The Board of Appeals unanimously granted two crucial building variances to St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church on Atwood Avenue, paving the way for the demolition of the aging existing structure and the construction of a modern church facility.
Variance Details and Fire Safety Approvals
The approved variances address specific spatial and regulatory requirements for the campus:
- Building Length: The first variance permits the new church building to extend 30 feet longer than the current structure.
- Parking Exemption: The second variance maintains a continued exemption from strict on-site parking regulations. Town officials noted that parking has never posed a problem since the vast majority of parishioners reside within the immediate neighborhood and walk to religious services.
Appeals Board Chairman George M. Eysie—who is a member of the church—disqualified himself from all discussions and voting, just as he did during the public hearing two weeks prior. Board member George Williamson served as acting chairman, reading an official letter from Fire Chief Leo J. Coughlin confirming that the proposed architectural plans fully conform to all local fire safety regulations.
The variances were granted pending receipt of a final favorable police report regarding traffic and parking safety. Joseph R. Olshan noted during deliberations, “The church has presented an adequate case for demolition and rebuilding and I see the only detriment as being to the rectory which will be close to the new church.”
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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New Building Dedicated By Evangelical Baptist Church-This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1964
This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1964-New Building Dedicated By Evangelical Baptist Church
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Cardinal Cushing Guarded Following ‘Death Threat’-May 1, 1964
Norwood Incident Apparently Based on Hoax; Churchman Not Worried at All Richard Cardinal Cushing, archbishop of Boston, today dismissed an alleged threat on his life as “a lot of nonsense”. The cardinal was surrounded by armed police In Norwood Thursday night and then was escorted home by two cruiser after the alleged threat. Today just…
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Knights of Lithuania Honor Mrs. Perednia-March 11, 1964
The Knights of Lithuania recently commemorated the feast of St. Casimir, highlighted by the presentation of the Fourth Degree Medal to Mrs. Katherine Perednia. On this occasion, Council President George Barton was presented his First Degree. Both presentations were made by Edward Daniels, Supreme Council Ritual Chairman of all the councils throughout the country. Welcomed…
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Informal Get Together-This Day in Norwood History-January 9, 1964
Some 150 nuns were present for an informal get-together on Saturday, December 28, at a luncheon given by Bishop Minihan, at St. Catherine’s in Norwood. Those present included natives of Norwood, and nuns who had taught in St. Catherines since the Bishop was Pastor. Mother Catalina, Mother Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph attended…
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Hold Graduation At St. George’s Church School-This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1963
This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1963-Hold Graduation At St. George’s Church School
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Syrian Orthodox Youth Organization Celebrates Youth Month With Class Graduation-October 11, 1962
GRADUATES—Members of the graduating Class of St. George’s Syrian Orthodox Church Sunday School are shown on stage at a program held in conjunction, with the observance of Orthodox Youth Month. Seated (left to right) Carol Elias, Gail Purpura, Pamela Howard, Carolyn Howard, Linda Thomas, and Helen Abdallah. Rear row (left to right) Rev. Michael Buben…
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St. Catherine’s Cafeteria Serves Nutritious Lunches To 1,000 Daily-This Day in Norwood History-January 18, 1962
His Excellency, John A. Volpe, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has proclaimed the week of January 15-19 as School Lunch Week to emphasize the important role of nutritious school lunches in the development of children’s health. And one of the largest school lunch programs in Massachusetts is at St. Catherine’s School, Norwood. According to…
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Sketch of New St Timothy’s Church-This Day in Norwood History-January 18, 1962
SKETCH OF NEW ST. TIMOTHY’S CHURCH AND RECTORY to be erected in Norwood at Willett Pond. Site clearance has already begun on the spot and excavation work should begin as soon as weather conditions permit. The contract for the work has been given to the John F. Griffin Company of Boston and it is estimated…
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Cardinal Dedicates New School & Cafeteria at St. Catherine’s Church-January 31, 1960
St. Catherine’s in Norwood, One of Largest in Diocese Richard Cardinal Cushing blessed the new school and cafeteria at St. Catherine’s Church, Norwood, yesterday and announced work would start in the Spring in Framingham on a $2 million infirmary for aged and infirm nuns. Introduced by Auxiliary Bishop Jeremiah F. Minihan, pastor of St. Catherine’s,…
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Rev. W.E. Keating Dies-April 20, 1958
Rev. William E. Keating, pastor of St. Catherine’s Church, died this morning after several years of declining health. Born in Salem on April 15, 1867, he was educated at St. James Parish School, Salem High School, Boston College, and St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, graduating in 1894. His ministry began as assistant pastor in Holbrook, followed by 17 years at St. Edward’s Church in Montello, and later assignments in Brockton and Hopkinton. He came to Norwood in October 1918, where his leadership and compassion guided the parish through decades of growth.Fr. Keating leaves his sister, Mary S. Keating of Norwood.…
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