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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New Regional Title Reflects Chamber’s Growth; Shane Updates Dynamic Industrial Park Progress-June 7, 1978
Officially, the Norwood Chamber of Commerce now will be known as the Norwood Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President William C. Phipps made reference to the new name in remarks during the meeting last night at Airport. The change in title attests to the chamber’s diverse growth in membership, chamber Executive Secretary Robert H. Cook told…
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Talk of the Town-June 6, 1978
The Norwood Planning Board moves to claim an $18,000 construction loan from builder Richard Saccone for unfinished roads at Grandview Estates, while also endorsing a major zoning shift at the old Norwood Arena site on Route 1.
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Charles Strumski Retains Norwood Conservation Seat-August 17, 1977
Despite being denied reappointment by the town manager, veteran official Charles Strumski continues to serve the Norwood Conservation Commission.
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Norwood Conservation Commission Approves Park Place Industrial Site-August 17, 1977
Developer James H. Shane and the Norwood Conservation Commission have agreed on a 56,000 cubic yard flood mitigation plan for Park Place on Route 1.
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Conservation Commission Reaches Flood Control Agreement with Park Place Developer-August 17, 1977
Reaching a compromise under the Wetlands Protection Act, Norwood’s conservation commission approved flood control plans for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1.
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Norwood Plaza Tenants Offer to Fund New Traffic Lights, Other Town Business-August 11, 1977
Anxious to fix traffic hazards at Walpole and Wilson streets, Norwood Plaza tenants offered to install traffic signals at their own expense, winning approval from town selectmen.
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Norwood Emergency Team Services (NETS) Formed to Assist Police with Traffic Control and Patrols-August 8, 1977
Led by Patrolman Paul A. Bishop, the volunteer Norwood Emergency Team Services (NETS) organization utilizes CB radios to assist local police with traffic control during major accidents, fires, and weekend patrols.
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Norwood Mall Location Back On Market-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1977
The 25-acre property at Route 1 and Union Street in Norwood is back on the market after the Lanning Corp. allowed its development option to lapse. The site, once intended for an innovative specialty mall, is now open for new commercial or industrial proposals.
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