Boston Balances Lofty Ambitions, Harsh Realities

The Big Dig, half patronage and half utopian planning, represents in many ways the problems of development in America's most historic city. On one side is the blue-collar Boston of ethnic ties, machine politics, and neighborhood cronyism. Tied to a declining way of life, this group is being left behind by the more progressive, more inclusive, and better educated areas of the city. As the "New Boston" emerges, many local institutions are forced to adapt to the future.