State Rep. Gregory W. Sullivan Announces Full-Time Registry of Motor Vehicles Branch Weeks Away in Norwood-October 22, 1982

Expanded Five-Day Full-Service Registry Coming to Norwood Armory

According to State Representative Gregory W. Sullivan (D-Norwood), the Norwood branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles will transition to full-time, five-day-a-week operations offering complete registry services within the next four weeks. Currently open only three days a week, the local office will soon allow motorists to secure driver’s licenses and transfer vehicle registrations locally—services previously requiring trips to regional branches in Boston’s North Station or Taunton.

Sullivan noted that the expansion plan had been “totally approved” by State Registrar Richard McLaughlin, Public Safety Secretary George Luciano, and Governor Edward King, with the governor anticipated to attend the official launch day. Although a mid-October target date had been discussed previously without a formal schedule set, Sullivan confirmed the rollout was imminent.

Armory Space Needs and Town Hall Discussions

The expansion timeline is independent of whether selectmen agree to allocate additional space within the Norwood Armory, which the town was in the process of acquiring from the state. While Town Manager John J. Carroll reported understanding that the Registry sought to expand its footprint from roughly 1,000 square feet to 2,400 square feet to properly house a full-service branch, Sullivan emphasized that the upgraded operations would proceed even if forced to operate in “cramped quarters” initially.

Sullivan stated he would request that selectmen cooperate in meeting the Registry’s space requirements, noting that while no formal written lease terms existed for the armory yet, the agency expected to occupy the space rent-free while maintaining its own quarters. Selectmen agreed to invite Sullivan and a Registry representative to discuss the space needs at their upcoming meeting.

Selectmen Vote on Armory Prison Training, Liquor Licenses, and Fire Station Bond

In other municipal business during Tuesday night’s meeting, the Board of Selectmen took action on several key community items:

• Prison Tactical Team Training: In a 3-2 vote, selectmen approved a request allowing a tactical team from Norfolk State Prison to use the Norwood Armory for tactical training at no cost to the town. The agreement stipulates that usage will terminate immediately once armory conversion into a civic center begins. Selectmen Walter J. Dempsey and John F. Kinnaly cast the dissenting votes.
• Walpole Rebels Fundraiser: The board approved a one-day alcohol license and dance permit for the Walpole Rebels Gridiron Club to host a November 13 fundraiser at St. Timothy’s Church hall.
• Carla’s Restaurant Performance Bond: Selectmen agreed to require a prospective tenant of the old fire station to post a $350,000 performance bond as part of a proposed lease for Carla’s restaurant, ensuring financial protection if the developer defaults before completing building conversions.

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