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
More…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.…
-
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.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.