A contentious meeting of the Norwood Conservation Commission resulted in the approval of an order of conditions for a proposed auto body shop at Washington Street and Alandale Parkway, but not before more than 20 disgruntled South Norwood residents voiced fierce opposition. Proposed by Richard Spicer of Rick’s Auto Body on East Hoyle Street, the commercial project is slated for a parcel located within 100 feet of Hawes Brook.
Nearby homeowners expressed grave concerns that the development would exacerbate chronic local flooding and introduce severe pollution risks to the adjacent brook. Beyond environmental fears, however, the hearing tapped into a deep reservoir of community resentment regarding municipal planning decisions. “When you don’t want something, you dump it in South Norwood,” one angry resident protested during the session, while another shouted, “It’s about time the people of South Norwood stood up for their rights.”
Board members countered that the property was already legally zoned for business, emphasizing that their statutory duty was strictly to establish stringent environmental safeguards rather than rule on zoning suitability. “We’re not against you guys,” board member Maurice Baker assured the packed room.
To mitigate environmental hazards, the commission incorporated rigorous mandates into the final order of conditions based on plans submitted by Richard Merrikin of Norwood Engineering Co. The approved design for the 52-by-52-square-foot shop and its 17 parking spaces includes:
- A mandatory six-inch bituminous berm surrounding the entire lot.
- Grading contours engineered to completely prevent water runoff onto Washington Street.
- Strict requirements that all oil and gas spillage from vehicles awaiting repair be contained in suitable receptacles.
- Catch basins equipped with specialized “gas traps” to capture petroleum runoff.
- A strict prohibition against adding two feet of landfill to the property.
- A stipulation disconnecting specific catch basins from the existing town drain on Washington Street, unless the municipal drain is subsequently enlarged to handle increased volume.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Business History
-
Business Leaders Question “Anti-Commerce” Town Direction-August 15, 1989
Following a 2-2 selectmen vote denying a food license for a $1 million Taco Bell on Route 1, the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce warned of an anti-business trend.
-
Puritan Furniture Draws Smaller Crowd and Steady Bargain Hunters-September 8, 1988
The second day of the federal bankruptcy court-ordered liquidation auction at Puritan Furniture on Lenox Street brings smaller crowds, heavy bargain hunting, and minor shopper disputes.
-
McDonald’s Requests Special Permit for Broadway Drive-Through Window-September 2, 1987
An attorney representing the McDonald’s restaurant located at 32 Broadway in Norwood Center appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeal to request a special permit for the installation of a drive-through window. If approved, it would become the fourth drive-through facility established at local fast-food establishments following a contentious town meeting vote in May that…
-
“Amazing Things Inc.” Markets High-Tech Gadgets and Modems-August 1986
Norwood-based Amazing Things Inc., a distributor for Leading Edge World Trade, launches its operations by marketing competitively priced computer modems and consumer electronics.
-
Group Petitions for New Independent Bank in Norwood-July 11, 1986
Story 1: Proposal for Mid-County Banking Trust On July 11, 1986, local investors announced a formal bid to establish a new financial institution, the Mid-County Banking Trust, which would serve as the town’s only independent commercial bank. A group of 20 businessmen has already secured a building at 157 Central St., near Town Hall, to…
-
Northrop Corporation Wins Military Contract to Expand Norwood Plant-August 30, 1985
Northrop Corp.’s Precision Products Division in Norwood wins a $1.9 million military contract, expanding its workforce and taking on full system design.
-
Republic Plumbing Supply Seeks Expansion-July 25, 1985
William Duggan, owner of Republic Plumbing on Route 1, sought permission to extend the front of his building.
-
Norwood Marketing Advice for Downtown Merchants-July 18, 1985
In the sweltering summer of 1985, the quaint town of Norwood found itself facing a pressing concern: how to revitalize its downtown area and entice customers back into its shops. The rise of large malls had led to a decline in foot traffic, leaving local merchants struggling to compete with the glitz and glamour of…
-
New Friends Show They Care About Norwood Theft Victim-July 12, 1985
After a devastating June break-in at her 715 Washington St. store, Gould rebuilt her business with the help of a caring downtown community.
-
Norwood Selectmen Vow to Fight Potential Closure of Masoneilan International Plants and Loss of 750 Local Jobs-August 10, 1983
Norwood selectmen vowed to meet with Masoneilan International officials to prevent the potential closure of Massachusetts plants in Norwood, Canton, and Avon, which employ 750 workers.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.