Norwood Housing Authority Proposes $1 Million, 75-Unit Elderly Housing Facility on Prospect Street-October 27, 1965

Town and State Recognize Urgency for Second Senior Housing Project

Planners in Norwood are eyeing a major expansion of local senior housing following the announcement of a proposed $1 million, 75-unit development for elderly residents. Lawrence O’Brien, executive secretary of the Norwood Housing Authority, presented the plans to the Board of Selectmen last night, revealing that both town officials and state authorities have acknowledged the pressing need. Under the state program, construction funds will be provided by the state and financed through rent receipts, while the town handles property acquisition and utility connections.

The prime location under consideration is town-owned land on Prospect Street, directly opposite the Oldham School, which the housing authority selected as the top choice among four potential sites. Demand remains high; O’Brien reported 126 active applications on file. The bulk of these applicants sought entry into the 36-unit wing completed on March 1 of this year—a facility added to the existing 50-unit structure located between Hill and Adams Streets.

While Selectman Walter J. Dempsey urged caution and suggested it might be time “to put the brakes on” further construction, arguing that some occupants were not longtime town residents, O’Brien clarified that while state law permits anyone with five years of Massachusetts residency to apply, Norwood gives priority to local residents. Selectman Martin J. Lyndon urged exploring alternative sites, whereas Board Chairman Harry B. Butters praised the project, emphasizing the town’s obligation to its senior citizens. Final development will require Town Meeting approval to transfer or sell the town-owned Prospect Street land.

School Committee Approves Single Mileage Markers for Busing Eligibility

In municipal school business, the Norwood School Committee approved an amendment establishing a single official mileage marker in front of each town school to determine student busing eligibility.

Originally, committee member Francis X. Sheehan proposed installing two markers 25 feet apart at each building. However, following a suggestion by Joseph Olshan, Sheehan agreed to a single-marker standard placed on the roadway closest to the main front entrance. The committee noted that at Norwood Junior High School, Prescott Elementary School, and Oldham Elementary School, driveways run closer to the main doors than the adjacent public streets do, providing a clear reference point for parents measuring distances.

Norwood High School Junior Class Officers Elected

Results from the Norwood High School junior class elections were officially announced by Robert Donahue and Frank Daniell, co-chairmen of the Student Council’s election commission:

• President:Thomas J. Cassidy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Cassidy of 183 Jefferson Drive.
• Vice President:Paul S. Boulis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Boulis of 11 Weld Ave.
• Secretary:Paula M. Babel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Babel of 66 Austin St.
• Boys’ Treasurer:Stephen A. Donovan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Donovan of 117 Jefferson Drive.
• Girls’ Treasurer:Carolyn Boulis, daughter of Mrs. Barbara Boulis of 13 Tremont St.
• Boys’ Representative:Thomas E. Donovan, son of Dr. and Mrs. Edward L. Donovan of 151 Cottage St.
• Girls’ Representative:Lois A. Lindblom.

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