The state-approved expansion of Norwood Hospital onto the municipal Civic Center site faces its next official regulatory hurdle: a review by the zoning board of appeals. Building Inspector John E. Grover noted that the hospital will require a special permit from the zoning board before construction can proceed on the Civic Center parcel.
Despite the upcoming regulatory step, there is no immediate rush, as the purchase and sale agreement dictates that the town does not need to vacate the Civic Center until mid-1981. Hospital Administrator David P. Buchmueller pointed out that the hospital must formally take title to the property before applying for local permits. Under the terms of the agreement, the hospital takes ownership 90 days after receiving its state certificate of need for the expansion. Buchmueller stated that the hospital’s goal is to finalize the paperwork well within 90 days, at which point the hospital will hand over a check for $1,950,000 to complete the $2 million acquisition. The hospital previously provided a $50,000 down payment two years prior, alongside an additional $25,000 paid to the town for widening East Hoyle Street as incidental work related to closing Winter Street—the thoroughfares bounding the Civic Center site on opposite sides.
Buchmueller explained that the hospital will initially secure a bank loan to fulfill the town purchase before potentially financing both the debt and the first phase of on-site construction through a tax-exempt bond issue. Groundbreaking for the initial $3.5 million construction phase is scheduled for August 23, with completion anticipated by late 1980. This phase—focused primarily in the courtyard and Linden Street area of the existing hospital campus—will include an expanded emergency room, a new day surgery center, and upgraded radiology and nuclear medicine facilities.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
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Norwood Hospital Expansion Likely to Target Civic Center Site-July 13, 1976
The expansion aims to address the critical need for increased bed capacity, support services, and advanced medical units, as outlined by consulting firm Medicus Planning, Inc.
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Owner of Norwood Site Says He Was Unaware of Gravel Removal-July 24, 1985
The Norwood Zoning Board of Appeals clashed with property owner Paul C. Balboni over unpermitted gravel excavation at a University Avenue site flagged by Building Inspector John Grover.
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Turnpike Lumber Yard Property Sold to Neighboring Supply Firm-June 24, 1983
The commercial expansion follows two destructive, suspected arson fires that completely leveled the historic lumber yard buildings last year.
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Star Market Withdraws Storage Permit Request Following Major Cardboard Warehouse Fire-July 29, 1981
Following a massive fire that took firefighters over 12 hours to extinguish, Star Market withdrew its permit request to store recycled cardboard at University Avenue.
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Zoning Board Approves Phase II of Norwood Hospital Expansion-June 24, 1981
A heated dispute erupts between board members and Building Inspector John E. Grover over a lack of formal advisory feedback on preliminary plans.
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Selectmen Demand Good Faith Deposit for Winslow School Sale-June 13, 1981
Board Votes 4-1 to Protect Town Interests Against Developer’s Office Condominium Project as blue Law Video Games Approved The Board of Selectmen have voted 4-1 to formally demand an $8,000 cash deposit from the prospective buyers of the former Winslow School to legally bind a proposed $325,500 real estate purchase. Town Counsel Justin C. Barton…
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Winslow Office Plan Gets Official Backing-June 9, 1981
Norwood officials clear the path to transform the closed Winslow School into professional office condominiums, winning broad neighborhood support.
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Conservation Commission Faces Angry Residents Over Proposed Washington Street Auto Body Shop-August 8, 1979
Amid fierce opposition from South Norwood homeowners concerned over Hawes Brook flooding and pollution hazards, the Norwood Conservation Commission reviewed safety plans for a proposed auto body shop on Washington Street.
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Zoppo Realty Trust Petitions for Rezoning at Route 1 and Union Street-July 17, 1979
The planning board heard initial plans for a potential small industrial park, though a final decision was deferred to allow for feedback from Walpole residents.
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Selectmen Postpone Decision on Norwood Police Towing Contract-July 11, 1979
Towing Controversy Continues On July 11, 1979, the ongoing controversy regarding police department towing contracts returned to the forefront of local governance as Norwood selectmen held a public hearing regarding an application by A. Civitarese & Sons, owners of the South Norwood Exxon station. The town currently contracts with 17 authorized towers to manage requests…
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