Norwood Selectmen Approve Infrastructure Improvements for Upland Road-July 12, 1971

In a meeting held on July 11, 1971, the Norwood Board of Selectmen granted unanimous approval for a series of traffic and infrastructure improvements aimed at addressing congestion and safety concerns along the Upland Road and Clapboardtree Street corridor. The project, which was slated to include the construction of a three-phase intersection featuring left-turn storage lanes, was estimated to cost approximately $750,000. Town Engineer Robert A. Hamilton reported that the plan involved raising the local railroad bridge from 12 to 14.5 feet and removing center posts to accommodate larger vehicles. Additionally, the project would lower the grade of Upland Road by three feet to facilitate a smoother transition into Clapboardtree Street. The selectmen voted to forward the proposal to state consulting engineers for further consideration under the Chapter 90 project guidelines.

Beyond the roadwork, the selectmen addressed a variety of pressing municipal issues. Faced with potential regulatory penalties from the state Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding the town dump’s failure to meet new sanitary standards, the board declared an emergency situation. This move allowed the town to extend its existing dump contract for 90 days, providing the necessary window to propose a compliance plan to the DPH. Town Manager Walter A. Blasenak was tasked with overseeing these negotiations, with the town needing to provide a detailed site plan, sanitary facilities, and a communication system to satisfy state requirements.

The meeting also saw a significant discussion regarding the town’s financial planning, as the Norwood Board of Assessors and the town manager debated a proposal to utilize $300,000 in Municipal Light Department receipts to offset the tax rate. Town Manager Blasenak estimated that this transfer, combined with other year-end receipts, could potentially lower the tax rate from the 1970 figure of $102 per thousand. Despite concerns from some board members about dipping into light department revenues, the motion to proceed passed unanimously, with Selectman Joseph Wall characterizing it as “the best of all evils” to provide relief to taxpayers.

In other administrative actions, the board addressed neighborhood complaints regarding noise and traffic at a motorcycle repair firm, Choppers Unlimited, located on Morse Hill. Selectmen also approved July 15, 16, and 17 as Little League Tag Days, and received a report from Public Works Superintendent Albert E. Hamilton that construction on the Pleasant Street bridge was scheduled to resume. As the evening concluded, the selectmen continued their efforts to navigate the complex logistical and budgetary challenges facing the town, underscoring their commitment to balancing necessary infrastructure upgrades with fiscal responsibility.

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