The Planning Board voted 3-1 to recommend approval of a warrant article for the upcoming special town meeting submitted by Norwood Arena Inc. to rezone the rear portion of its Route 1 property from light manufacturing to multi-dwelling residential.
Multi-Family Rezoning and Heated Board Debate
The approved zoning amendment clears the path for a proposed 540-unit apartment complex on the rear acreage of the Route 1 property. During the proceedings, planner Thomas F. Cavanaugh moved for an immediate vote supporting the article, asserting, “Industry pays taxes, too,” and was backed by Chairman James T. O’Sullivan and member Thomas A. Riolo.
However, the vote provoked a sharp outburst. Outraged at the board’s decision, Cavanaugh bolted from his seat, grabbed his coat, and stormed out of the basement hearing room without a word. Shouting from the corridor as he departed, Cavanaugh warned, “I intend to take suit to claim my rights.”
Chairman O’Sullivan defended the board’s action, rejecting demands to place restrictive conditions on the approval: “We can’t place conditions on our approvals like the appeals board. We have to decide whether this is the best use for the land.” Board of Appeals Chairman George M. Eysie suggested recommending the rezoning on the condition that the complex provide a direct access road to Route 95 in the rear, but O’Sullivan rebuffed the suggestion.
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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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 But by the mid‑1970s, that familiar noise had been replaced by a different kind of rumble — the voices of townspeople,…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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Master Allows Testimony In Norwood Arena Hearing-June 25, 1971
Abutters from Norton Drive and Deerfield Road testify that Saturday night stock car racing volumes make normal domestic conversation impossible.
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Eminent Domain Pond Taking Considered-June 16, 1971
A marathon Selectmen session brings high-profile legal standoffs over Norwood Arena noise limits alongside a $350,000 real estate deadlock.
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