Joe Pesatura, spokesperson for the MBTA, tells GlobeSt.com that the tranporation authority has offered $33.5 million for the property, which Pesatura says was determined by independent appraisers as fair market value.
Harvard University bid $75 million for the 91 acres. The MBTA decision is supposed to become official within 30 days of the vote.
The parcel is right near a number of key rail yards. "We need the parcels that abut the railroad tracks," says Pesatura. "Without the yards it would be difficult to expand capacity in the future." He points out that under the MBTA's enabling statute the agency has the right to seize property it deems necessary for transportation purposes.
"It would be naïve to think there won't be expansion of the commuter rails," he adds.
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