The Planning Board granted a two-week extension for a final decision regarding a residential and commercial subdivision proposal submitted by Norwood Arena owner Alan G. Zuker of Brookline.
Subdivision Proposal and Prior Land Use Plans
Zuker’s current application requests approval for a 37-lot subdivision situated on the front portion of the arena property, which is zoned for business. Represented by William Schoppee of Norwood Engineering, the developer’s pending plan includes five new roadways and sewer line hookups connecting to a major interceptor sewer running parallel to Route 1. While the rear half of the parcel lies in a limited manufacturing zone—where industrial park development has previously been discussed—the active application focuses exclusively on the front acreage.
The site has previously faced local development scrutiny. In 1974, a proposal by developer Frank Portugal to construct multi-family apartments on the property was decisively rejected by town meeting. Schoppee also represented the Franchi Brothers of Auburndale regarding a separate pending apartment proposal on West Border Road, noting that a negative health board report on that project pertained to an earlier architectural submission by former owner Dr. William Lovell. Additionally, the planning board approved a separate subdivision plan submitted by Frederick Quattrucci for a two-acre parcel on Sumner Street to construct a single-family home or duplex.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Arena Stories
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James H. Shane Wins Public Auction Bid to Purchase Historic Norwood Arena Property-August 11, 1976
Following a mortgage default by Norwood Arena, Inc., developer James H. Shane purchased the 72.5-acre Route 1 landmark for $395,751 at a public auction initiated by Baybank Norfolk County Trust Company.
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Norwood Public Drinking Bylaw Pushes Problem to Outskirts of Town, Says Police Chief James F. Curran-July 30, 1976
Police Chief James F. Curran reported that Norwood’s four-month-old public drinking bylaw successfully cleared the town square but pushed drinking to the outskirts.
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Planning Board Delays Decision on Norwood Arena Subdivision Plan-September 9, 1975
The Planning Board grants a two-week extension on Alan G. Zuker’s 37-lot subdivision proposal for the front portion of the Norwood Arena property.
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Norwood Fights Plan For Housing Complex At Arena Site-June 7, 1974
Norwood fights plan for housing complex at arena site For decades, the roar at the Norwood Arena had been the sound of racing engines, cheering crowds, and the unmistakable pulse of a local institution. But by the mid‑1970s, that familiar noise had been replaced by a different kind of rumble — the voices of townspeople,…
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Planning Board Endorses Norwood Arena Rezoning for Major Apartment Complex-September 11, 1973
The Planning Board votes 3-1 to recommend rezoning the rear of the Norwood Arena property to multi-family residential, sparking a dramatic walkout by a dissenting planner.
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Norwood Arena Area Study Shelved Following Denial of County Funds-August 14, 1973
Following a denial of matching funds from county commissioners, Norwood’s industrial promotion board shelved its request for a $22,000 area engineering study.
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Norwood Planning Board Favors Rezoning of Norwood Arena Site-July 17, 1973
Officials deferred a decision on the remaining 40 acres, which were proposed for a 600-unit apartment complex, pending further information.
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Seeds Of Vast Industrial Development Planted-July 10, 1973
On July 10, 1973, the industrial committee in Norwood underwent a significant reorganization, appointing local developer Robert L. Rizzo as chairman and establishing a five-member steering committee to promote business and industry within the town. ⠀ The committee’s primary focus was to advance a plan for “garden-type industrial development” on a large parcel of land…
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20th Century Gladiators Battle on Wheels at Norwood Arena Demolition Derby-September 5, 1972
Ed Henderson of Needham wins the final summer demolition derby at Norwood Arena as over 1,000 fans watch nearly 100 drivers crash and smash for the championship.
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Gridlock Over $6-Million Junior High Rebuilding Plan and Norwood Arena Noise-This Day in Norwood History-June 27, 1971
A dual crisis hits Norwood in 1971 as a $6-million junior high deficit triggers political warfare and state experts condemn racetrack noise.
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