Planning Ahead for Norwood Special Town Meeting, Allan Howard Enters Selectmen Race, and Local Developments-September 16, 1975

As municipal officials await collective bargaining settlements with teachers, firefighters, police, and town workers before officially calling a special town meeting, a substantial warrant lineup is already taking shape.

Special Town Meeting Warrant Preview

Among the key articles prepared for voter consideration is a proposal to transfer jurisdiction over Plumbing and Gas Inspector James Capaldo from the Board of Health to the Building Inspector. The proposed shift follows a bitter spring dispute initiated when Capaldo charged that plumbing work at a local school violated state codes. Though the state Board of Plumbing Examiners ultimately ruled against his findings, the clash exposed ongoing tensions between Capaldo and Health Agent Bartley King. Capaldo secured endorsements from town counsel, the state Civil Service Commission, the airport commission, the Norwood Aviation Association, and the anti-expansion group SNAG (Stop Norwood Airport Growth) to place the administrative transfer under the building inspector’s oversight.

Two additional airport-related warrant articles are slated for the docket:

• Ahearn Amendment Modification: Sponsored by State Rep. Gregory W. Sullivan (D-Norwood), this bill would partially revoke the 1973 Ahearn amendment—which has blocked state transportation bond funds from being used for major capital expenditures at Norwood Airport. If approved by town meeting and the legislature, the bill would allow bond funds to be utilized specifically for essential runway repairs, aligning Norwood with Southbridge under state law.
• Contract Approval Powers: Submitted by SNAG via a petition carrying 250 signatures, this article directs the board of selectmen to file legislation granting town meeting approval power over all leases and contracts entered into by the Airport Commission.

Additional items under review for the town meeting warrant include a proposal by Planning Board member Thomas F. Cavanaugh to raise minimum residential lot sizes—increasing single-family requirements from 7,500 to 10,000 square feet, duplex requirements from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet, and multifamily base requirements from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet, with an increase for additional units. Separately, Fire Chief Irving J. Dobson continues to advocate for an $82,000 sprinkler system for the senior high school, which he labeled the most hazardous town building following the defeat of the larger high school addition plan in June.

Allan Howard Announces Candidacy for Board of Selectmen

Finance Commissioner Allan D. Howard, 31, of 431 Nahatan St., formally announced his candidacy for the Board of Selectmen yesterday. Having served two years as head of the finance commission, Howard emphasized the need for fresh leadership and announced a door-to-door campaign goal to meet every Norwood resident prior to the January 19 election, where he will challenge veteran selectman Charles Rich, who has served for nearly 30 years.

Howard cited local vandalism, community harassment, and the financial burdens facing residents as core motivators for his run, specifically criticizing the town’s $20 ambulance fee for residents given that the fire department staffs the service and local tax dollars fund the operation.

Additional Local and Regional Developments

• Hospital Administration: Donald M. Moulton, administrative assistant at Norwood Hospital, has been nominated for membership in the American College of Hospital Administrators. A former Air Force Medical Service Corps officer with an MBA from George Washington University, Moulton completed his residency at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
• Franchi Brothers Land Purchase: Newton-based Franchi Brothers Construction Co., Inc. purchased 10 acres of land at the corner of West Border Road and Nahatan Street for $390,000 from Vincent O. Watson of Dedham through Needham realtors Algonquin Properties, Inc. Company president Anthony Franchi announced plans to construct 138 apartment units—the maximum allowed by zoning—with construction expected to begin within months.
• Kiwanis and Rotary Jail Day: Local clubs announced an upcoming “Jail Day” fundraiser scheduled for October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Citizens can purchase “complaints” to have friends arrested by members dressed in Bicentennial costumes and brought to a mock trial on the town common. Warrants can be secured from members or local businesses including Clark’s Pharmacy, Norwood News and Book, Val Lawn and Power Equipment, and Wellwood’s.

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