
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.
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The committee’s primary focus was to advance a plan for “garden-type industrial development” on a large parcel of land stretching from Route 1 south of Dean Street back to Route I-95, bounded by the Sharon town line.
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The committee members recognized that their primary obstacle involved navigating “new environmental laws,” specifically the Inland Wetlands Act, as the area under consideration was classified as wetlands. Committee members Albert P. Nelson and A. Franklin Swift Jr. reported that they had already investigated potential outside funding, noting that $11,000 in matching funds might be available from the county. Mr. Nelson also discussed the possibility of hiring the engineering firm Fay, Spofford and Thorndike, with vice president William L. Hyland estimating the cost of a formal study at $22,000, plus an additional $18,000 for an environmental impact statement and promotional materials.
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A major parcel within the target area is the Norwood Arena, which the owners had already petitioned to rezone for a shopping center and 600 apartments. The committee planned to discuss the development at the next meeting of the Norfolk County Commissioners and intended to seek cooperation from Sharon officials if the plan progressed.
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Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Road Resurfacing Project in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1978
Faced with decades of neglected road maintenance, Norwood officials debated an ambitious $1.9 million resurfacing plan in 1978. While proponents saw it as a path to smooth roads, others questioned the feasibility of the massive effort.

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Uncertainty Looms Over Norwood Junior High South Opening Date-July 12, 1974
After three years of double sessions following a 1971 fire, Norwood officials faced the possibility of further delays for the new Junior High South.

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Unfinished Junior High To Open On Schedule-July 8, 1974
Discover the construction history of the $4.5 million Junior High South project in 1974, detailing the challenges faced during the transition from the old Washington Street school.

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Selectmen Authorize Water Main Connection and Space Transfers for Phased-Out Schools-June 26, 1974
Shaw Street Infrastructure Upgrades Approved While Winslow and Shattuck Buildings Repurposed for Town Services The Board of Selectmen enacted a series of municipal infrastructure and real estate management decisions during last night’s executive session. In a unanimous vote, selectmen approved a formal request to seek a $16,000 budget transfer from the Finance Commission to construct…

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$1.8 Million in Major Traffic and Safety Improvements Recommended-September 1, 1972
Comprehensive Traffic and Safety Overhaul Recommended for Norwood in Final Federal TOPICS Report A comprehensive and exhaustive final engineering report, recently delivered to local town selectmen, has outlined a sweeping, multi-faceted proposal to dramatically overhaul Norwood’s municipal road network, upgrade intersection safety, and alleviate escalating vehicular congestion throughout the community. Prepared by the prominent Chestnut…

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Norwood Selectmen Approve Infrastructure Improvements for Upland Road-July 12, 1971
Local leaders also enacted emergency measures for the town dump to comply with state sanitary regulations and adjusted the 1971 tax rate through light department fund transfers.

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Selectmen Approve Upland Road and Clapboardtree Street Infrastructure Project-July 13, 1971
Local leaders also enacted emergency measures for the town dump to comply with state sanitary regulations and adjusted the 1971 tax rate through light department fund transfers.

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Engineers Estimate $532,000 Cost for University Avenue Extension-September 4, 1970
A four-month overdue engineering study prepared by Boston-based consultants Fay, Spofford & Thorndike Inc. at a cost of $8,000 has placed an estimated price tag of $532,000 on the proposed 2,700-foot extension of University Avenue. The recommended roadway layout will connect the existing portion of University Avenue with Everett Street just before intersecting Route 1,…

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