Local Professionals Petition Zoning Board for Office Use in Norwood’s “Doctors Row”-October 10, 1973

State Representative David C. Ahearn (D-Norwood) joined two local medical professionals last night in petitioning the Board of Appeals for special permits to operate professional offices out of residential properties within the town’s hospital district.

The evening’s petitions centered on the neighborhood bounded by Washington and Winter streets, commonly known as the “triangle” or “Doctors Row.”

Although the neighborhood is officially zoned for residential use, a number of professionals—including physicians, dentists, and attorneys—have historically maintained practices in multi-family homes without maintaining legal residency on the premises. Town bylaws strictly stipulate that a professional may operate a home office only if they maintain a legal address and reside there.

The Petitions Before the Board

The Board of Appeals took all three petitions under advisement, requesting detailed parking plans from each applicant:

1. State Rep. David C. Ahearn: Ahearn requested a special permit to use 120 Walpole St. as his law office. As one of the building’s co-owners, he argued that it would be logistically difficult to convert the current office space back into an apartment. Furthermore, he noted that the proximity of a funeral home directly next door made the property unsuitable for a family with children. Addressing town residency rules, Ahearn remarked that the only real question was the strict definition of a resident, adding with a grin, “I can always move in.”
2. Dr. Stephen P. Pannes: Seeking a special permit for 70 Winter St. to maintain a full-time dental practice. Although Dr. Pannes had never been a resident of the home, he began practicing there part-time in 1962, transitioned to full-time in January 1973, and became a co-owner by March. Regarding parking, Dr. Pannes assured the board that adequate space for the required vehicles was available in the rear of the building on paved blacktop. Neighbors voiced strong support; Mrs. Stanley R. Cottrell of 76 Winter St. spoke in favor, stating, “This is a neighborhood of professionals and the neighborhood is pleased to have them.” Fellow neighbor Leo J. Kelley of 96 Winter St. added that dentists had operated out of the area for decades without issue.
3. Dr. Albert C. Sullivan: Sought a special permit to maintain his dental practice at 56 Walpole St., where he had treated patients for several years. Dr. Sullivan pointed out that adequate blacktop parking already existed behind the building and argued that local professionals had actively “helped to keep the area as nice as it is.” He also noted that a physician next door had previously been granted a similar special permit.

Opposition and the “Cease and Desist” Debate

The petitions faced opposition from Vincent Michienzi of 40 Walpole St.

Michienzi revealed that he had received cease and desist orders regarding his own property due to his long-running, unsuccessful efforts since 1962 to open a beauty salon in his home. Stressing that he held no personal animosity toward the applicants, Michienzi argued that the doctors and lawyers were simply seeking economic gain just as he was.

He contended that the neighborhood should either be formally rezoned for commercial business or strictly maintained as a purely residential area. “Everyone should be on the same level,” Michienzi argued, asserting that if one person is denied a special permit, no exceptions should be made for others.

The appeals board deferred any immediate rulings, choosing to review the parking logistics and legal definitions before rendering a decision.

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