In response to concerns raised by residents, Norwood officials addressed allegations regarding the use of municipal resources and labor for the construction of a new gazebo on the town common. During last night’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Manager John Carroll clarified that town employees have not been utilized for the construction itself, with the exception of occasional volunteer efforts performed strictly during non-working hours.
Carroll explained that the public works department’s visible presence on the common stemmed from necessary infrastructure repairs rather than the gazebo project. According to Carroll, town workers were tasked with replacing broken sidewalks crossing the common that lead to the new bandstand, which he described as essential maintenance. Additionally, workers relocated a water main and an electric cable discovered underneath the project site. While Carroll admitted the utility relocation was not initially anticipated, he noted that “this turned into a little bit more of a project than I thought it was going to be.”
Project Status and Community Dedication
Selectmen William Butters and Timothy McDonough confirmed they had also received inquiries from concerned citizens who were under the impression that the entire project was to be completed exclusively by private volunteers. Selectmen Chairman Gary Lee acknowledged that he, too, had been confronted by residents seeking clarification on the use of public workers.
Organizers behind the bandstand—which will be formally named in honor of the late Selectman Walter Dempsey—reported that they have successfully raised more than $30,000 for the project, with significant contributions of labor and materials coming from local donors. The committee expects construction to conclude by the end of September, with a public dedication ceremony currently slated for October 2. The committee is actively seeking performers for the event; interested parties are encouraged to contact committee member Paul Eysie at 762-6607. (Reporting by Pedro Pereira, The Patriot Ledger).
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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