During the July 16, 1985 meeting of the Norwood Conservation Commission, developer James Shane appeared to request a postponement of a ruling regarding a set of modified plans for the proposed Park Place South Industrial Park, located on Route 1. James Shane announced his intention to withdraw his original proposal for a 250,000-square-foot office and warehouse complex in favor of a scaled-down project totaling 150,000 square feet. This modification, he explained, involves a reduction in the size of the wetlands footprint, a tactical move intended to expedite the regulatory approval process. James Shane highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that any project encompassing more than 10 acres of wetlands triggers state-level environmental review, a process that can extend over two years. By reducing the scope of the project, he hopes to secure authorization to begin construction immediately.
The history of the Park Place South Industrial Park is marked by extensive legal and regulatory challenges. Although the commission initially granted approval for the development in 1982, the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE) subsequently rejected the project. James Shane successfully challenged the DEQE decision in court, resulting in the ruling being overturned. During last night’s session, the board voted 4-1 to postpone a decision on the modified plans until its August 6, 1985 meeting, citing the need for additional time to thoroughly review the changes.
Clement Riley, a commission member, expressed opposition to the delay, characterizing the modifications as minor and ultimately beneficial to the town. James Shane, however, remained patient, stating, “I can’t argue with starting now, or waiting a couple of weeks, to give you more thought. I have waited three years already to get it through the courts.” Separately, the commission denied a certificate of compliance to developer Stan Whitten for a 30,000-square-foot warehouse on Oceania Street, near the Westwood town line. Fire Chief Thomas Barry explained that the denial was necessary because the warehouse driveway requires alterations to ensure adequate access for the Fire Department.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Planning Board Launch Master Plan Study for 200-Acre “Meadows” Tract-August 23, 1965
Backed by a $10,000 town appropriation, the Norwood Planning Board is launching a master plan study to guide industrial development across the 200-acre Route 1 Meadows tract.
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Combined Police Action Averts Near-Riot Following Skating Rink Disturbance-September 1, 1964
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East Cross St Overpass Opened-September 12, 1957
East Cross St Overpass Opened-This Day In Norwood History-September 12, 1957
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Cloverleaf To Relieve East, West Traffic At Nahatan St and Route 1-This Day in Norwood History-February 7, 1957
Work is continuing on the long-awaited Cloverleaf at’ Route 1 and Nahatan St., Norwood, and workmen have now constructed several stanchions that will support the huge “elevated circle.” When work is completed, sometime in 1958, traffic will be able to flow smoothly în and out of Norwood over Route 1. Widening of the highway from…
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Residents Oppose Planned Electricity Lines-July 29, 1953
Norwood residents protested a $2.3-million high-voltage power line proposal at a selectmen’s meeting, raising concerns over property values and eminent domain.
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An Indy 500 racing icon brings a roaring congress of daredevils to Norwood Arena for a night of mid-air flips and high-speed crashes.
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Bronco Bill Schindler At Norwood Arena Monday-July 31, 1948
Legendary midget auto racing star “Bronco” Bill Schindler and teammate Mike Nazarach headlined the upcoming Monday race card at Norwood Arena on Route 1.
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New Ice Cream Plant Opened At Neponset Valley Dairy-This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1938
In 1938, Neponset Valley Dairy unveiled its new ice cream plant on Route 1, giving locals a look at the frosty process behind their favorite summer treat.
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