Even as the state Bureau of Accounts certified Norwood’s “free cash” surplus at a robust $2,561,473 as of July 1—an increase of more than $1 million following the close of the June annual town meeting—majorities of the Finance Commission and Board of Selectmen remain firmly opposed to spending $2.2 million to convert the former Aaron Guild School into a new civic recreation center.
Meeting in a joint session, the boards conferred on strategy to urge voters to overturn a 66-50 town meeting vote from June during an upcoming September 15 referendum. The boards authorized FinCom Chairman Peter Bamber to compile comparative operational costs, revenue loss estimates, and swimming pool wing maintenance projections for a voter information pamphlet to be printed and mailed to residents at an estimated cost of $1,500.
Officially, the opposition commands a 3-1 majority on the FinCom and a 4-1 majority among selectmen. Selectman Thomas DiFrancia argued that the town should look to sell the former school building—located across the street from the site of the old Civic Center—rather than commit $2.2 million primarily to construct a new pool, locker rooms, an elevator, saunas, and four lighted tennis courts to complement the existing gymnasium. Selectman Walter J. Dempsey and FinCom member Joseph R. Adakonis clashed heatedly during the session, with Adakonis accusing selectmen of playing “a game of charades” by rejecting the Guild plan without offering an alternative replacement strategy. Dempsey fired back, “I’m not playing games with the thing… As far as I’m concerned, we can’t make it go.”
Selectmen William J. Plasko and Thomas A. Riolo voiced opposing views on the town’s obligations. While Plasko deemed converting the Guild a costly “mistake,” Riolo countered, “We do have an obligation to replace what we gave up. It’s the ‘only place’ right now… I’m for the Aaron Guild.” Bamber echoed that while a replacement is needed “within reason,” a separate modern facility might be preferable.
Adding a critical legal layer to the debate, Town Counsel Justin C. Barton issued an opinion reminding officials of a probate court ruling governing the use of proceeds from the sale of the old Civic Center to Norwood Hospital. Barton noted that the funds include $118,200 from a veterans fund originally used to construct the $368,400 Veterans’ Memorial addition in 1967 (which was demolished alongside the rest of the facility the previous month). “Therefore, in my opinion,” Barton advised, “the new Civic Center should contain a portion which substantially complies with the addition made to the old Civic Center.” (Reporting by Rick Moriarty, The Patriot Ledger).
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Foam Day at Father Mac’s Camp Brings Joy to Norwood Youth-July 19, 2013
Over 300 campers participated in the annual Foam Day at Father Mac’s Camp in Norwood, featuring massive piles of foam and firefighter support.
-
Norwood Lions Club Playground Fund Nears $20,000 Goal Following $5,000 Bank of Boston Donation-August 7, 1989
Boosted by a $5,000 donation from the Bank of Boston, the Norwood Lions Club’s fundraising campaign for a new Bond Street toddler playground reached within $55 of its $20,000 goal.
-
Mosquitoes Taking a Bite Out of Summer Fun-August 2, 1986
A heavy surge of rain-hatched mosquitoes flooded Norwood, Dedham, and Needham, sparking over 100 complaints per day to the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project.
-
Thousands Turn Out for Summerfest “Italian Night” on the Common-August 15, 1985
Drawing the largest crowd of the summer, Norwood’s Summerfest Italian Night brought thousand of residents to the town common for food, music, and dancing.
-
Norwood Selectmen to Reconsider Recreation Fees for New Civic Center-July 16, 1984
After implementing daily charges for gym access, the board faced intense backlash and scheduled a review for their July 24 meeting.
-
Recreation Department-July 23, 1981
The town’s Summerfest concert series, sponsored by the Norwood Arts Council, continues to draw large crowds. On July 22, an estimated 2,500 people attended a concert featuring traditional and “pub-style” Irish music on the town hall lawn. Summerfest committeeman Jerry Miller attributed the growing attendance to the event’s ability to showcase local talent and provide…
-
Norwood Teens Compete in Seventh Annual Tiot Relay Race-July 13, 1981
Local organizers Dorothy Pember and her committee successfully raised funds for the Civic Center while fostering friendly competition among area residents.
-
Norwood Recreation Department Announces Fourth Session Class Rosters for Summer Programs-July 31, 1980
The Norwood Recreation Department published complete enrollment lists for swimming and tennis classes across municipal pools and school courts for the fourth session running through August 15, 1980
-
Armory Still Eyed for Municipal Use-July 9, 1980
Discover the 1980 efforts by town leadership to acquire the Norwood Armory from the state, following legislative changes and the recent Civic Center location shift.
-
Guild School Picked for Civic Center-July 8, 1980
Discover the 1980 decision that transformed the Aaron Guild School into a multi-purpose recreation hub, replacing the former Civic Center sold to Norwood Hospital.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.