Norwood Town Business and Planning Updates-July 8, 1971

At a meeting held on July 7, 1971, the Norwood Housing Authority received positive news regarding the proposed expansion of local housing for the elderly. Executive Director Lawrence J. O’Brien announced that the state Department of Community Affairs has officially approved plans for 30 additional units of housing to be constructed on Nahatan Street. These new units are designed to be uniform in appearance with the existing 72 units. Mr. O’Brien noted that the facility will incorporate a 500-square-foot addition to the existing building to house laundry facilities and maintenance rooms. The project architects, William Nelson Jacobs Associates, are expected to advertise for construction bids this month, with work projected to begin shortly thereafter. Residents of the new units will continue to utilize the present community center for their needs.

While the owners had originally sought approval for a 44 by 165-foot addition to accommodate functions such as weddings and banquets, they ultimately withdrew their petition without prejudice. The proposal had faced scrutiny due to a driveway shared with the Norwood Printing Co.; officials noted that the addition would further limit the driveway, potentially failing to meet fire safety regulations. The owners indicated they would seek the services of an architect to refine their plans before potentially resubmitting to the board.

Additionally, the Boch Realty Co. petitioned for a variance to erect a 47-foot sign at the automobile dealership located at 1201 Boston-Providence Highway. The proposed General Motors standard signage would replace an existing sign at the location. The Zoning Board of Appeals granted the variance, conditioned upon the inclusion of a leaching drain, a catch basin, and a storm drain to be connected to the East Cross Street sewer.

During the same session, the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan Committee reviewed a map of potential conservation areas presented by member Edward I. Ofgant Jr. The committee, established last month to qualify the town for state and federal conservation and recreation funds, is evaluating lands that include continuous greenbelt areas. Mr. Ofgant, who also serves as the conservation commission chairman, noted that the map depicts waterways and wetlands spanning from the headwaters of Germany Brook, Traphole Brook, and Purgatory Brook, extending to the Neponset River. The areas include acreage in neighboring Westwood, Canton, and Sharon. Mr. Ofgant expressed personal concerns regarding drainage at three spots along Hawes Brook, stating they might not provide adequate drainage during heavy rainstorms. The committee declined to make the recommendations public, noting that it will take several weeks to finalize the list of properties.

Finally, the Norwood School Committee discussed the status of St. Catherine’s parochial school. School Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley reported that he had conferred with the Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Sennott regarding the school’s future. Dr. Coakley stated he had been told by the Msgr. that the parish newsletter indicated the church had no intention of closing the school. When asked by Selectman Walter J. Dempsey to investigate if the school planned to phase out facilities due to a Supreme Court ruling barring state or federal aid to parochial schools, School Committee Chairman Dr. Thomas A. Couch was advised by fellow members to remain uninvolved. Francis X. Sheehan suggested that Dr. Couch “politely withdraw, until the committee is told such a problem exists,” adding, “if the selectmen want to do it, let them do it on their own.” Dr. Couch concluded, “In effect, we told them to hold it in abeyance until they hear from us.” Meanwhile, the Junior High South remains under the study of the Permanent Building Construction Committee for fire damage restoration, with the board ordering the boarding up of first-floor windows and doors.

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