Selectmen Deadlock on License for Proposed Taco Bell-August 9, 1989

Chairman John Kinnaly Advocates for “Taco Temple” at Former French Shriner Shoe Outlet Site, While Gary Lee and William Butters Cite Traffic Concerns; Attorney John Weber Plans New Hearing Request

NORWOOD — John Martin’s ambitious plan to build what was envisioned as the most lavish Taco Bell in Massachusetts—a $1 million “taco temple” serving as a regional restaurant showcase at the corner of Dean Street and Route 1—failed to win immediate approval from the Board of Selectmen last night. The food license application deadlocked in a 2-2 vote. Selectmen Gary Lee and William Butters opposed the project, arguing that the fast-food establishment would generate excessive traffic at what they characterized as one of the busiest intersections in the state. Conversely, Board Chairman John Kinnaly strongly supported the proposal, expressing frustration when the bid stalled. “When a respectable operation comes in here with legitimate plans, rather than another gin mill, I think we’re a heck of a lot better off,” Kinnaly said. “It’s something that’s going to be a credit to the town.”

Tempers flared when Kinnaly attempted to continue the hearing for two weeks to allow fifth board member Joseph Curran, who was absent, to cast a deciding vote. Butters, however, intervened and refused a revote, arguing the public hearing had officially closed. “Don’t get angry, John, it’s too late,” Butters remarked, prompting Kinnaly to challenge his colleague’s ethics and accuse him of killing the project through parliamentary technicalities rather than fair play.

Representing Taco Bell, Norwood attorney John Weber announced the company would immediately reapply for a new hearing. Weber noted that traffic engineers estimated the restaurant would add 216 vehicles daily to the corridor, arguing that “this is not a destination restaurant… generally, someone would already be on the highway, get off, go into the restaurant and get back on.” The proposed restaurant was slated for the former site of the French Shriner Shoe Outlet at Route 1 and Dean St., which closed several months prior. While Pepsico—parent company of Taco Bell—initially considered a combined Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell complex, Taco Bell President John Martin insisted on transforming the parcel into a premier Massachusetts showcase. Richard Baker, construction division manager, and Steven Messing, real estate manager, emphasized that Norwood’s demographics—supporting numerous sub shops, pizzerias, three McDonald’s, and a Burger King—made it ideal, while dismissing competition from the nearby El Torito restaurant as negligible given differing market niches.

Even if Taco Bell secures a food license through a subsequent hearing, the project faces a major regulatory hurdle: the proposed drive-through window is prohibited under town zoning laws, requiring a special variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

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