One of the more enjoyable things about "the Davis Square resident perspective" (especially as reflected in DSLJ) is that it will almost certainly vary widely on almost anything -- and particularly issues like this.

But, in a down economy, anything that has the potential to improve quality of life and spur economic development is going to be hotly pursued. The Google network project will likely be a net (okay, little pun intended)boon to whichever communities end up getting it. As a Somerville homeowner, I'll always be happy to do a little groveling if it means we get transit, or mega-speed broadband, or new jobs -- as long as such benefits don't come with unacceptable environmental or social downsides. The Google project seems unlikely to carry either of these liabilities.