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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Rev. Robert McAleer of Norwood Dies-This Day in Norwood History-October 25, 1940
Rev. Robert E. McAleer. 38, curate of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church for the last 12 years, died today at the Norwood Hospital. One of the most popular curates the church ever had, Fr. McAleer organized the St. Catherine’s Fife and Drum Corps which for the last two years has won the Cardinal O’Connell trophy as…
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St. Catherine’s Convent Cornerstone Is Laid in Norwood-This Day in Norwood History-October 4, 1939
St. Catherine’s Convent Cornerstone Is Laid in Norwood-This Day in Norwood History-October 4, 1939
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St. Catherine’s Convent Cornerstone Is Laid in Norwood-This Day in Norwood History-October 4, 1939
NORWOOD, Oct. 4 — Before a gathering of 500 residents today Msgr. Joseph Walsh, pastor of St Catherine’s Church, laid the cornerstone of the $80,000 convent which will be erected on Nahatan st., adjoining the church. The ceremony took place on the first anniversary of Msgr. Walsh’s assuming the pastorate and on the 30th anniversary…
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Buildings Are Being Razed Clearing Site For Convent-July 29, 1939
This Day In Norwood History-July 29, 1939-Buildings Are Being Razed Clearing Site For Convent
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First Baptist Church Steeple Blown Off by Hurricane of ’38-This Day in Norwood History-September 22, 1938
This Day in Norwood History- September 22, 1938-First Baptist Church Steeple Blown Off by Hurricane of ’38
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Churches Develop Community Spirit In South Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-September 10, 1938
Churches Develop Community Spirit In South Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-September 10, 1938 Pictured: St George’s Roman Catholic Church
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Tales of Tyot-The South Church In Dedham
Dr. Fogg Tells About First Church Erected In What Is Now Norwood The first finished church was located corner of Walpole and Winter Sts, South Dedham. The church was finished June 23, 1736. Rev. Thomas Balch was ordained the first pastor, June 30. 1736. John Everett, Ezra Morse, John Dean chosen deacons July 18, 1736…
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Cornerstone Laid for Norwood Town Hall-This Day in Norwood History-November 13, 1927
Cornerstone Laid for Norwood Town Hall-This Day in Norwood History-November 13, 1927
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Faith and Fellowship Unite at Norwood’s First Baptist Church-This Day In Norwood History-April 23, 1925
Representatives from twenty‑three congregations gathered at Norwood’s First Baptist Church for the annual convention of the Boston West Baptist Bible School. The afternoon opened with a song service and devotions led by Rev. L. G. van Leeuwen, Norwood’s pastor, whose warm welcome set a tone of unity and purpose. B. C. Patch, president of the convention, responded on behalf of the visiting churches. Reports from committees and…
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Cornerstone Laid For Norwood’s First Synagogue-This Day In Norwood History-November 3, 1924
Cornerstone Laid For Norwood’s First Synagogue-This Day In Norwood History-November 3, 1924
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