Norwood Aged Housing Project Gets Approvals-July 19, 1977

The zoning board of appeals made a pivotal decision on the evening of July 19, 1977, unanimously granting a special exception and two variances to permit the construction of a proposed 72-unit housing project for the elderly at 52 Dean Street. This development, spearheaded by Richard R. Vazza of West Roxbury, aimed to provide affordable housing for seniors in the area.

The project’s approval was contingent upon several conditions, including a covenant that would remain in effect for 80 consecutive years. This covenant ensured that the 4.42-acre parcel would only be used for housing for the elderly and prohibited it from being subdivided or utilized for condominiums. The special exception allowed for the construction of five buildings on the site instead of one, while one variance removed restrictions on the number of units to permit 72. Another variance reduced the required parking spaces from 144 to 72.

Richard R. Vazza had an agreement with the present owner, Charles Elias, to purchase the land contingent upon the zoning board’s granting of permits and funding approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The project was estimated to cost $2 million, with 90 percent of the funds loaned to Mr. Vazza by HUD under a 40-year mortgage.

The developer planned nine clusters of eight garden-type apartments arranged to form five buildings, conforming with the zoning code. Originally intended to be constructed entirely of wood, Mr. Vazza agreed to include brick at the suggestion of a concerned citizen citing safety aspects.

The usual procedure for covenants is to renew them every 20 years; however, there was some doubt whether the board could legally secure the 80-year provision. Board Chairman George M. Eysie suggested placing the burden on the developers and inquiring about their alternatives if the 80-year covenant were not feasible.

Other conditions included in the board’s approval were a construction starting date no later than January 1, 1978, and completion by July 31, 1979. The developer was also required to accept the plans for water, drainage, and sewering submitted by the department of public works. Additionally, the fire chief had to approve the installation of fire hydrants.

As recommended by the town engineer, the developer agreed to increase the project’s setback from 22 feet to 40 feet to accommodate any future widening of Dean Street. An emergency fire access was also provided from Lewis Avenue.

During the June 14 public hearing on the proposal, some attendees expressed concerns about potential traffic problems resulting from the development. William F. Costello, safety officer for the police department, conducted a traffic count and found that Dean Street was most heavily used between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with 1,584 cars utilizing the street on July 7.

Despite the heavy use of Dean Street, Board Chairman Eysie noted that studies have shown only about one-third of persons averaging 70 years of age own cars. He suggested that the required 72 parking spaces might not be necessary.

The three voting members of the board, Joseph R. Olshan, George Williamson, and George M. Eysie, toured the site with Mr. Vazza prior to the meeting. The developer agreed to other changes in the plans requested by the board, including shrubbery on the east side of the site and moving one driveway 92 feet from the railroad bridge wall instead of the original 51 feet.

Although George Williamson questioned the certificate of limited partnership set up by Richard and Francis Vazza and their attorneys, he was assured by Joseph R. Olshan, the attorney on the board, that it is a normal legal procedure. The partnership, called Dean Street Elderly Associates, consists of the Vazza brothers as general partners and the law firm of Brad ley, Barry and Tarlow of Boston as limited partners.

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