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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
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Route 1 Wildlife Sanctuary Established by Owner Andrew Simoni to Protect Local Fauna-August 25, 1975
For 15 years, property owner Andrew Simoni has maintained a private 32-acre wildlife sanctuary along Route 1 in Norwood to protect local animals from hunters.
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Vandalism and Thefts Plague Route 1 Auto Dealers Amid Rising Security and Insurance Concerns-August 16, 1975
Facing persistent vandalism and vehicle thefts along Route 1, Norwood auto dealers grapple with stretched police resources, security hurdles, and soaring insurance costs.
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Eleven Norwood Policemen Honored for Capture of Needham National Bank Robbers-September 18, 1974
Eleven Norwood police officers receive town commendations and heroism medals for capturing two armed suspects following a shootout during the Sept. 6 Needham National Bank robbery.
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Factory Mutual Research Corp. Pioneers Advanced Scientific Fire Research and Prevention from Norwood Headquarters-August 10, 1974
Factory Mutual Research Corp. on Route 1 in Norwood leads the nation in scientific fire research, investigating combustion toxics, high-rise safety, and home sprinkler systems for federal agencies.
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Liquor License Request Tabled In Norwood-June 19, 1974
An intense Selectmen meeting surfaces complaints of threats, noise, and traffic issues surrounding a local highway establishment.
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Traphole Brook Protection Association and Developer Meet to Discuss Proposed Union Street and Route 1 Shopping Center Project-September 11, 1973
Lanning Corp. meets with the Traphole Brook Protection Association to discuss stormwater runoff and environmental safeguards for a proposed Route 1 shopping center.
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Iron Horse Launches Cabaret Theater with Musical “Stephanie”-August 14, 1973
Backed by Iron Horse owner John Cornetta, a new Route 1 cabaret theater is launching with the musical “Stephanie,” booked by producer Helene Johnson.
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Norwood Arena Area Study Shelved Following Denial of County Funds-August 14, 1973
Following a denial of matching funds from county commissioners, Norwood’s industrial promotion board shelved its request for a $22,000 area engineering study.
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Norwood Appeals Board Grants Special Permit for 18-Hole Golf Course Off Route 1-August 8, 1973
The Norwood Board of Appeals approved a special permit for developer Frank R. Simoni to construct a 97-acre, 18-hole golf course off Route 1 near Access Road and the Norwood Airport.
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Norwood Shuffled in State Senate Redistricting Proposals to Fix Constitutional Flaw-August 1, 1973
A reporting discovery by The Patriot Ledger revealed a major geographical flaw in a proposed State Senate redistricting map, forcing a last-minute shuffle of Norwood’s voting precincts.
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