[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6342529,"mediaKeyId","2254409-ac90a68a6f89ce9bd53f47266b46d2a9","parentId",2254409,"title","Norwood Historical Commission seeks $24,000 to hire preservationist to complete Highland Cemetery National Register nomination","audioSeconds",2553,"startMs",1807000,"endMs",4360000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2254409-ac90a68a6f89ce9bd53f47266b46d2a9&start=1807&end=4360","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2254409-ac90a68a6f89ce9bd53f47266b46d2a9/thumbnail_1807000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6342529/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-Historical-Commission-seeks-24000-to-hire-preservationist-to-complete-Highland-Cemetery-National-Register-nomination","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342529-ce4db38c40896a3d17f5e96974b866e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202210&Signature=EeYh9A70hwoLHZmNqazbLPuyjiMaa4EI0cRyEugU5QKvncDCgtPwLZgOpa4DIoi5ImwSVMPHzML2v~juX9uXQVGePqmd61LVWqIsWeJiSUuokBkKBdLAh6-iCfboNDo~s6aOeTf0hLfDBscWSVFJmdhJKDqdubVAIm6GDBNuegXrrXHS4osJdY1NEtjtqhQcCv1y3chXr2pmnAhNQmOM2DUYzk6SZa22wmDtp08mYKXuwlSJVODM1xGb4u61FPn9tDxfBTOtt0ftt7DrycBqdVhd3PMlyiLaPQ7FvHaP7toLlVV86erEoDstLGg~n8tZMi82WJnBS6TgnsJthO5n8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Norwood, MA","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Norwood Historical Commission asked the Community Preservation Commission on Jan. 22 for $24,000 to hire a preservation consultant to complete a National Register of Historic Places nomination for Highland Cemetery, including the Chapel of Saint Gabriel.

\"We're here to discuss the request for funds to hire a preservationist to pursue and complete the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for Highland Cemetery,\" Tony Esco, vice chair of the Norwood Historical Commission, told the CPC. He said the cemetery spans about 40 acres with more than 22,000 graves and more than 4,000 veterans interred.

Why it matters: A successful nomination would add Highland Cemetery and the 1903 Chapel of Saint Gabriel to the National Register, making the property eligible for certain grants and recognizing its historical and landscape significance. The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) has reviewed prior submissions and recommended that the town hire a preservation specialist to meet the state and National Park Service documentation standards. Esco said prior attempts — begun with a Board of Selectmen letter of support in 2014 — stalled because of staff turnover, evolving MHC requirements and the workload of preservation consultants.

Scope and consultant work: The preservationist would compile a detailed cemetery map showing original boundaries and later expansions, document burial dates (including burials within the last 50 years where relevant), photograph and describe the chapel, administration building and other features (stone walls, notable monuments, horticultural plan), and address follow‑up questions from MHC. Esco said the commission received sample successful cemetery nominations from MHC and expects the consultant to use those as templates. The preservationist recommended to the commission estimated the project would take about nine months if funded and contracted.

Process and questions from the commission: Commissioners discussed procurement steps: because the requested amount exceeds $10,000, the town will need an RFP. Committee members offered to help draft or review the RFP; Deputy town and CPC staff advised that the town manager and Board of Selectmen would appoint a town staff liaison if the consultant work requires town records or signatures. Esco said substantial groundwork had already been completed by earlier consultants and that the preservationist would pick up where the prior submission left off.

Next steps: The Historical Commission asked the CPC to fund the RFP and consultant contract; commissioners said they would consider a formal recommendation at the CPC meeting on Feb. 5.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Norwood: Community Preservation Committee 1.22.25","oneSentenceSummary","The Norwood Historical Commission requested $24,000 in CPA funds to hire a preservation consultant to finalize a National Register of Historic Places nomination for Highland Cemetery and the Chapel of Saint Gabriel after more than a decade of back‑and‑forth with the Massachusetts Historical Commission.","taxTitle","Town of Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",52806,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6342532,"Norwood Recreation requests $175,000 for ADA ramp at Balch School to improve field access",411,720000,1131000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2254409-ac90a68a6f89ce9bd53f47266b46d2a9&start=720&end=1131","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2254409-ac90a68a6f89ce9bd53f47266b46d2a9/thumbnail_720000.jpg","/articles/6342532/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-Recreation-requests-175000-for-ADA-ramp-at-Balch-School-to-improve-field-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342532-4df036941440bc81fbdf8806d9c81463/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202210&Signature=i6mr-MDFge8OapT3d~~6Z~rh6HE68NHj6~kpZvKpisnSQXdkMi3z4tO8wN2OEPFCAVXsjwVKLW491GhImOlEr2iHcdaAbP5DJ2rTspqOsPLx4U8cdOxdU5SjPWAP11TaF4sdUnfrb1cuOoyD6zI19VkQX9XvJb0a-yn4FlaE5ozhC-NxNYxMkkRY-zC1yhC~wgHbnd6hq8WVkaeqLt0xewSHKGVSZ-RR~ggPyyczIwR757y6CCDHR9IHGaURXucQzQQ04GUQIk4ErQNdORblSQ9~EbHyOohbJelH~vbVuL60IZpa3t8DiJa28PE0I1cnrh3bJNO4l7ebivyUzqOdNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Samuel White, interim recreation director for the Town of Norwood, asked the Community Preservation Commission on Jan. 22 for $175,000 in CPA funds to build an American with Disabilities Act (ADA)‑compliant concrete ramp from the rear Balch School parking lot down to Elliott Field.

\"Today, I come to propose $175,000 for an ADA compliant concrete ramp to gain access from the back of the Balch parking lots into Elliott Field,\" White told the commission. He said the ramp would replace a steep staircase that limits access for people with disabilities, caregivers with strollers and people carrying sports equipment.

