I'm unclear on who *likes* Harvard Square in its current state
Clearly there are people who buy the things for sale in Harvard Square's stores.
The problem is that while you like the look and feel of Davis Square, there's no mechanism for you to contribute money to support it. The only way people can support it is by buying things there. And clearly, if the stores are replaced with more expensive stores, and people buy at the new stores, they're willing to support the new stores more than the old ones -- because they're paying more. I suppose you could arrange for a tax levy on the houses in the neighborhood for some sort of "stabilization fund" that would subsidize the leases of "old style" businesses in the Square.
no subject
Clearly there are people who buy the things for sale in Harvard Square's stores.
The problem is that while you like the look and feel of Davis Square, there's no mechanism for you to contribute money to support it. The only way people can support it is by buying things there. And clearly, if the stores are replaced with more expensive stores, and people buy at the new stores, they're willing to support the new stores more than the old ones -- because they're paying more. I suppose you could arrange for a tax levy on the houses in the neighborhood for some sort of "stabilization fund" that would subsidize the leases of "old style" businesses in the Square.