Housing Authority and State Near Resolution Over Audit-August 30, 1977

Following a third negotiation session, housing authority attorney John J. Mulvehill indicated that differences could be resolved by the end of the week.

The audit previously alleged that roughly $18,000 was improperly spent or misused between 1973 and 1976 on gasoline, food, and liquor for authority members. While Benjamin Jones of the governor’s legal staff maintained that the state expected full restitution, Mulvehill noted that restitution is only one factor under discussion. Mulvehill previously denied any wrongdoing by board members and stated the authority plans to address the public directly once the state investigation concludes.

New Security Committee Tours Vandalism Targets

To combat rising property damage across town, Norwood’s newly formed Security Committee—comprising two selectmen, two school committee members, the police chief, the town manager, and two finance commission members—is scheduled to tour key municipal sites tonight. High on the inspection list is the Ellis Pumping Station on Route 1, which has frequently been targeted by trespassing youths and sustained severe damage, most recently resulting in five disorderly conduct arrests Thursday night. Committee members are evaluating preventative measures, including security fencing and alarm systems, alongside inspections of local schools including Junior High North, Callahan, Willett, Cleveland, Prescott, and the high school area.

Rev. Clifford D. Anderson Resigns from Evangelical Baptist Church

After serving for more than 12 years, the Rev. Clifford D. Anderson has announced his resignation as pastor of the Evangelical Baptist Church on Walpole Street, effective this fall. Pastor Anderson is leaving to enter a study program to further his ministerial education. During his 12-year tenure, he initiated the “Dial-ADevotion” telephone line and oversaw the creation of an associate youth pastor position. He, his wife Marjorie, and their three children reside at the 234 Walpole Street parsonage.

Additional Local News Briefs

• CETA Eligibility Relaxed:Lawrence G. Fitch, director of the Norwood CETA Consortium located at the former Shattuck School, announced that federal rule changes have relaxed job eligibility requirements. Individuals previously disqualified can now reapply for employment and training programs.
• Developer Appeals Bond Requirement: The state Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE) is investigating an appeal filed by developer Frank R. Simoni against the Norwood Conservation Commission. Simoni contested a $2,500 performance bond tied to his dumping permit for land off Access Road, while conservation officials alleged unauthorized dumping of bricks and asphalt in a wetlands area.

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