Devens’ unique governance structure has long set it apart from other Massachusetts communities. The former Army base is managed by the state-created Devens Enterprise Commission, while much of its land remains within the boundaries of Harvard, Ayer and Shirley. As commercial and residential development continues, some have raised the question of whether Devens would be better served by becoming an independent municipality with its own elected government and local control — or whether the current regional arrangement remains the better model.