City Hires Laywer to Examine Scheme Z

City Manager Robert W. Healy announced last night that he has appointed an independent counsel to investigate the legal options the city can take to stop Scheme Z, the mammoth 11-story highway inter-change the state has proposed for East Cambridge.

City Manager Robert W. Healy said yesterday that Boston attorney Edward F. Lawson would lead the city's legal inquiry into Scheme Z. Healy also announced the appointment of a committee of area residents and city officials to investigate the controversial project.

In addition, the City Council voted to hold a meeting of all elected officials in Cambridge to coordinate opposition to the Scheme Z plan, which opponents say would lead to severe environmental problems and be an eyesore to the surrounding neighborhood.

State officials contend that Scheme Z is the only workable way to implement their multibillion dollar plan to construct a new Central Artery underneath Boston, and Secretary of Environmental Affairs John DeVillars is scheduled to rule on the project on January 2.

"So many decisions are being made so fast it's going to take all our ingenuity to force a Scheme Z to be developed that doesn't annihilate the Charles River," said Councillor Francis H. Duehay '55. "And we've got to move fast."

Healy said that he and the legal team were aware that time was running short.

"The attorney is aware of the deadline. We will have something back for the next meeting," said Healy.

Concerns about Scheme Z must submitted to DeVillars' office by December 26, one week before he makes his final ruling. Following the ruling, the city will have 20 days in which to mount a legal challenge.

"If this council wants to move ahead with legal action, and I hope we will, we need to vote on it quickly," said Duehay.

The council unanimously condemned Scheme Z two weeks ago, and Cambridge state representatives have said that they intend to file legislation that could block the project's funding.

Last night, councillors said that city officials need to present a united front against the Scheme Z plan, and that individual department's assessment of the plan must reflect the council's overall stance.

"I want to make sure the statement from the city is as cohesive as possible," said Councillor Jonathan S. Myers.

Happier Notes

In other business, Duehay announced his engagement to Jane Kenworthy Lewis. Duehay said that he and Lewis, a Cambridge resident and an attorney with the the state Supreme Judicial Court, would be married in January.

The news apparently came as a surprise to Duehay's fellow council members. Despite the sudden announcement, councillors and city officials were quick with congratulations and other friendly offers.

"The city clerk's office is available to offer you technical advice," said City Clerk Joseph E. Connarton.