Preliminary Plans Filed for 82-Lot Subdivision Near Callahan School-October 3, 1962

Preliminary plans for a major 82-lot residential subdivision situated adjacent to the CallahamnSchool were formally filed with the Planning Board during last night’s meeting.

Proposed Subdivision and Zoning Petition

The proposed development would be bounded by Fisher Street, Pleasant Street, Neponset Street, Adams Street, and McKinley Road. The filing was submitted by attorney Chris I. Pappas on behalf of the Norwood Gardens Corporation, headed by president Harold J. Canovas.

The Planning Board instructed the developers to meet for direct discussions, while also referring the preliminary layout to the general manager for comments and to the School Housing Study Committee to evaluate potential future educational needs for the general residence-zoned area.

Additionally, the board received a citizen petition signed by 59 residents requesting a zoning reclassification from general residence to single residence for David Terrace, Ellis Gardens, and surrounding neighborhoods. The board voted 3–2 to waive the standard $50 public hearing advertising fee—with members Francis Wisgirda, Paul M. Murphy, and John F. Lydon voting in favor, and Chairman J. Edward Bamber and James T. O’Sullivan opposed—pending the submission of detailed plans from the petitioners.

Developer Discussions on Infrastructure and David Terrace

• Westover Section Concerns: Developer Leo E. Wolf appeared before the board to address long-standing infrastructure problems along Stearns Drive and Cushing Drive in the Westover development, where town reports cited numerous uncorrected issues including road patching, low sewer trenches, water pockets, and deficient driveways. Wolf agreed to inspect the site personally with municipal officials. Separately, the board agreed to release a $2,000 performance bond for Devon Road in the Hearthstones development upon receipt of a $100 check for tree plantings.
• David Terrace Revisions: Developer Frank Simoni was invited to meet with the board on Monday to review required revisions for his definitive plans on David Terrace ahead of a mandatory Tuesday deadline for board approval or disapproval.
• Zoning Bylaw Presentations: The board spent nearly an hour preparing an explanatory presentation on proposed town zoning bylaw revisions to deliver to the Norwood Chamber of Commerce, part of an ongoing informational series leading up to the special town meeting scheduled for November 1.
• State Planning Meeting: Board member James T. O’Sullivan volunteered to represent Norwood at the upcoming fall meeting of the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards on October 13 at the Schine Inn in Chicopee.

General News: New Pastor at St. George’s Lithuanian Church

In community news, the Rev. Albert C. Abracinskas assumed duties today as pastor of St. George’s Lithuanian Church, succeeding the Rev. Felix E. Norbut, who served as pastor in Norwood for 15 years before being reassigned to Sts. Rocco and Casimir Church in Brockton. Father Abracinskas, a Brockton native, graduated from Boston College and St. John’s Seminary, and was ordained in May 1940 by Richard Cardinal Cushing.

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