A large group of residents from the Neponset street, as well as interested residents from other sections of Town, converged on the Town Hall to make known their oppositions at a hearing regarding the proposed rezoning on Route 1. Planning Board Chairman Albert P. Nelson declared the public hearing open on the petition of property owners on Route 1 to extend the existing business zone in the rear of their property. The land in question is owned by Natural Gas Co., Republic Pipe & Supply, Turnpike Lumber and Norwood Marine Co.
The description of the area was led by Secretary, James V. Flaherty.
John P. White, Jr., representing the members of the Neponset Civic Group presented a motion to quash the petition on the grounds that the signatures on the petition for amendment are not within the purview of Section 22 of the Existing Zoning Laws. Upon checking the plan and the petition, the Planning Board ruled the motion invalid.
Ralph Osgood, representing the petitioners, spoke in favor of the proposed change In zoning stating that he represented a group of local businessmen and because their business has grow, they find now that they must extend the business zoning line so that they can expand. He stated that the local Industrial Committee has recommended in the past rezoning of large tracts of land for the best interest of the Town because it benefits the Town as a whole. Mr. Osgood added that at the present time there is a violation of the zoning law which was done through inadvertence and not done intentionally.
Attorney Osgood also stated that the business in this area has been carried on in the location for many years and has not been harmful to anyone concerned and no formal complaint has been filed with the Town asking to have it alleviated. He further stated that the character of the land is unfit for residential purposes and cannot be built upon because in the rear of the 300′ zoning line, there is a sewer easement 20’ wide which was taken for the purpose of sewering the developments in that area; also, there is a drainage ditch which drains the natural flow of water down into the Neponset River; also, in the rear of the land, there is a drain pipe coming from Westview Drive and Hillcrest Road which never has been taken legally although it aids the Town but no complaint was made by his clients, also, to the rear of the drainage ditch there is a 20′ easement taken for the Algonquin Gas Co. where no building can be erected.
Mr. Osgood stated that the land was only zoned 300’ for business when the land was purchased but the companies could not anticipate the growth of their business and cannot move out now because there is not enough land available in the Town of Norwood. Their growth is such that they need the land.
Attorney Osgood stated that the original value of these businesses to the community was $15,700 but now their land is valued at $67,750 and they pay a total of $3,794 in taxes for which they receive nothing from the Town as they are on a State Highway. Also, Mr. Osgood stated that when the businesses first started they were worth $87,000 and now it has jumped to $2,000,200. A great deal of this business rubs off on the general welfare of the Town of Norwood and they employ a total of 46 people. Mr. Osgood stated that the businesses were located at this site long before the developments came to Norwood.
Mr. Osgood concluded his statements stating that the land is unfit for anything but business and with their contribution to the Town, the proposed amendment should be submitted to a vote by Town Meeting members.
Attorney John P. White, Jr., representing the Neponset Civic Group and not any individual client. He stated that there are approximately 50 homeowners who are assessed approximately $7,000 each. He added further that the Planning Board before making any decision should consider the health, welfare and safety factor of the community as a whole.
Mr. White presented pictures of the area involved and stated that it is a fire hazard, rat nest and a menace. Attorney Osgood objected to some of the pictures presented because they were of the Zoppo land which has nothing to do with the hearing. Mr. White withdrew the pictures showing the Zoppo land.
Mr. White stated that the homeowners purchased the land with the understanding that the area was zoned for General Residence and the businessmen purchased the land with the same knowledge. He took issue with the present zoning violation in the area and requested the Planning Board to consider these factors when making their deliberations.
Mr. White ended up his statements by calling the Board’s attention again to the fire menace, the nuisance menace, and the piles of material at present in the rear of the businesses on Route 1.
It was brought out that Mr. White at present has the power of attorney from 13 residents of the area and out of the 4 abutters, he has the power of attorney from one. The 4 abutters are assessed $25,650 and pay taxes in the aggregate amount of $1,436.40.
Mr. White introduced to the hearing Mr. Donald Harwood, 32 Hillcrest Road as President of the organization (Neponset Civic Group) and Mr. Robert Fitzsimonds, 28 Hillcrest Rd. as Vice President.
Upon being asked, Mr. White stated that the organization was formed as an answer to the dilatory tactics of the Building Inspector and Board of Selectmen in enforcing the existing zoning violations and has been formed since January 28, 1957.
Mr. Fitzsimonds spoke as an irate citizen who did not like the way the people have been treated in that area and they feel that they are justified in asking the Planning Board to consider their wishes.
Arthur Vozell, 23 Hillcrest Rd., spoke in opposition to the zoning. Jerome Seely, 35 Hillcrest Rd., spoke in opposition to the change. Jean Brown, 114 Audubon Rd., spoke in opposition to the change stating that some consideration should be given to the residents in the area.
Maynard Sallett, 31 Hillcrest Rd. stated that these men are in violation of the zoning law at present and are not taking any steps to comply with the existing law. Mr. Osgood stated that his clients were awaiting the outcome of this hearing before taking any further steps.
John Bellissimo, 24 Orchard Lane spoke in opposition to the change.
There being no further discussion on motion of Mr. Flaherty, seconded by Mr Burns, it was voted to close the hearing.
(All articles originally appeared in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)