Will Investigate Park Set-Ups And Interview Commissioner Long
Committee Studies Willett Pond Deed; Seeks Plan to Protect Property for Town Use
A special committee appointed by the Norwood Board of Selectmen met Wednesday night to continue its work on one of the town’s most delicate civic matters: the future of Willett Pond and the legal framework needed to ensure that the property remains available for the benefit of Norwood residents.
Present at the meeting were Judge James A. Halloran, town counsel, and George F. Willett, whose long‑standing involvement with the Civic Association and the pond property has made him central to the discussion.
Committee to Study Models in Milton and East Walpole
The committee voted to investigate how similar recreational properties are structured in other communities. James Curran, representing the Recreation Council and serving on the committee, was tasked with examining:
- Cunningham Park in Milton
- Francis William Park in East Walpole
- Guidance from Commissioner Long of the Boston Park Department regarding taxation issues
The purpose of this research is to determine whether the Civic Association’s deed of gift for Willett Pond qualifies as a charitable organization—and therefore tax‑exempt—and, if not, what revisions would be required to bring it into compliance.
Concerns Over the Existing Deed
Judge Halloran explained that the current deed contains a significant flaw. While the trustees are obligated to use the property “for the good of the town,” there is no legal restriction preventing them from selling the property and using the proceeds for that same purpose.
In other words, the deed does not explicitly protect the land itself.
Halloran noted that this loophole could be closed by revising the deed to prohibit the sale of the property outright, thereby ensuring that Willett Pond remains permanently dedicated to public use.
Agreement to Move Forward
Both the committee and Mr. Willett agreed that revising the deed along these lines would likely resolve the issue. Judge Halloran offered his full cooperation in drafting the necessary language once the committee completes its fact‑finding work.
Next Steps
The committee will proceed with its investigation into comparable park arrangements and taxation precedents. Once that information is gathered, the group will reconvene to determine the precise form of the revised conveyance.
The goal is clear: to secure Willett Pond as a lasting recreational asset for the people of Norwood, protected by a deed that leaves no room for ambiguity.
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