New Shopping Center Proposed on Walpole Street-August 28, 1963

A proposed 75,000-square-foot shopping center off Walpole Street across from Wilson Street was pitched to the Board of Appeals last night, sparking extensive discussion over traffic management, zoning, and local economic impact. Representing the Bay State Management Trust, developer and Boston University professor John P. Alevizos told the board that he had secured firm commitments from a First National supermarket and a W. T. Grant department store.

Mr. Alevizos noted that Grant’s had recently concluded operations in Norwood center after many years and was on the verge of leaving town entirely until the new center project was presented. In addition to the major anchors, the complex would feature a branch office of the Needham Trust Company, a high-end dress shop, and several specialty retail and service shops, complemented by parking for approximately 500 cars (maintaining a 3-to-1 parking ratio).

Economic Stabilization and Neighborhood Concerns

Proponents argued that the center would help reverse historical retail leakage. Citing a 1954 market survey, Alevizos pointed out that Norwood ranked among the lowest towns in the Greater Boston area in retaining consumer spending locally, asserting that the new development would keep shopper dollars within town bounds.

However, neighborhood residents and attorneys raised pointed questions regarding traffic and infrastructure. Attorney Osgood, representing a Walpole Street resident, questioned the underlying demand for the center and expressed concern over heavy existing traffic loads on Walpole Street. Property owner John Lanzoni and John M. Walker of the Rustic Acres Association voiced worries over potential safety hazards, the widening of Davis Avenue, and water system pressures.

In response, Alevizos and attorney David C. Ahearn clarified that the development was designed for consumer access directly from Walpole Street, with rear access strictly restricted to service vehicles. Furthermore, Alevizos emphasized that natural tree barriers would be preserved to buffer adjacent residential properties. Planning Board member Francis Wisgirda supported the proposal, noting that the site is currently zoned for industrial use, meaning a heavier manufacturing plant—generating more traffic and water demand—could legally build there “as of right” with fewer community safeguards.

Traffic Control and Additional Hearings

Board of Appeals Chairman James J. Drummey noted that a comprehensive traffic study, arranged by Town Manager Walter A. Blasenak through the State Department of Public Works, recommended Davis Avenue as a traffic control point, though Walpole Street access remained viable if approved. The board deferred its decision for careful deliberation after consulting with selectmen and the Planning Board.

In other business, the board heard resident objections regarding an application by Jack Madden Ford Sales Inc. to extend an automobile showroom in a manufacturing zone, while a petition concerning a separate small center proposed by Frank R. Simoni was noted. A hearing for an expansion request by the Norwood Nursing Home Inc. at 767 Washington Street was continued to September 17.

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