Norwood Town Meeting Says Yes To Zoning Change At Norwood Space Center

NORWOOD, MA - Norwood's Annual Town Meeting concluded Thursday night with the passage of Article 11 for a new mixed use zoning overlay district to allow a proposed 150-unit mixed-use housing development at the Norwood Space Center at 83 Morse St.

Article 9, which proposed the creation of a mixed-use transportation overlay district near the Norwood Center commuter rail station, was shot down earlier in the evening after several speakers debated the pros and cons. See related article here.

Issues were raised on both proposals about alleged spot zoning, the need for more apartments in Norwood, and the ramifications of a new state policy requiring communities to build more housing units near transportation hubs or forego state grant funding opportunities.

Attorney and former Town Moderator David Hern represented David DePree, the owner of the Norwood Space Center. He pointed out that there were several changes to the initial article. They included a reduction of units from 180 to 150 and the addition of agriculture to the zoning to allow for hydroponics to be grown inside a building. Hazardous materials were prohibited, and all setbacks were increased. Twenty-five percent of the units would be affordable if there were 150 units built, and 20% if the number of units is below 150.

What distinguished this proposal from the previous one presented, according to Hern, is that his client had a proven track record of revitalizing the property and contributing to the community. It also would not be impacted by the MBTA Communities Act. There were several informational meetings about the project as well as tours of the Norwood Space Center.

"This is a group that does what it says it is going to do, that involves the community and engages the community," he said of DePree's team. He added that it is not considered spot zoning because "public benefits are involved."

The current building, which supports the riverbank, will be demolished. The new five-story building would be set back from the river to create a waterfront park. There was a suggestion that it could connect to the new Bernie Cooper Memorial Park that is planned for the Saint Streets Lot. This park, approved May 9 at Town Meeting, could connect to the property to create "an emerald bracelet" in South Norwood.

The site is the former Bird and Son factory, where linoleum, roofing paper and shingles had been created. As a result of this usage, the site would need environmental remediation. DePree acquired the building that had been closed for four decades in 2016.

DePree said he already has invested $12 million to renovate 18-acre Norwood Space Center property of mill buildings, creating space for 50 local businesses. This project would complete his vision of revitalizing the site with the last 150,000 square feet of buildings that can't be rehabilitated.

The target tenants would be young professionals and mature singles, he added. He also said he would partner with the town to see if improvements could be made to the nearby Morse Street Bridge to allow for better access.

"This particular property offers a unique opportunity to offer more dense development to help balance out the residential units in town," said Rachel Churchill, "and bring more residents to South Norwood to revitalize businesses and foot traffic without disrupting the lower-density character of the neighborhood."

Patrick Mulvehill reiterated the concerns he raised about the previous proposal about there being enough available apartments in Norwood. He added that there should be a home ownership component to this project.

"I think it's a good, logical conclusion to the property," he said. "But apartments - I just can't say strongly enough - no more."

"This is an opportunity to open up a dilapidated commercial site, make it housing, and give people a choice of where to live," Peter McFarland said in support of the project. He is a member of the town's Sustainability Commission and Disability Commission.

"I have to tell you it's my sincere belief that this project is a big help to South Norwood, " Selectman Helen Abdallah Donohue said, noting the creation of an accessible waterfront park would greatly benefit the area.

"I think anyone who has visited the Space Center has seen a window to the future," added Tom McQuaid. "I think what we're really going to see is a vision of the river."

"It's not a new shiny penny," said Planning Board member Debbie Holmwood, speaking as herself and not on behalf of the Planning Board. "It's an old lady with some character, and she gets to be saved."

The article was approved by a majority vote. Also approved was Article 12, which codified the zoning map for this change.