Medical Center Approved By Norwood Town Meeting-November 8, 1963

Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Zone Change for $250,000 Medical Building Amid Heated Debate Over Westover Park and Vocational School Plans

A change in zoning to allow construction of a $250,000 medical building, a refusal to establish a park in the Westover section, and a question of legality surrounding a report of the Vocational School Study Committee highlighted last night’s special town meeting at the high school. Despite rainy conditions, the meeting drew 110 town meeting members and about 50 interested townspeople to dispose of 20 warrant articles.

The most controversial article of the evening was the proposed rezoning of single-residence land to business to clear the way for a medical center. Approved by a 71 to 31 vote following more than an hour of discussion—surpassing the required two-thirds majority—the change was championed by the Planning Board and presented by Chairman J. Edward Bamber. Bamber noted that the majority of the board viewed the project as the highest and best use of the land, representing a valuable tax asset that would bring the town approximately $10,000 annually.

Opposition was led by town meeting member William C. Kendrick of District 3, who challenged the legality of the Planning Board’s report, arguing that no public hearing had been held since the article was first tabled over the summer. Joined by Philip W. Riley, Kendrick called for a ruling from Moderator and Town Counsel Walter J. Gotovich. Gotovich promptly ruled the recommendation in order, stating that a second hearing was unnecessary.

Black-and-white portrait of Walter A. Gotovitch in a suit and tie.

Black-and-white portrait of Walter J. Dempsey in a suit, captioned “Sought park.”

Deed Restrictions and Attorney Presentation

Representing the group of doctors, Attorney Charles L. Donahue presented colored slides of the proposed medical building and addressed concerns over spot zoning by introducing binding deed restrictions. Under the agreement, the doctors committed to deeding approximately 8,200 square feet of land to the adjacent Morrill Memorial Library for future additions and restricted the site strictly to medical offices.

Black-and-white portrait of Charles L. Donahue, identified as having won the fight.

Black-and-white portrait of Steve Heffernan in a suit and striped tie, captioned “Explained finances.”

Finance Commission Chairman Steve Heffernan spoke in favor of the rezoning, emphasizing that it would be highly beneficial to the town. Although the Morrill Memorial Library Trustees had previously opposed the measure and urged a town acquisition for library expansion, they took no part in the floor discussion.

Westover Park Proposal and Vocational School Report

Another major clash erupted over a selectmen-appointed committee’s proposal to turn a parcel on Westover Parkway into a park dedicated to the late George F. Willett, complete with a $4,000 appropriation for improvements. Selectman Walter J. Dempsey, chairman of the committee, expressed intense frustration as the proposal was indefinitely postponed. Conservation Commission Chairman Harry Fraser and member James J. Drummey argued that the site rightfully belonged under conservation to honor Willett, while Stephen Traudt and other residents pointed out lingering debris left by developers.

Black-and-white portrait of J. Edward Bamber wearing a suit and bow tie, captioned “Recommended Rezoning.”

Meanwhile, a report delivered by Henry W. Diggs, chairman of the Regional Vocational School District Planning Committee, sparked debate among members who questioned whether the committee had exceeded its authority by recommending direct entry into the district rather than holding a preliminary referendum. Town Counsel Gotovich stated he would study Chapter 71 of the General Laws to clarify the town’s legal status before the January municipal election.

Special Town Meeting Actions Overview

Medical Center Rezoning

Vote Result: Approved 71–31 (exceeding 2/3 majority)
Cost & Revenue: $250,000 project; estimated $10,000 annual tax yield
Key Figures: Atty. Charles L. Donahue, Planning Board Chair J. Edward Bamber
Conditions: Binding deed restrictions and 8,200 sq. ft. land grant to Morrill Memorial Library

Westover Park & Other Articles

Westover Park: Indefinitely postponed after debate between Selectman Walter J. Dempsey & Conservation Commission
Vocational School: Committee report accepted amid questions of authority regarding regional district entry
Town Officials: Moderator & Town Counsel Walter J. Gotovich, Town Manager Walter A. Blasenak

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

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