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A zoning board hearing regarding the proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1 was continued to August 19 to give developers time to finalize traffic flow plans. Attorney James Hilliard, representing developers Bronson & Hutensky of Bloomfield, Connecticut, explained that the delay was necessary to negotiate a right-of-way through Park Place Industrial Park to ensure safe vehicle access and egress. Because the section of Route 1 between Sumner Street and Vanderbilt Avenue—situated opposite Furlong’s Cottage Candies and Ice Cream—has been the site of numerous serious accidents involving motorists attempting to cross oncoming traffic, developers needed a temporary solution. Hilliard proposed routing traffic through Park Place to Vanderbilt Avenue, where a new traffic light is to be installed, until a median strip is constructed on Route 1 in three to four years, which will enable safe U-turns at Sumner Street or left turns at a proposed Morse Street extension.
Despite concerns raised by citizens questioning the suitability of the 25-acre industrial site on the easterly side of Route 1, Hilliard defended the project, stating, If the developers did not think it was a good site, they would not go there. They go where people want a shopping center. Unveiled on June 30, the $3 million project is slated to feature Caldor as the anchor store alongside 20 other retail outlets, providing 650 parking spaces to accommodate an estimated 8,000 vehicles daily, with construction expected to take one year.
In other business, the zoning board addressed residential and commercial special permits. In a 2-1 decision, the board denied a request from Edward Runci of 81 Walpole St. to convert his single-family home into a two-family dwelling. Chairman Joseph Randall and board member Philip W. Riley voted against the request out of concern that it would set a precedent in a solid single-family zone, with Riley noting, If such a break is done, it should be a question for rezoning by town meeting, while board member John J. DiSangro cast the lone dissenting vote in favor. Additionally, the board held a public hearing on a petition by the administrators of the estate of William Lovell for a special permit to convert the property at 24 Walpole St. into medical or dental offices, noting zero opposition and three supporting neighbors before scheduling a site visit for Saturday morning.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
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Charles Strumski Retains Norwood Conservation Seat-August 17, 1977
Despite being denied reappointment by the town manager, veteran official Charles Strumski continues to serve the Norwood Conservation Commission.
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Norwood Conservation Commission Approves Park Place Industrial Site-August 17, 1977
Developer James H. Shane and the Norwood Conservation Commission have agreed on a 56,000 cubic yard flood mitigation plan for Park Place on Route 1.
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Conservation Commission Reaches Flood Control Agreement with Park Place Developer-August 17, 1977
Reaching a compromise under the Wetlands Protection Act, Norwood’s conservation commission approved flood control plans for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1.
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Norwood Plaza Tenants Offer to Fund New Traffic Lights, Other Town Business-August 11, 1977
Anxious to fix traffic hazards at Walpole and Wilson streets, Norwood Plaza tenants offered to install traffic signals at their own expense, winning approval from town selectmen.
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Norwood Emergency Team Services (NETS) Formed to Assist Police with Traffic Control and Patrols-August 8, 1977
Led by Patrolman Paul A. Bishop, the volunteer Norwood Emergency Team Services (NETS) organization utilizes CB radios to assist local police with traffic control during major accidents, fires, and weekend patrols.
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Norwood Mall Location Back On Market-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1977
The 25-acre property at Route 1 and Union Street in Norwood is back on the market after the Lanning Corp. allowed its development option to lapse. The site, once intended for an innovative specialty mall, is now open for new commercial or industrial proposals.
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Simoni’s Flowers Unveils Major Rebuilding Plans for Route 1 Nursery and Greenhouse-September 1, 1976
Representatives of Simoni’s Flowers, Inc., located at 277 Providence Highway (Route 1), appeared before the Board of Appeals to outline an ambitious plan to demolish most of the existing structures on their 26-acre commercial site and construct a modern nursery, greenhouse, salesroom, and parking facility. Rebuilding Plans and Zoning Hurdles Although Simoni’s has operated on…
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Roll Land Hangs On-This Day in Norwood History-September 1, 1976
Except for its own sign out front, the Roll-Land roller skating rink along the commercial jungle known as Route 1 looks much as it did years ago when it opened. Original part-owner John Santoro still takes tickets at the door; a huge organ console pumps out old standards; colored Lights illuminate the well-traveled boards and…
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James H. Shane Wins Public Auction Bid to Purchase Historic Norwood Arena Property-August 11, 1976
Following a mortgage default by Norwood Arena, Inc., developer James H. Shane purchased the 72.5-acre Route 1 landmark for $395,751 at a public auction initiated by Baybank Norfolk County Trust Company.
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Burger King Proposal Revived for Route 1 Site of Art Johnson’s Food Stand-July 29, 1976
A revived Burger King proposal for the Route 1 and Everett Street site of Art Johnson’s food stand faced review by the Norwood planning board.
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