1923 Planning Board Report-Development of Clark Swamp District

The built-up area of Norwood is gradually approaching the margins of the Clark Swamp district. Under good or bad planning this entire neighborhood is destined to be crossed by streets and built up with dwellings. The cost of this work will be borne inevitably by the citizens of the Town. If good planning is applied to this district, an attractive and economical arrangement of streets and an agreeable housing area will result, but if this district is allowed to grow by chance, unnecessary expense will be involved and there is every reason to expect an inconvenient and an unattractive development.

The plan shown above indicates a scheme of development for the Clark Street district which has been carefully studied to secure the minimum cost of street arrangement with a maximum of convenience and good appearance. Great attention has also been devoted to the subdivision of the ground into lots to secure parcels of adequate size, good shape, and well related to the approaches. Through travel is accommodated by Lenox Street, Nahatan Street, Munroe Street, and other main lines bordering the scheme. Ground which is too low and wet to be used for building purposes, but which is desirable for park land, is to be utilized for the latter purpose. The level portion of the ground is devoted to a playground with a ball field, and the upper portion to lawns and groves with attractive paths leading towards the playground, and providing short cuts between the ends of streets. It is greatly to be hoped that co-operation between the Town and private land owners can be secured to carry out a plan of this desirable type which benefits all concerned.