Fencing, repaving, and minor drainage corrections which are now under way, will complete the commitment of the permanent building construction committee to Norwood Junior High North, according to chairman Richard W. Kief. The school was opened to students in January and officially dedicated last month.
Mr. Kief said a 6 foot chain link fence will be constructed along the Vernon, Irving and Prospect Street boundaries of the school property and bids are now out for this project. He also said some repaving is necessary to widen the bus turn-around in front of the school. Residents of Irving Street have complained recently to both the building committee and the school committee about buses using their street to enter school grounds and have recommended that the Prospect Street driveway be used for both entrance and exit by means of a loop in front of the school. However, Mr. Kief said that any decision in this regard would have to be made by the school department.
The building committee also received a report from Arthur D. Little, Inc. stating that a survey of Norwood’s school building needs is about three-quarters completed. Mr. Kief said the report was “quite general” and did not specify a completion date, although the finance commission reported last week that they expect a written report by the third week of June.
The $42,000 independent survey was substituted for a $6.1 million high school addition by a November 1969 town meeting, because of town officials disagreement over school building priorities. The 10-year master plan for school facilities, buildings and grounds, will allow for planned growth of schools, efficient use of facilitites, budgeting, educational specifications planning, design development and bid timing, according to the firm’s representatives.
The Patriot Ledger, May 29, 1970
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