Norwood Board Of Selectmen Has Reservations About New Housing

NORWOOD, MA - The Board of Selectmen at its meeting Tuesday night expressed concerns about a proposed mixed-use housing development at 250 Lenox St. near the Norwood Central commuter rail station, citing its height and density.

Phil Macchi, the attorney representing VPG Development, said that the process for a proposed 185-unit, six-story development had begun nearly two years ago but was hampered by the pandemic. The building would be on the site of the Savogram Company, a former paint and chemical plant, which is located in what is currently a manufacturing zone.

He explained that the land would need to be rezoned for mixed-use housing to accommodate the project. It would include a couple of small businesses, such as a coffee shop or a dry cleaner.

"We'd like to work with the town for basically any mechanism the town feels most applicable," Macchi said. "I think it's probably rezoning, but I could be wrong."

The discussion focused on the need for transit oriented development and a recently passed law requiring cities and towns in the MBTA service area to create at least one zoning district that legalizes multi-family housing construction of at least 15 units per acre. The details still need to ironed out by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the MBTA. The comment period is open until March 31.

The group has reached out to residents and Town Meeting members over the past 18 months for feedback as well as the Planning Board. Members noted that the building would exceed the standards of the new law.

The proposed development would be structured in a step-like fashion to appear like several buildings. The side facing Lenox Street would be three stories tall. As it approaches the tracks, it would reach five and six stories, with the tallest portion being 65 feet in height at the tracks.

"Our core strategy from a design standpoint is really two-fold here," explained the project architect. "One was to allow the building to step up from the lower density neighborhood towards the tracks so that we’re being really sensitive to the orientation of the building.

"And the other thing we really wanted to avoid is creating a sense of mass anywhere that’s too strong," he added. "The building has a lot of steps and articulations."

During the presentation, Selectman Helen Donahue peppered the team with questions. She asked about the height of the highest part of the complex as well as the number of units per acre and the square footage of the apartments. She was told that the property is 2.7 acres.

Former Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim served as the community relations representative for the team. He noted that there were "dozens of letters" sent out about the project as well as several community meetings.

He added that units would be counted toward Norwood's affordable housing requirement. This would allow Norwood to continue to be eligible for grants and funding and would prevent developers from proposing units under Chapter 40B. Chapter 40B allows developers to get around local zoning laws to create subsidized housing units.

Chairman Thomas Maloney noted that letters of support were submitted from the Sal Perla, the president of Norwood Hospital and Thomas O'Rourke, the president and CEO of the Neponset River Regional Chamber.

"We feel that this proposal can help solve a lot of problems in the community and be a positive benefit," Zakim added, noting that the Norwood Hospital was "bullish on this project" because it would help house some of its staff members.

Donahue disagreed, saying "the site was too dense," a point that was reiterated later by Selectman Bill Plasko.

"At the beginning of the presentation you said you thought this would solve problems," she said. "I don’t think we have problems. I think that we have a wonderful town, and I think that we have to try to protect it and try to maintain it as a town.

"What we want is the Town of Norwood," she stressed. "We don't want it to become the city of Norwood,"

Selectman Allan Howard questioned what the percentage of affordable housing units the development would require. Although the details of the new law are not concrete yet, if it were affordable housing units required under Chapter 40 B, Zakim said the percentage would be 20-25%.

Selectman Matt Lane said he was encouraged by the discussion about affordable housing units. He suggested that, as mitigation, a room for community use could be part of the development plan.

Maloney asked if the proposed overlay district would only be for that building or if the plans were to extend it down Lenox Street.

"What we did is provide language for this lot," Macchi said. "But I don't see anything preventing it from sliding down Lenox Street if the town was interested in doing that."

Plasko said he was supportive of affordable housing if it was done the right way but did not approve of the business aspect of this plan

"In this area I don’t think there should be anything commercial, which I told you a year and a half ago," he said. "And I still believe that."

He didn't believe the project would be supported by Town Meeting without modifications, he noted.

"I'm not sure the plan as I see it is one I'd accept," said Plasko

"Most likely, when the [DHCD] zoning guidelines are finalized, we can do something that's less dense," Zakim said.