed move.
What is so complicated: While occupied by about 600 residents, Charlesview is owned and operated by a separate board of directors. The board decided about three years ago to negotiate with Harvard University to relocate and rebuild the 35-year-old complex, which is badly in need of repair. The separation between the board and the residents has greatly complicated the negotiation.
Recent developments: After two unsuccessful proposals, last month Harvard offered Charlesview a 6.5-acre site further up Western Avenue currently occupied by the Brighton Mills Shopping Center (left circle on map). The Board found the offer suitable and has begun to pursue a swap. Some residents, however, remain unhappy and have protested the proposed move.
