City Council supports Coalition for a Just Allston + Brighton

The President and Fellows of Harvard University and its various subsidiaries own approximately 360 acres of land in Allston and Brighton neighborhoods, making Harvard the single-largest landholder in Allston-Brighton.

With approximately 170 acres of land available for development in Allston and Brighton, Harvard has expressed its intent to develop its landholdings on a scale equivalent to that of the Seaport and Suffolk Downs Districts, with hundreds of acres available for the construction of mixed-use life science, commercial and residential development.



The Coalition for a Just Allston + Brighton (CJAB) was formed in August 2021 to unite residents, neighborhood-based organizations, community members and elected officials with an interest in the future of Allston-Brighton, while engaging citywide Boston-based organizations. These groups are seeking a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Harvard amid an unprecedented and decisive moment in the history of Allston-Brighton.



As Harvard pursues development of its land in Allston and Brighton, CJAB delivered a letter to the Mayor outlining commitments sought of Harvard in community outreach, comprehensive planning, housing, sustainability, transit and mobility, open and green space, retail and commercial space, education, arts and culture, and labor and workforce development. During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution supporting these commitments.