
A significant development occurred in the stalled Park Place industrial complex on Route 1 in Norwood.
The board of health had some good news and some bad news for the developer, James H Shane of MJS Realty Trust.
The good news was that plans to install a leaching field and septic system for use until the state approves the park’s tie-in into the town sewer system would be acceptable.
However, temporary occupancy permits issued by Building Inspector John Grover on Friday were invalid, and the occupancy of a gymnastics school reportedly in operation was illegal. The board unanimously voted to accept the leaching field plans for study by Public Health Director Bartley King. King stated that he had to check the plans for detail but agreed with the concept and believed it was “the right approach” to the sewage disposal problem.
The state Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE) had denied permission to tie into the town’s sewer lines in May due to overburdened lines and excess water. Shane informed the board that tests were being conducted, which revealed leaks responsible for an additional 7,000 gallons of water per day entering the system. He stated that the groundwater level was low, and there was no question that the leaks were responsible for excess water in the system.
Shane expected state approval for permanent connection to the town sewer system once the leaks were repaired. The board also voted unanimously to ask the finance commission for funds to temporarily replace Public Health Nurse Marion O’Neil, who had been hospitalized on Sunday.
The Park Place complex was located on the site of the old Norwood Arena and consisted of 21 lots. Shane was developing the park under a family trust and was president of Appen-dagez Inc., his family-owned company that manufactured Faded Glory clothing. The company planned to move to Park Place, and Shane stated that 11 other buildings were planned for construction this year.
The delayed sewer permits had caused several construction timetables to be missed. Health board members Clare A Swift and Henry T McAuliffe expressed their anxiety to get the industrial park on the town’s tax rolls. Chairman Kenneth E Webber was on vacation at the time.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
The Issue Of Video Licenses-June 9, 1981
In June 1981, Norwood officials crack down on incoming electronic amusement requests, fearing a “video fever” arcade atmosphere downtown.

-
Proposed $3 Million Caldor Shopping Center on Route 1 Clears Zoning Board of Appeals-September 10, 1980
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approves the proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1, subject to strict traffic safety conditions and state DPW review.

-
Selectmen Split Over Amusement Game Permits at Sport Center and Local Restaurants-August 6, 1980
In a close 3–2 vote, Norwood selectmen approved 10 electronic game machines at Norwood Sport Center after concerns about creating a “penny arcade” atmosphere. A similar request from Papa Gino’s for a single Space Invader machine was denied, with officials distinguishing between recreation‑based and dining‑based establishments.

-
Nassau Gardens Residents Form Nonprofit Housing Cooperative and Purchase Complex-August 17, 1979
Nassau Gardens tenants launched a subscription drive to purchase their 204-unit Route 1 apartment complex through a nonprofit housing cooperative backed by a $4 million HUD agreement.

-
Factory Mutual Breaks Ground on $7 Million Conference and Training Center on Route 1 in Norwood-August 11, 1979
Joined by Governor Edward J. King, Factory Mutual Engineering executives broke ground on a $7 million conference, training center, and five-story private hotel on Route 1.

-
Reliance Electric Company Relocates Regional Service Center to Norwood-July 17, 1979
Reliance Electric Company is moving its regional industrial motor repair center from South Boston to the Park Place industrial park off Route 1.

-
Zoppo Realty Trust Petitions for Rezoning at Route 1 and Union Street-July 17, 1979
The planning board heard initial plans for a potential small industrial park, though a final decision was deferred to allow for feedback from Walpole residents.

-
Town Scraps Plan to Extend University Avenue-July 11, 1979
University Avenue Extension Plan Scrapped ⠀ On July 11, 1979, Norwood selectmen officially abandoned the long-debated plan to extend University Avenue through the Ellis Well Field area to Route 1. This reversal marks a major shift in town development, following persistent environmental concerns raised by residents regarding the potential threat to the town’s water supply.…

-
Norwood Park Place Industrial Park Advances-September 12, 1978
Norwood Planning Board releases $50,000 in performance bonding for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1 as roadway and building construction progresses.

Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.









