Parking Proposals in Norwood-July 31, 1963

The Patriot Ledger’s July 31, 1963 edition brought forth a plethora of news stories that captivated the residents of Norwood and surrounding areas. Among these was the Parking Commission’s meeting with the Board of Selectmen to discuss proposals for acquiring land for parking purposes. This pivotal discussion took place in an executive session, which raised eyebrows among those present.

The Parking Commission, led by Frederick McDonough, had been tasked with identifying suitable parcels of land near Day Street and Broadway for parking purposes. Their original plan involved acquiring these properties to alleviate the pressing need for additional parking spaces within the town. However, their recommendations necessitated negotiations with several individuals, prompting the Board of Selectmen to convene in executive session.

The decision to close the meeting was met with resistance from Ambrose J. Kelly, a former Finance Commissioner, who strongly protested the notion of discussing matters in private. He argued that since everyone was aware of the areas being discussed, there was no reason why the matter couldn’t be addressed in an open session. This sentiment was echoed by Selectman Walter J. Dempsey, who “reluctantly” made the motion to close the meeting.

The Board of Selectmen ultimately agreed to turn the problem over to Town Manager Walter A Blasenak for further discussion with the engineering department before taking a definitive action. The selectmen also decided to eliminate an “arm” at the Nahatan Street exit from the Talbot Parking Lot, allowing for improved exit and entrance procedures.

The Parking Commission’s proposals were not the only topic of discussion during this meeting. Members of the Norwood Chapter 90 Disabled American Veterans met with the selectmen to address concerns regarding conditions at the DAV Memorial Park on Walpole Street near Chapel Street. Joseph McEtterick, spokesman for the DAV, expressed worries about broken pieces of iron fencing that could pose a danger to children playing in the area. He also requested that the selectmen consider erecting a flag pole at the park.

The selectmen voted to turn this matter over to Town Manager Blasenak as well. In addition to Mr. McEtterick, Commander Frederick Baldwin and Anthony Abreu represented the veterans group. The meeting between the selectmen and the Elementary School Building Committee was postponed for the second time in a row, with no explanation provided.

The Board of Selectmen also granted approval for the League of Women Voters to use Memorial Hall on Monday, January 13, 1964, for their Annual Candidates Night event. George G. Rodgers, who could be reached at 769-2400, was involved in this decision.

Furthermore, the selectmen discussed a proposed traffic study aimed at improving intersections along the one-mile strip where numerous accidents had occurred. State engineers began planning this project late last year after the Dedham Selectmen and Chief of Police Walter Carroll pressed for state action to address these safety concerns.

The growth of shopping areas along this strip has increased traffic, making intersections “very dangerous,” according to Chairman William P. Browne. The selectmen intended to “step up efforts” to bring about state action on this issue. Firefighters responded to a roof fire at the New England Metallurgical Corp., with Fire Chief Irving J. Dobson estimating the loss at approximately $200.

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