Selectmen Approve Community Garden, Change Date of Town Meeting

Community Garden Proposal Approved

Susan Clare, of Together Yes, Inc., came before the Board to discuss the community food garden proposed for the conservation land at Mylod and Washington streets.

Clare said the Conservation Commission voted to approve the location last week, and is "quite pleased" with the idea.

Together Yes, Clare said, is an organization that promotes sustainability and community building, and a community garden does both while allowing residents to grow healthy, affordable produce, teach families and children how to garden, and work together in community.

"We feel it is both going to provide sustainable food for the gardeners there and help build community ties," she said.

The location for the garden was chosen both because of the land, and because of its location in South Norwood, an area Clare noted as having a diverse population, a lot of "apartment dwellers," and an "income issue" - something that she said she has felt as well trying to shop for organic food at stores such as Whole Foods.

While this is the first proposal, the organization hopes to see community gardens of all different sizes and types all over Norwood. Clare said they also plan to ask people in Norwood who garden already to volunteer some advice.

"Norwood needs to do this," she said. "We don't need to hire experts from outside of town."

Selectman Allan Howard said the garden is a great idea.

"I so look forward to seeing the people enjoy the fruits of their gardens," he said.

"The whole thing about this project has been so positive," Selectman Helen Abdallah Donohue said.

The Board unanimously passed the motion to approve the site, the cooperation of Mark Ryan of the Department of Public Works and and General Manager John Carroll with the project, and the funds for water supply.

Four Streets Accepted as Public Way

With limited discussion after presentation by Mark Ryan, Hazelwood Dr., Fortune Dr., Meadow St., and Bornwood Dr. were unanimously accepted as public way by the board.

Special Town Meeting Date Changed

The Board voted unanimously to change the date of the Special Town Meeting from May 14 to May 10.

Public Hearing Set to Address Dog Issue

Manager Carroll said that there has recently been an issue with a Norwood resident's dog that needs the attention of the Board.

The dog has bitten three dogs in Norwood, Carroll said, and no one is sure where the dog is now, as the owner has been less than cooperative.

There was a public hearing after first incident, but Carroll advised another now that there have been further incidents.

The Board voted unanimously to set a public hearing on the issue.

Executive Session

The Board went into executive session to discuss negotiations with the police unions.