Selectmen Deny Permit for Central Street Youth Club Over Police Chief Objections-September 8, 1971

NORWOOD — Acting upon a strongly negative assessment from the police department, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to deny a commercial permit for the establishment of a proposed “young adults club” in Norwood.

Permit Application and Chief Murphy’s Objections

Petitioner Thomas DiFrancia of 74 Norton Drive had formally proposed locating the youth-oriented club at the site of the former First National Stores building on Central Street. Representing the petitioner, attorney David C. Ahearn presented survey figures compiled over a three-week period from a questionnaire published in local town newspapers, claiming a favorable response that included 37 adults and 12 young adults in support of the project, with only one dissenting vote. Ahearn contended that Norwood lacked sufficient entertainment outlets for its younger citizens and argued that close supervision would effectively eliminate any improprieties.

However, Police Chief James M. Murphy issued a strongly adverse report against the project. Chief Murphy contended that local law enforcement officers would face severe difficulties managing potential problems arising from the club’s operation. Furthermore, the chief warned that the club’s proposed atmosphere and decor could contribute to juvenile delinquency and expressed specific concerns regarding the potential exposure to and consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage patrons.

While DiFrancia asserted that it was “improbable” any beverages other than soft drinks would be sold, Chief Murphy maintained that he was opposed to the possibility of alcohol consumption occurring “even once.” Selectman Martin Lydon echoed those sentiments in voting against the application, asserting that the location of any future youth club in town “should be taken up by the people of Norwood,” while adding that the town would eventually establish a municipal youth center to properly serve its younger residents.

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