Norwood Hospital Administrator David P. Buchmueller stated yesterday that constructing a high-rise addition directly at the existing hospital site could be the optimal solution to meet the institution’s growing space and modernization needs.
“I have a gut feeling that this may be the best alternative for expansion,” Buchmueller said.
Overcoming Height Restrictions and Airport Proximity
The primary hurdle facing a high-rise proposal is strict building height limitations imposed due to the hospital’s proximity to the Norwood Airport flight paths. A previous 1967 master plan had proposed a towering 15-story addition, which would exceed the maximum height currently permitted in the area.
To explore potential zoning and airspace flexibility, Buchmueller announced an upcoming October 16 meeting with officials from the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission (MAC) at Logan Airport. “We want to see if there is any flexibility that can be given,” Buchmueller explained. “They might not approve 15 stories, but they might approve less.” Furthermore, airport representatives recently indicated that shifting flight approach patterns could potentially alter local airspace restrictions.
Acquiring the Civic Center Site and Walpole Alternative
Buchmueller emphasized that even with a successful high-rise addition, the hospital would still require acquiring the adjacent town-owned Civic Center site to support its footprint. Hospital officials have already held exploratory talks with town leaders regarding the potential acquisition of the civic center property.
The high-rise proposal and site feasibility will be formally examined by a professional consultant later this month.
If expanding on the current site proves unfeasible, the major alternative remains building an entirely new medical facility on a 50-acre tract in neighboring Walpole currently owned by the hospital. However, Buchmueller made it clear that a high-rise expansion combined with the acquisition of the adjacent Norwood Civic Center site would be far preferable to relocating the institution out of town.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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