District 9 Betterment Association Discusses Phasing Out Norwood Arena and Local Development Issues-October 24, 1968

Potential Phasing Out of Norwood Arena Discussed at Betterment Association Meeting

Speaking before approximately 100 members of the District 9 Betterment Association last night, legislative candidates and town officials addressed mounting neighborhood concerns regarding the Norwood Arena, pointing toward a potential winding down of operations at the Route 1 stock car track.

William F. Butters—son of principal arena co-owner and Selectman Harry B. Butters, and a Democratic candidate for state representative—stated that discussions with his father had led to a shared conclusion that “a phasing out of the arena” would best serve both the town and local homeowners struggling with persistent noise issues. Noting that the 78-acre manufacturing-zoned property has approximately 300 small investors, Butters emphasized that any transition should be orderly to protect shareholder profits while allowing town officials to replace the facility with “something the town can be proud of.”

Arena attorney John J. Mulvehill confirmed that ownership was open to a proper offer, noting, “The land is available, there are 78 acres and it is zoned for manufacturing,” and adding that the facility would consider a “good offer tomorrow morning.” However, Mulvehill reiterated that the corporation maintains a fiduciary obligation to its stockholders and will continue operating until sold or otherwise restricted.

Candidates and Officials Debate Noise, Zoning, and Norwood Airport Expansion

The gathering also tackled broader neighborhood grievances, including arena noise, proposed apartment developments on Neponset Street near Route I-95, an auto dealership off Nahatan Street near Route 1, and the future development of the Norwood Airport.

Political candidates offered diverse perspectives on managing local growth and regional infrastructure:

• Rep. Allen P. Danovitch (R-Norwood) agreed that the town had outgrown the arena and supported phasing it out, suggesting the legislature could enact operating hour restrictions or mandate racing car mufflers if necessary. He also asserted that Norwood Airport must never become “a second Logan.”
• Rep. David C. Ahearn (D-Norwood) expressed skepticism regarding state assurances that Norwood would be excluded from major air expansion, noting discussions with the Massachusetts Aeronautics Association where officials “did not rule out Norwood.” Ahearn opposed dual runway or taxiway proposals and warned he would initiate legislation to curb arena operations if town officials failed to resolve resident complaints. He further called for a comprehensive town master plan.
• Dr. Joseph Bickford, a Republican representative candidate, advocated for greater reliance on surface transportation and encouraged residents to press local officials directly.
• Selectman Joseph F. Curran candidly admitted that the Board of Selectmen had “definitely been lax” in addressing resident grievances, predicting that the arena “can be phased out, it will be phased out.”

The District 9 Betterment Association scheduled a follow-up meeting for Wednesday to further refine organizational goals and map out strategic action plans.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger