Representatives of the Uptown Merchants Association appeared before the Board of Appeals last night to officially voice their firm opposition to a pending application for a special permit that would clear the way for a new shopping center on Walpole Street.
Merchants Contend Center Will Harm Downtown Business
Speaking on behalf of the local merchants, Daniel T. Callahan argued that the proposed commercial development would severely impact existing retail enterprises in the heart of the community. Callahan bluntly asserted that the new shopping center “is needed like a hole in the head,” expressing deep concern that the influx of new retail space would trigger an adverse effect on already dwindling business activity within the downtown center.
The proposed shopping center development is designed to house a major food chain supermarket, a department store, and several individual service and novelty retail shops. Callahan maintained that the Board of Appeals possessed solid legal grounds to deny the special permit request “because of the hazardous traffic conditions it would impose in the area.”
Board of Appeals Chairman Cites Procedural Timing and Legal Rulings
Board of Appeals Chairman James Drummey expressed frustration regarding the timing of the merchants’ late intervention, noting that public hearings on the matter had already concluded. Addressing Callahan directly, Drummey remarked, “It’s extremely unfortunate that you come to us at this late date, because you place the board in a precarious position.”
Furthermore, Drummey read a recent legal ruling issued by Town Counsel Walter J. Gotovich, which explicitly pointed out that the board could not legally consider new information or arguments provided after a public hearing had officially closed when making its final determination on a case.
Acknowledging the procedural oversight, Callahan conceded that the merchant group should have mobilized sooner. “However, the fact is that there are many vacant stores now downtown, and we’re vitally concerned about this matter,” Callahan stated.
The Board of Appeals did not immediately indicate whether the merchants’ late plea would be formally factored into their ultimate ruling on the special permit request.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Business History
-
Norwood Shoe Warehouse To Be Built-July 16, 1964
As the sun rose over the quaint town of Norwood on July 16, 1964, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The residents of this charming community were abuzz with news that Consolidated Shoe Inc., a prominent manufacturer of several renowned brands, had finally reached an agreement to construct a state-of-the-art warehouse on…
-
Medical Center Plans Expected-July 10, 1964
The development of a proposed medical building on Walpole Street reached a significant milestone on July 10, 1964, as organizers announced that final preliminary plans were approximately one month from completion. ⠀ Once this rough draft is finalized, the project will be handed over to an architect—who had not yet been designated as of that…
-
James H. McManus Ice Cream Company Opens Norwood Pilot Store-July 8, 1964
In June 1964, the James H. McManus Ice Cream Company opened a new pilot location in Norwood, featuring over 40 flavors of traditional ice cream, sherbets, and water ices.
-
Developer Frank R. Simoni Seeks Zoning Change for New Shopping Center Project-August 21, 1963
Developer Frank R. Simoni has petitioned the Norwood Planning Board for a zoning change on Walpole Street to construct a shopping center, prompting a public hearing set for September 9.
-
Sears, Roebuck to Build Store In Norwood Shopping Center-May 22, 1960
On May 22, 1960, a crowd of civic, business, and government leaders gathered beneath a bright late‑spring sky at the Norwood Shopping Center, where a ceremonial shovel of earth marked the beginning of a major new chapter in local retail life. The groundbreaking celebrated the start of construction on a 31,500‑square‑foot Sears, Roebuck and Co.…
-
Norwood’s Thriving Business Scene-August 4, 1955
A look back at Norwood in 1955 reveals a thriving local economy filled with bustling auto dealerships like Boch Nash, popular eateries like Green Jade, and trusted neighborhood hardware stores and beauty salons.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.