With the reluctant assent of the local housing authority, selectmen voted last night to sign two equal opportunity agreements mandated by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), thereby preserving the town’s eligibility for state and federal financial assistance.
The pacts require the town to formulate an affirmative action program for equal employment opportunities and a fair housing plan for public housing within 90 days. Housing Authority Chairman Phyllis McDonough explained that her board endorsed the agreements reluctantly out of fear that local residency preferences for public housing might be compromised. However, she emphasized, “We know we will have to modify our residential preference clause, but we do not want to stand in the way of the town receiving federal or state funds.”
Board Chairman Joseph F. Curran expressed hope that the housing plan could protect local preferences, stating, “If we find those restrictions are not acceptable, we won’t have a fair housing plan that is acceptable to me.” Selectman Walter J. Dempsey supported the move, noting, “Norwood is made up of groups of minorities. They are good for the town.” Assistant Town Manager Bernard Cooper was designated to draft the employment plan, while Housing Authority Executive Director Kevin Maguire will spearhead the fair housing strategy. The town currently eyes the funds to support a $200,000 playground development project in the Sumner-Union Street area.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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