Proposed Restrictions For Medical Center Rezoning-This Day In Norwood History-September 12, 1963

The doctors’ desire for another medical center in Norwood at the old Congregational Church property will undoubtedly be a problem confronting the Town Meeting Members at the next Special Town Meeting as a result of the meeting of the Planning Board and the attorney for the doctors’ at their meeting last Monday night.

Attorney Charles L. Donahue met with the board and indicated he would be willing to agree to any restrictions in a deed to get the building. Attorney Donahue said he had the deed conveying the 8200 square feet to the town for the library with restrictions attached to the remaining land that it would not be used for mercantile, manufacturing or mechanical purposes

and that no noxious business would, be conducted on the land. Chairman J. Edward Bamber commented that the restrictions in the deed would be binding upon the land forever, which Attorney Donahue agreed was correct.

Planning Board Member Francis Wisgirda said he was concerned that the wording was too general and that he would like to see specific references to the zoning by-law now in effect. Attorney Donahue agreed to add restrictions which were referred to in the by-law and more specifically defined. Wisgirda also said he felt there should be restrictions as to set-back from Walpole street and the rear yard and side yard. Donahue agreed to these restrictions but the board said they did not feel any restrictions as to the height of the building were necessary.

Wisgirda referred to a case involving the City of Newton and said he doubts the legality of the Planning Board attaching conditions of restrictions to their recommendation for a rezoning of the property. The doctors seek to change the area from residential to business zoning for their medical center which drew substantial criticism at the last Town Meeting. The Planning Board indicated the possibility of inviting abutters to a meeting with the attorney for the doctors in order that the matter might be discussed with them and the restriction explained.