Selectmen Deny Beer and Wine License to Downtown Shop

The Norwood Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday night to deny a beer and wine license request to on Washington St., after hearing both supporting and opposing arguments from members of the community.

The major opposition outside the board came from St. Catherine of Siena Parish and School officials. At the public hearing before the board at Tuesday's meeting, a letter was read on behalf of Msgr. Paul Garrity of St. Catherine's Parish and Mary Russo, Principal of St. Catherine's School, voicing concern that the shop's location is immediately adjacent to the church and school property.

Board of Selectmen member Paul Bishop said that he agreed with the position of St. Catherine's.

"My personal opinion is, I don't think this is an appropriate location," Bishop said.

Neighbors and customers of Charmed Exchange spoke in support of the business and the family of owners, one specifically noting that small businesses like this shop are the "back bone" of the community.

"I understand your desire to try to be competitive," said Board member William Plasko, noting his own experience working in small business, but added that he doesn't believe the building has the room to make this a competitive effort from this particular shop.

Bishop added that though small business is important to Norwood center and the revitalization thereof, "I don't think this is the direction we're trying to head."

For Board Chairman Michael Lyons, the issue was not the fact that the objections came from a church and school, but that it was the objection of a very large neighbor. The pastor represents a large number of people in his objection and that should be taken into account, Lyons said.

"The neighbor issues are weighed heavily with this board," Lyons added.

At the close of the public hearing there was a motion to deny the request that was passed unanimously.

Other meeting notes:

Central Jeep on Boston-Providence Highway in Norwood will start selling food soon at their own Jeep Grill, after the board voted Tuesday to allow the addition to the business.

It will be a soup, salad, and sandwich sort of establishment aimed at customers and employees, but open to everyone. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mon. through Fri.; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat.; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun.

Plasko called location "first class" and the request was approved unanimously.