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

More…

State Approves Traffic Barrier to Block East Cross Street Access from Route 1-August 12, 1988

Following a resident petition led by Joseph Burke and Rep. Gregory Sullivan after a child’s injury, the state approved a barrier blocking Route 1 access to East Cross Street.
Norwood Committee Faults T Study-July 9, 1987

Discover the 1987 conflict between the Norwood Parking Committee and the MBTA regarding station parking statistics and the pushback against multi-level parking deck plans at the Norwood Depot.
Adams-Russell Cable Services Tells Norwood Selectmen Local Cable System is Completed-August 8, 1984

Company Announces Energizing of Public Institutional Loop as Two-Year Rate Freeze Certification Process Approaches NORWOOD — Representatives from Adams-Russell Cable Services informed town selectmen last night that Norwood’s cable television system is officially complete. The declaration marks a critical milestone for both the Waltham-based company and local subscribers, as certification triggers the start of a…
South Norwood Committee Seeks Private Funding to Clean Landmark Railroad Bridges-June 26, 1981

Faced with tight Proposition 2½ limits, South Norwood look to private donors to clean soot and graffiti off historic stone railroad spans.
Armory Still Eyed for Municipal Use-July 9, 1980

Discover the 1980 efforts by town leadership to acquire the Norwood Armory from the state, following legislative changes and the recent Civic Center location shift.
Guild School Picked for Civic Center-July 8, 1980

Discover the 1980 decision that transformed the Aaron Guild School into a multi-purpose recreation hub, replacing the former Civic Center sold to Norwood Hospital.
Norwood Selectmen Consider One-Way Traffic, Business District Upgrades-August 8, 1979

Building on the Washington Street revitalization project, Town Manager John J. Carroll proposed working with local merchants to secure a second Urban Systems grant for Nahatan Street improvements.
Road Resurfacing Project in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1978

Faced with decades of neglected road maintenance, Norwood officials debated an ambitious $1.9 million resurfacing plan in 1978. While proponents saw it as a path to smooth roads, others questioned the feasibility of the massive effort.
Uncertainty Looms Over Norwood Junior High South Opening Date-July 12, 1974

After three years of double sessions following a 1971 fire, Norwood officials faced the possibility of further delays for the new Junior High South.
Unfinished Junior High To Open On Schedule-July 8, 1974

Discover the construction history of the $4.5 million Junior High South project in 1974, detailing the challenges faced during the transition from the old Washington Street school.