Simoni Denied Permission to Build Motel Near Norwood Airport-August 3, 1978

The Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission (MAC) voted 4-0 yesterday to deny Norwood developer Frank R. Simoni permission to construct a multi-story motel near the Norwood Airport. The unanimous vote rejected an unqualified variance request for a five-to-six-story structure without proposing any compromise height. The requested variance sought approximately 42 feet of additional height because the proposed building would intrude 63 feet into a protected approach zone for the airport’s main runway, whereas a 21-foot height restriction would only permit a two-story building.

The proposed motel site was slated adjacent to the Norwood Country Club and the Red Coach Grill property located at Access Road and Route 1, both of which were also owned by Frank R. Simoni. Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not issue an adverse recommendation regarding air navigation hazards, the MAC retained final jurisdictional authority. The Norwood Airport Commission had previously recommended a four-story compromise height. Following the adverse ruling, Frank R. Simoni stated that he would not abandon the motel project entirely, intending instead to build on his country club properties, though he declined to clarify whether he would relocate the footprint or formally appeal the decision in court.

State Aeronautics Director Richard F. Hodgkins strongly objected to the variance request, arguing that the location was entirely unsuitable for multi-story lodging and posed significant safety concerns. While distinguishing the proposed multi-story structure from nearby one-story commercial buildings like Mark’s Department Store—which he categorized merely as “casual hazards”—Director Hodgkins surmised that motel guests would be deprived of a basic feeling of safety and security. Agreeing with the director’s assessment, Anne E. Sheehan, the Norwood representative on the MAC board, declared, “I think it’s a terrible precedent. I’m very much in agreement with the recommendation.” Local aviation officials, developers, and town leaders continued to evaluate the long-term commercial future of the Access Road and Route 1 corridor following the definitive state ruling.

Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission denies developer Frank R. Simoni permission to build multi-story motel near Norwood Airport. The board voted 4-0 against the variance for the five or six-story structure because it intruded 63 feet into the protected approach zone of the airport main runway. Frank R. Simoni, owner of the Norwood Country Club and Red Coach Grill properties at Access Road and Route 1, stated he would still build a motel on his land despite the setback, while State Aeronautics Director Richard F. Hodgkins and Norwood MAC member Anne E. Sheehan defended the strict safety restrictions.

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