Norwood Taxi Meter-Tampering Charged and Municipal Updates-August 27, 1975

Norwood Taxi Inc. Charged with Meter Tampering

Building Inspector John E. Grover reported that Norwood Taxi Inc. had installed special dual-rate meters in violation of town codes. The inspector urged selectmen to penalize the firm, noting the company was “just defying us.” Under the local taxi code established in 1973, cabs were restricted to a maximum initial fare of 60 cents plus 10 cents for each sixth of a mile traveled. Mr. Grover noted that the company had previously been found guilty in 1970 of operating uninspected meters.

Additional Board of Selectmen Actions

• Delicatessen Permit Denied: By a 2-1 vote, selectmen denied a common victualer’s license application for a proposed delicatessen at 468 Walpole Street, located in a former portable classroom. Selectman Joseph W. Wall voted in favor after hearing from owner Jack Galante, but Selectmen Charles Rich and George Usevich voted to override.
• Vandalism Study Approved: The board authorized the Norwood Jaycees to conduct a three-month investigation into local vandalism and juvenile unrest. Vice President John Hutchings stated the study would involve a task force representing community groups, including the Women’s Community Committee, the League of Women Voters, the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis, and the Lions Clubs. The project received final approval subject to review by the town manager and police chief.
• Council on Aging Bus Grant: Selectmen approved a plan by the Council on Aging to purchase a new bus for local seniors using $27,000 in federal funds secured through Norfolk Wheels, supplemented by a $1,500 local match from the council.

Zoning Board Considers Canton Street Trucking Appeal

The Board of Appeals took under advisement the appeal of Hartman Trucking Co. regarding a cease-and-desist order issued by Building Inspector Grover. The order commanded the firm to halt operations at its 675 Canton Street warehouse after determining the site was being utilized as an unauthorized “truck terminal” within a limited manufacturing district.

Approximately 15 abutting Norwood and Westwood residents spoke against the appeal, citing excessive noise and operations running as late as 2 a.m. Westwood Planning Board member David Murphy argued the company’s activities violated local zoning laws. Representing the trucking firm, attorney Barry Sola countered that nearly 90 percent of the site’s function served as a merchandise distribution and warehouse point, citing a legal precedent in Canton permitting incidental terminal use.

Town Insurance Policy Valid

Town Counsel Richard A. Gould informed selectman James W. Barry that the town’s municipal insurance policies remained legally in effect. Responding to concerns that the insurance commission failed to advertise bids in regional newspapers, Mr. Gould clarified that the purchase of insurance is professional in nature and therefore exempt from public bidding statutes.

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