Each June Harvard University sponsors a fund raising dinner for alumni on the overpass (Harvard University refers to it as the Science Center Plaza). It remains land owned by the City of Cambridge, but is administered by Harvard University. This year the south side of the tent walls are about 15 feet from the fence of Harvard Yard. That allows for emergency vehicles to drive up to the tent and go out to the street. The north side is only about 6 feet from the edge of the sidewalk and less to the branches of the trees. Only the Segways and their motorcycles could fit through that space. It is curious that Harvard does not allow for emergencies, in view of their priorities of security on their property. The university gave up freedom for security many years ago. But when it comes to fund raising security loses its priority. Harvard University uniformed campus police are often seen patrolling this area. But campus police jurisdiction only extends to Harvard's property line. The city acquiesces in this extension of Harvard's police power beyond state law. It saves city police labor costs and makes their job easier. But it also prevents city police from working details at such events. Then again Cambridge and Harvard University operate under the Obama-Holder doctrine, which declares inconvenient laws may be ignored.
Here is a link to images of the tent that was used in 2013
http://enoughroomvideo.blogspot.com/2013/10/cambridge-ma-taxpayers-contribute-to.html
Tent for fund raising dinner seen looking west on Wednesday June 11, 2014
Tables, chairs, umbrellas for visitors, students, faculty and staff.
Large size chess and checker board.
This year's tent has solid doors on each end.
Looking west at the north side of the tent. The space between the refrigeration units and the orange cones is about 6 feet.
Looking west at the south side of the tent. Harvard Yard's fence is to the left of this image.
Looking east, food trucks and an ice cream trailer serve visitors to the plaza-overpass.
Looking west at the north side of the tent. The space between the refrigeration units and the orange cones is about 6 feet.
Looking east at the north side of the tent. The space between the refrigeration units and the orange cones is about 6 feet.
Looking east at the south side of the tent. Harvard Yard's fence is to the right of this image.
Looking east at the north side of the tent. The space between the refrigeration units and the orange cones is about 6 feet.
This is the west side of the tent, which has solid doors also.
