Board of Selectmen Denies Texaco Gas Station Permit at Nahatan Street and Broadway-October 30, 1963

Selectmen Vote 3-1 Against $100,000 Station Citing Traffic Hazards and Esthetics

In a 3-1 decision, the Board of Selectmen voted last night to deny an application for a gasoline station license that would have permitted the Texaco Company to raze an old apartment house across from the town park at the corner of Nahatan Street and Broadway.

Representing the petroleum company, Attorney John J. Mulvehill expressed bewilderment at the board’s decision, emphasizing that the firm conducted an intensive survey before selecting the site and planned to construct a modern $100,000 super station. Mulvehill argued that the commercial automotive area would yield higher tax assessments for the town than the existing multi-dwelling structure.

However, opposition led by Selectman Walter J. Dempsey—who was absent during the initial hearing but raised objections at subsequent sessions—swayed the board. Dempsey contended that constructing the station would ruin the area esthetically and that Norwood had no need for additional gas service stations. Chairman Charles L. Rich concurred, warning that traffic in the vicinity would double or triple upon the future completion of Interstate 95. Selectman Martin J. Lydon similarly agreed to deny the permit due to the impending traffic hazard, noting that the municipal Public Works Yard is already located at the rear of the property. Selectman Harry B. Butters cast the lone dissenting vote in favor of the project, while Selectman Thomas K. McManus—who serves as an attorney representing the petitioner—disqualified himself from all discussions and voting.

Firefighters Press for 48-Hour Work Week and Town Inspects Rozen Realty Building

During the same packed municipal session, the board heard extensive testimony regarding a petition by Norwood firefighters to transition from their current 56-hour work week to a 48-hour schedule. Fire Chief Irving J. Dobson strongly supported the men, stating he was “convinced the men should be on a 48-hour program” given that 38- to 40-hour work weeks are standard elsewhere and that the current schedule prevents firefighters from enjoying a full weekend off.

Firefighter Thomas P. Collins and Firefighter Charles McDonough detailed the arduous nature of being on call for 56 hours even when off duty, noting that off-duty men frequently report back en masse during major emergencies, such as the recent Friday afternoon fire at the Eastman Funeral Home on Mt. Vernon Street. Chief Dobson confirmed that the $18,000 blaze—which heavily damaged expensive furnishings in the funeral home cellar—was accidental, caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette, thereby ruling out arson. The selectmen agreed to meet again in two weeks to take a definitive stand on the firefighters’ schedule request.

Additionally, the board appointed Realtor Albert P. Nelson to join Engineer Eugene Smith, Fire Chief Dobson, and Building Inspector Henry J. Cronan on a special inspection committee. The committee is tasked with evaluating the Rozen Realty building on Broadway—the former home of the town’s Village Hall—to monitor cleanup progress by the United Waste Company and review plans for razing the condemned structure.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger