The proposal for a Burger King restaurant on the Route 1 site of Art Johnson‘s familiar clam and hot dog stand has been revived four months after its initial defeat by the zoning appeals board.
A revised proposal will be submitted to the planning board for review Monday evening, planning board Chairman Thomas A. Riolo confirmed. If the board is convinced the revised plan contains modifications meriting a second look, it may waive the normal two-year waiting period binding on a plan which has been rejected by the zoning board, Thomas A. Riolo said. However, there must be solid reasons to justify reconsideration if his board is to clear the way for the proposal to return to the zoning board once again.
Jan Co. Inc., a Johnston, R.I.-based Burger King franchise holder, had previously proposed a 104-seat fully enclosed restaurant at Route 1 and Everett Street, which would require the complete demolition of Art Johnson‘s established seasonal food stand. The zoning appeals board previously voted 2-1 to deny a special permit for the restaurant on the lot, which is zoned for manufacturing. The zoning appeals board had cited concerns that a restaurant at that location could mean more noise and dust because of an expanded parking lot, more loitering in the area, and increased traffic and congestion at the busy intersection of Everett Street and Route 1.
The planning board had previously recommended neither in favor nor in opposition to the Burger King plan, but had stressed the absolute need for an adequate parking plan because of the busy corner. After the initial rejection, Jan Co. President Nicholas W. Janikies said the company chose not to appeal the decision in court, though he was vague at the time about whether it had completely given up on the Route 1 site. But, he remarked, We don’t know how we’re going to be anything but an improvement on that corner, noting that the company had spent considerable sums on engineering drainage plans for the property. Meanwhile, the familiar clam and hot dog stand, owned by Art Johnson‘s widow, continued doing its seasonal business under a lease, awaiting the outcome of the revived commercial development debate.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
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The Issue Of Video Licenses-June 9, 1981
In June 1981, Norwood officials crack down on incoming electronic amusement requests, fearing a “video fever” arcade atmosphere downtown.
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Proposed $3 Million Caldor Shopping Center on Route 1 Clears Zoning Board of Appeals-September 10, 1980
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approves the proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1, subject to strict traffic safety conditions and state DPW review.
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Zoning Board Stalls Decision on Proposed $3 Million Caldor Shopping Center-August 20, 1980
The zoning board delayed its decision on a proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1 after discovering developers omitted a crucial traffic permit for Carnegie Road amid fierce local opposition.
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Selectmen Split Over Amusement Game Permits at Sport Center and Local Restaurants-August 6, 1980
In a close 3–2 vote, Norwood selectmen approved 10 electronic game machines at Norwood Sport Center after concerns about creating a “penny arcade” atmosphere. A similar request from Papa Gino’s for a single Space Invader machine was denied, with officials distinguishing between recreation‑based and dining‑based establishments.
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Nassau Gardens Residents Form Nonprofit Housing Cooperative and Purchase Complex-August 17, 1979
Nassau Gardens tenants launched a subscription drive to purchase their 204-unit Route 1 apartment complex through a nonprofit housing cooperative backed by a $4 million HUD agreement.
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Factory Mutual Breaks Ground on $7 Million Conference and Training Center on Route 1 in Norwood-August 11, 1979
Joined by Governor Edward J. King, Factory Mutual Engineering executives broke ground on a $7 million conference, training center, and five-story private hotel on Route 1.
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Reliance Electric Company Relocates Regional Service Center to Norwood-July 17, 1979
Reliance Electric Company is moving its regional industrial motor repair center from South Boston to the Park Place industrial park off Route 1.
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Zoppo Realty Trust Petitions for Rezoning at Route 1 and Union Street-July 17, 1979
The planning board heard initial plans for a potential small industrial park, though a final decision was deferred to allow for feedback from Walpole residents.
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Town Scraps Plan to Extend University Avenue-July 11, 1979
University Avenue Extension Plan Scrapped ⠀ On July 11, 1979, Norwood selectmen officially abandoned the long-debated plan to extend University Avenue through the Ellis Well Field area to Route 1. This reversal marks a major shift in town development, following persistent environmental concerns raised by residents regarding the potential threat to the town’s water supply.…
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Norwood Park Place Industrial Park Advances-September 12, 1978
Norwood Planning Board releases $50,000 in performance bonding for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1 as roadway and building construction progresses.
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