Scope and cost: White presented plans showing a zig‑zag concrete ramp with switchback landings meeting ADA slope limits and handrails, anticipated life span of 25+ years, and landscaping to replace two trees that would be removed. The application identifies a gross project cost of $248,000 with about $73,000 of previously appropriated funds available; the net CPA request is $175,000. The application also includes in‑house DPW labor that is not billed to CPA funds.

Schedule and construction details: The project team proposes to start construction immediately after the school year ends (mid‑June), with an expected maximum 60‑day construction period and a target opening by mid‑August. White said the town expects to use the same designer previously retained for earlier access work; commissioners discussed ramp location, slope, handrails and surface material (concrete chosen for durability). \"Durability is the reason for concrete,\" White said, and staff said the design will include handrails and landings to meet ADA limits.

Commission discussion: Commissioners asked whether the existing stair access would remain (it will), whether landscaping and tree replacement plans are included (applicants said yes), and whether the earlier balance of CPA funds could allow an earlier start (staff said existing funds make a mid‑June start feasible). Members discussed alternative ramp siting closer to Pond Street to reduce ramp length; proponents said the proposed location reduces vehicle proximity and is preferable from a safety perspective.

Next steps: The presentation was heard as part of the CPC's public hearing schedule; the commission will consider a formal recommendation and vote on Feb. 5.","Interim recreation director Samuel White asked the CPC for $175,000 (net) to build an ADA‑compliant concrete ramp from the Balch parking lot to Elliott Field; applicants said previous CPA and town funds reduce the net CPA request to $175,000 of a $248,000 project.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6342536,"Norwood seeks $25,000 for Elliott Fields feasibility study to improve playability and connections",396,166000,562000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2254409-ac90a68a6f89ce9bd53f47266b46d2a9&start=166&end=562","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2254409-ac90a68a6f89ce9bd53f47266b46d2a9/thumbnail_166000.jpg","/articles/6342536/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-seeks-25000-for-Elliott-Fields-feasibility-study-to-improve-playability-and-connections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342536-85812dd06ad3cc33acaee0cf54892ec4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202210&Signature=DBJErP6PHQU3emWIzcscqJCG0dvUGwF-O2waZST-oXja1oIC85Jg2dzvBKsEGvQ0r-xUhpU5lnLOfHzY1Ijo-CFvzSSTi9mZBZ1RPtKuf9aMN3BKXYBp-CqIdYQO7yXnnRaPMW1jKpDT7JV3PqwKvnmkl0Zu0Ne5WToUUPLtBCzpKVAdgNmMDLdOfjaIC1gx4dqgDzVUaIinWrvO2-b~vo7RcES-LNe4Zy5T6C4Tn4LHL597l9extAsLKIGkB-Hk42CAw3lVb-1-dQoWfW8pm7nfNnsvEVxyTJtCOO-IufMfgJWLZ8RYkWDVJ2kxAlkJIe40j0Znvud9ljV8p8~NdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town of Norwood public works and recreation staff asked the Community Preservation Commission on Jan. 22 for $25,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to pay a consultant to prepare a feasibility study for Elliott Fields.

The study, Mark Ryan of the town Department of Public Works told the commission, would examine soil and subsurface conditions, recommend field surfacing and drainage improvements, propose reconfigured layouts to accommodate new uses such as flag football, and identify pedestrian connections to the adjacent Bernie Cooper Park and Neponta River walking paths. \"We're looking for $25,000 to provide this work,\" Ryan said.

Why it matters: Elliott Fields is used by youth and adult leagues, Norwood High School teams and neighborhood residents, and the town says repeated spring cancellations and heavy field maintenance indicate underlying drainage and turf issues. The feasibility study would produce cost estimates and site plans the town could use in later capital or grant requests.

What the study would cover: Ryan said the consultant would (1) assess soil and subsurface structure and recommend appropriate field surfaces (for example sand‑based or other modern construction methods), (2) propose field layouts that could create space for a full flag‑football field plus two half‑fields, (3) recommend spectator seating and covered dugouts to match facilities across fields, (4) explore connections between Elliott Fields and adjacent Bernie Cooper Park, and (5) scope a perimeter walking path and any environmental permits required for work near the Neponta River. Ryan described the existing ball fields as built in the 1980s and said newer construction methods support improved year‑round playability.

Timeline and next steps: The application lists a proposed schedule that begins with a CPC recommendation and funding in May, an RFP in June, proposal review in July and study work from roughly August 2025 through March 2026, with a planned presentation of results in April 2026. Ryan and Recreation staff requested the $25,000 CPC allocation to fund the consultant phase only; implementation of any construction or turf recommendations would require separate funding decisions by the Select Board, town meeting or other town budgeting bodies.

Commission discussion: Commissioners asked whether the feasibility study could recommend artificial turf; Ryan said a recommendation might include artificial surfaces but cautioned that construction costs for synthetic turf typically exceed what CPA funds cover and would be considered separately by the town. Committee members also confirmed a likely one‑year consultant schedule and noted a typographical date in the application that staff said would be corrected.

Ending: The CPC treated the presentation as a public hearing item; commissioners said the application would return for the committee's formal recommendation at the next CPC meeting scheduled for Feb. 5.","Town public works and recreation asked the Community Preservation Commission for $25,000 to hire an athletic‑fields consultant to study drainage, layouts, accessibility and trail connections at Elliott Fields.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Norwood Historical Commission seeks $24,000 to hire preservationist to complete Highland Cemetery National Register nomination

Norwood Recreation requests $175,000 for ADA ramp at Balch School to improve field access

Norwood seeks $25,000 for Elliott Fields feasibility study to improve playability and connections