February 7, 2011Gerald AutlerSenior Project Manager/PlannerBoston Redevelopment AuthorityOne City Hall SquareBoston, MA 02201Gerald,Thank you for overseeing the review of Harvard's proposed Innovation Lab at 125 Western Ave. Withouta doubt, this project and the businesses that it might help launch have great potential for Harvardstudents and faculty, the Greater Boston region, and our society in general. As members of theAllston/Brighton community we would like to share the following comments:Harvard Business School, the Innovation Lab, and their partners (the Small Business Administration,Community Action Partners, etc) have a lot to offer. Considering the special relationship betweenHarvard and Allston and our shared history and future, we note that Harvard's proposal offers notargeted, dedicated assistance to Harvard's for-profit and non-profit neighbors in Allston.We hope the BRA and Harvard agree that a greater focus on economic development and localrevitalization is appropriate for the 125 Western Ave / Innovation Lab project. We would like to focusour comments on two relevant opportunities for this revitalization.

Allston/Brighton Access to Small-Business and Start-Up Consulting

Non-profit and for-profit businesses in Allston/Brighton should have guaranteed access to theconsulting services affiliated with the Innovation Lab2.

The Innovation Lab should have specific, measurable, results-oriented goals relating to businessesand potential business owners in Allston/Brighton. The goals should be jointly developed byHarvard, the BRA, and the Allston/Brighton community.3.

The Innovation Lab should report annually on its progress towards these goals and its impact onthe Allston/Brighton community.4.

The Innovation Lab Advisory Board should include Allston/Brighton representatives such as onemember from the Allston Board of Trade, one from Allston Village Main Streets, and one at-largecommunity member.

Placemaking and Transforming Western Ave

The 2005 North Allston Strategic Framework for Planning developed by Harvard, the BRA, andAllston/Brighton residents calls for "public realm improvements that enhance livability" and the"transformation of Western Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood Main Street withstreetscape and related improvements." Similarly, Harvard hired the Project for Public Spaces in 2006 toidentify placemaking opportunities along Western Ave. and noted the value of "creating greatdestinations through activities and attractions."