Meeting to draft financial recommendations for the upcoming special town meeting, the Finance Commission postponed action on a proposal to purchase Ellis Pond for municipal conservation use, requesting a formal recommendation from the Board of Selectmen first.
Conservation Purchase Proposals and Cost Concerns
Conservation Commission members reported that property owner Robert A. Fairbairn delivered an ultimatum giving the town the option to purchase Ellis Pond, Guild Pond, and surrounding lands for $140,000, lease them for future consideration, or watch the owner develop the acreage. An additional article requested $5,000 to cover professional appraisals and boundary surveys.
Debate among FinCom members and town officials revealed deep skepticism regarding the project:
- Sizing Up the Costs: FinCom member George T. Mahoney criticized the proposal, claiming the owner was “trying to get rid of an albatross around his neck and get $140,000 in the bargain.” Conservation Commission member John J. Kinnaly noted that developing Ellis Pond for full recreational use would cost triple the purchase price, citing an engineering study by Fay, Spofford and Thorndike estimating total development costs at $770,000, alongside a dam repair estimate of $150,000.
- Environmental Value: Conservation Chairman Bettina Cottrell and member Charles J. Strumski defended the acquisition, emphasizing the ponds’ vital role as water storage areas protecting South Norwood from flooding. Strumski noted the property’s assessed development valuation was $230,000.
A study committee led by Selectman Walter J. Dempsey prepared the Ellis Pond proposal for presentation to the town meeting, while grant coordinator Bernard Cooper noted that 50 percent matching funds might be secured from the state Department of Natural Resources.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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National Guard Cleans Abandoned Cars Out of Neponset River in Norwood-August 8, 1994
Teaming up with the Canton Rotary Club’s Adopt-A-Stream Program, a 10-member National Guard engineering unit used heavy equipment and chainsaws to pull six rusted vehicles out of the Neponset River off Route 1.
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Norwood Selectmen Meet on Bird Land Purchase-July 14, 1988
On July 14, 1988, Norwood’s long‑term effort to acquire nearly 300 acres of open space reached a critical moment as selectmen convened an emergency evening meeting at town hall. The immediate focus was the proposed purchase of the 23‑acre Bird farm property off Mylod Street — land considered essential to expanding and protecting the town’s…
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Norwood Conservation Commission Approves Father McAleer Playground Soccer Fields-July 17, 1985
With $110,000 in Town Meeting funding secured, the Recreation Department plans to complete the project within a year while creating new wetlands.
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Conservation Commission Approves Proposed Auto Body Shop Near Hawes Brook-August 22, 1979
Despite angry protests from South Norwood residents over flooding and pollution risks near Hawes Brook, the Conservation Commission approved strict environmental conditions for a new auto body shop.
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Conservation Commission Faces Angry Residents Over Proposed Washington Street Auto Body Shop-August 8, 1979
Amid fierce opposition from South Norwood homeowners concerned over Hawes Brook flooding and pollution hazards, the Norwood Conservation Commission reviewed safety plans for a proposed auto body shop on Washington Street.
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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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Route 1 Wildlife Sanctuary Established by Owner Andrew Simoni to Protect Local Fauna-August 25, 1975
For 15 years, property owner Andrew Simoni has maintained a private 32-acre wildlife sanctuary along Route 1 in Norwood to protect local animals from hunters.
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Norwood Conservation Commission Seeks Expert Associates-July 31, 1975
The Norwood Conservation Commission, led by Chairman Bettina Cottrell, launched a community search for scientific and legal associates to assist with open space and wetlands management.
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