Vellucci to Seek Subpoena Of Bok by City Council

A Cambridge city councilor said yesterday he would ask the City Council to subpoena President Bok and direct Bok to testify to the council on the University's plans for expansion into the community.

Councilor Alfred E. Vellucci said he would introduce the resolution at the council's Monday meeting.

"If he does not appear in response to the subpoena, he can be held in contempt and go to jail," Vellucci said.

The statement yesterday by Vellucci was in response to Bok's rejection of the council's request that he testify on Harvard's building and development plans for the Agassiz neighborhood, located north of the Law School.

In a letter to the City Council dated last Friday, Bok declined to testify voluntarily and indicated he would send Donald Moulton, assistant vice president for community affairs, in his place.

Last week's council resolution requesting Bok's testimony specifically asked that Bok not send Moulton.

Councilor Saundra Graham, author of the original resolution, said yesterday that she supported the proposal to subpoena Bok.

'Honchos'

"That man Bok has to be made to testify," Graham, said. "He can't just send his honchos like Moulton and avoid answering embarrassing questions about what Harvard wants to do with its land."

Graham also said she thought Bok refused to reveal Harvard's specific building plans for the Agassiz area because he did not want to prompt support for a measure before the council that would rezone the neighborhood.

The rezoning measure would limit new construction to 36 feet in height, in contrast to the present zoning, which allows 144-unit buildings and puts no limit on height.

Graham said yesterday Harvard will not be able to build any high-rise dormitories on the land, "which is what they've been planning all along but won't admit," if the new zoning regulation is passed.

Graham also said that if a rezoning measure does not pass now, it cannot be legally done for another two years. "That will give Harvard time to start building in the Agassiz neighborhood," she said.

Moulton yesterday denied Graham's charges.

No 'Cover-Up'

"There has been no attempt at secrecy, no attempt to 'cover up.' We have no definite plans concerning the Agassiz area right now," he said.

Moulton also defended Bok's decision not to testify. "He has answered questions very honestly, and has made a very substantial effort to be open," Moulton said.

Bok could not be reached for comment yesterday.