The Norwood Gas Co. is moving forward with plans to significantly expand its storage capacity to meet the projected heating demands of the town.
On July 08, 1970, it was announced that the state Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has scheduled a public hearing to review the company’s petition for the construction of two additional propane gas storage tanks. The hearing will take place on July 28, 1970, at 10 a.m. in room 210 of the Leverett Saltonstall Building in Boston. The proposed expansion is slated for the company’s seven-plus acres of land located off Dean Street, near Pleasant Street.
Richard H. Morrison, vice president and general manager of Norwood Gas, stated that if the petition is approved, the new tanks will secure the town’s gas supply for many winters to come. The company currently utilizes two tanks that were installed around 1957, which have served the community adequately for thirteen years. Mr. Morrison expressed a desire to have the two new structures operational by October at the latest to ensure sufficient supply for the upcoming heating season. Describing the appearance of the new tanks, he noted they would be approximately ten to twelve feet in diameter, characterized by a rounded, elongated shape he likened to a “cigar or a dirigible.” Addressing potential safety concerns regarding the liquid propane, Mr. Morrison remarked that the storage would be “like gasoline in terms of volatility.” He further emphasized that the gas company adheres to rigorous established building codes and storage requirements, often exceeding the necessary safety standards. While historical practice dictated that gas companies apply for storage licenses through local authorities, Mr. Morrison noted that current procedure involves petitioning the DPU for a permit to effectively exclude the land from local zoning laws—a process now being followed by other utilities in Massachusetts, such as the Mystic Valley Gas Co. and the Northampton Gas Co.
In a separate matter, the Building Code Board of Appeal met to discuss a variance request filed by Nassau Gardens Inc. regarding an apartment development on Neponset Street. Representing the owners, George Buehler sought a variance from the town’s building code, specifically concerning the framing of the first story of a 32-unit building. Michael Scully of the Norwood Construction Co., the general contractor for the project, testified that the deviation from the code occurred due to an “oversight.” The builders argued that the town’s requirement for “mortise and tenon” framing is no longer commonly used in modern Massachusetts building codes and results in excessive costs. Mr. Scully noted that the company had intended to follow the code but that correcting the current structure would require ripping out the first-floor walls.
During the hearing, Appeals Board Chairman James J. Drummey and board member George M. Eysie questioned the developers regarding the safety and structural integrity of the substitute joints. Mr. Eysie noted that the developer had received a prior special permit from the board with the express stipulation that the town building code be followed. John E. Reardon, chairman of the appeals board, stated that he would like to see the state building code board review the matter, as he believed state regulations might supersede local requirements regarding design movements and stresses. The board took the matter under advisement, with a final decision expected within ten days.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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