In a wide‑ranging presentation before the Norwood Board of Selectmen, civic leader George F. Willett unveiled plans for a professional survey of the Holmwood and Westover sections—an early step toward a cooperative housing development that could bring modern, affordable homes to Norwood and neighboring towns.
Willett also addressed the Board regarding the status of Willett Pond, lifeguard coverage, and the future operation of the beach area.
A New Housing Vision for Holmwood and Westover
Willett announced that a prominent architectural firm is conducting a survey of the Holmwood–Westover area with the goal of constructing $14,000–$15,000 homes, which he said could be purchased for little more than the cost of a $10,000 home today.
The proposed development would operate on a co‑operative ownership basis, with financing supported by the Federal Housing Authority and amortization periods of 20 to 40 years.
A key feature of the plan would be the doubling of the Wilson Street Playground, including the creation of an outstanding winter sports area for children.
Willett emphasized that the project would require cooperation among Norwood, Walpole, and Westwood, particularly due to a drainage issue in Walpole that could only be resolved by routing water into Norwood.
“We are in the best position we have been in for years,” Willett declared. “This is the first responsible survey we have been able to bring about. In the past we have always been blocked by one group or another.”
Willett Pond May Shift to Commercial Operation
The Board also revisited the issue of lifeguard coverage at Willett Pond, after the Selectmen suspended the victualler’s license last week pending clarification of who would supply lifeguards.
Willett informed the Board that:
- The Norwood Civic Association will provide two lifeguards beginning around June 26
- The beach may be operated on a commercial basis this season
- There is no concessionaire, contrary to earlier assumptions
Selectman Harry B. Butters noted that the Board had considered the hot‑dog vendor a concessionaire and had expected him to supply lifeguards, since no budget funds were available.
Willett clarified that the Civic Association had paid a man to run the beach, made no profit on food, and earned only from parking. He added that the Association had been advised years earlier that building a bathhouse would qualify the property for a tax abatement, but the action was never taken.
Proposal for a Three‑Man Committee
Willett proposed that the Selectmen appoint a three‑man committee to review all foreclosed town‑owned property and determine how much the town has benefited from carrying Civic Association property. Whatever amount is deemed fair, he said, would be paid over ten years.
“I don’t know of any way in which the Norwood Civic Association has not operated with the Town,” Willett said. He also warned that “people are sitting around waiting for something to happen and hoping they can get their hands on that property.”
Selectman Butters agreed that the committee idea had merit but stressed that the immediate issue was ensuring lifeguard coverage.
Willett assured the Board that the Civic Association would handle the responsibility.
License Reissued
Selectman Walter J. Dempsey moved that the beach license be reissued, contingent upon the presence of two lifeguards when the concession opens—likely when schools close for the summer.
The Board unanimously approved the motion.
Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society
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