Article: Devens ready for leap of faith

THIS FALL, the people of Massachusetts could make history again. Like the Puritans who took a leap of faith in 1630 to create their City on a Hill, the residents of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, and the former Fort Devens will vote on Oct. 24 to decide whether the onetime army base will become the state's 352d town by 2010.

These four neighboring communities differ greatly: industrial Ayer, rural Harvard, post-industrial Shirley, and fledgling Devens, a newcomer with designed industrial parks and a fiercely loyal band of homeowners. Each town deeply desires to retain its unique character; Devens, the go-ahead to pursue its destiny.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts has a vested interest in developing its ...

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