[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-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",6475140,"mediaKeyId","5737347-c8adf287ac497fbd52cf983a95a37abf","parentId",5737347,"title","Comprehensive plan steering committee reports engagement progress, outlines phase 3 strategy work","audioSeconds",1936,"startMs",852000,"endMs",2788000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5737347-c8adf287ac497fbd52cf983a95a37abf&start=852&end=2788","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5737347-c8adf287ac497fbd52cf983a95a37abf/thumbnail_852000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475140/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Comprehensive-plan-steering-committee-reports-engagement-progress-outlines-phase-3-strategy-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475140-e2ba5e7038fdb02ca30a2712193598b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165157&Signature=WZtcNd28eQzkiNiK5zbJlPOwuzFrwmqWpq84YwxQ9zYOFlTiTxatgB7TZ8Z4aN9DbYwyaj1HXm8mIXZD0o7eGGxgkwv1rWGPmkIR4eIHd0Olx00AYl0XrDtI2RoZmjc93bNO~WhKEGxYfCdUXPlC2b3i9-Z7XpX54fhl2njrfsPgQZSjzVKX7WhR89kIPT6Mm6zRkVU0drukOB~zQHd7UG63Obth945OBMVKw-l5HeHx~T2X0uGgDzg~F0paUmN2uLQeKcQlIs3IBV4aWJlv5DQ4OXzrEuvo--LC0MRowNhe3V-n~stFoOR4mzguuugBGXY2SwneExok4vYtbzOe-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwood","date","2025-09-09T14:42:59Z","article","A representative of the comprehensive plan steering committee (referred to in the meeting as Laura) updated the Norwood Planning Board on the comprehensive plan process and next steps.

Laura said the project has completed phase 2 (vision, themes and goals) and is entering phase 3, a strategy brainstorming and vetting stage. \"We are right now at the end of phase 2 of comprehensive plan. And so I just wanted to update the board and give a little review of, what we're up to in phase 3,\" she said. The project team reported roughly 1,500 engagement points in phase 2 and that the steering committee had established a goal of about 10% of Norwood's 2020 census population (roughly 3,134 participation points) as its overall engagement target; the team said it has reached about 52.5% of that target so far.

The presenter summarized six core themes that emerged from outreach: (1) a range of housing options and prioritizing housing growth near transit and downtown; (2) a connected and safe transportation network; (3) economic development and downtown revitalization; (4) culture, history and identity with events and public art; (5) open space and climate resilience; and (6) civic engagement and municipal services. The team has drafted goals under each theme and is now compiling roughly 180 preliminary strategies to be consolidated, prioritized and vetted in phase 3.

Committee and board members asked detailed questions about how strategies will be prioritized, who will be assigned responsibility, and how the plan will lead to concrete actions rather than remaining \"fluffy.\" Board member Arnie and others pressed for specific, implementable recommendations (for example about school facilities, airport land use and targeted infrastructure projects), and Laura said the plan will include an implementation matrix with responsible parties, time frames (short/medium/long term), funding sources and measurable metrics.

Laura described the vetting process: the project team will circulate a preliminary strategy list, hold \"roadshows\" with boards and committees, conduct technical working sessions by topic, and bring consolidated recommendations to the comprehensive plan steering committee before presenting a final strategy shortlist to the Planning Board. She said the timeline aims to finish and present a draft plan in early 2026 (targeting February\u00002DMarch 2026) and that the consultant team will cross-reference existing, deeper-dive plans where needed.

Ending: Board members asked the steering committee to make the next public engagement and the implementation steps concrete so residents can see the path from goals to specific actions. Laura said the next phase will provide more concrete strategies and that the steering committee will return with a shortlist and an implementation spreadsheet tying actions to responsible parties.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Board 9.8.25","oneSentenceSummary","The steering committee reported the comprehensive plan is moving into phase 3: strategy development. Presenters said engagement to date has reached roughly half the steering committee\u000027s outreach goal and outlined next steps, roadshows to boards and technical working sessions, and a timeline to finalize a draft in early 2026.","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},6475145,"Community Preservation Commission outlines outreach, deadlines and funds available",227,607000,834000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5737347-c8adf287ac497fbd52cf983a95a37abf&start=607&end=834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5737347-c8adf287ac497fbd52cf983a95a37abf/thumbnail_607000.jpg","/articles/6475145/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Community-Preservation-Commission-outlines-outreach-deadlines-and-funds-available","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475145-241b9d708ff5e42e87703776ca371c58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165157&Signature=X7SNUkQp4PwSpZJaJA9MfaL-y1RFXDRhQtH5E-WiOvuYnNmKk0-Z2xQYLrHlbk9S3ZQvKgM6QlBWQZ~wF35hvH8wtk1MKH6Vq6Ddb5hMQdAAxNGmv91jOq6PBbrJlXqINFur09xu0w4sL7cbYieh93qkHtchj8fnzkMcdhPluwrtefmhqaSNdNbW3TkMzSp053Rr1wWaT6CcIqu~tdu0MSVB0Vm5s1zPxv1JqGBM9lTKTHsJP08qL50h0i9nzQxWs53J5C47n6uPdTy8hRS6UNQhbKnt1vJT3cRJOufer4ImTitkIglff3QkfMJ8md~Pwf2IKC~RmQVWMc51-PEhcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Debbie Homewood, chair of the Norwood Planning Board, reported on the Community Preservation Commission's outreach and budget at the start of the meeting.

Homewood told the board the commission has outreach sessions planned and that staff would present a pie chart showing how funds had been spent. She said pre-application and application deadlines for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds were set: pre-applications are due Oct. 1, notice of eligibility is expected by Oct. 10, and full applications are due Nov. 14. \"Pre applications are due by October 1,\" Homewood said, and she urged potential applicants to attend the commission\u000027s sessions for help with the application process.

Homewood said the commission has spent about $1,488,000 on community preservation projects and that the CPA fund balance (\"in our kitty\") is approximately $5,800,000. She encouraged broader public participation in CPA application rounds and described three public outreach sessions planned to explain eligibility and the application process.

Homewood also said the commission will provide more information at community sessions and that staff or commission members would assist applicants through the process. The sessions are intended to increase the number of applicants and improve application quality, she said.

Ending: The Planning Board did not take formal action on the Community Preservation Commission update; Homewood asked board members to share information about the sessions with residents and community groups.","The Planning Board received a brief update on Community Preservation Act outreach: public breakout sessions are planned, application deadlines and remaining funds were announced, and the commission encouraged applicants to attend assistance sessions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":79,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475151,"Applicant withdraws 55 Lenox Street special-permit application after board objects to large parking waiver",449,158000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5737347-c8adf287ac497fbd52cf983a95a37abf&start=158&end=607","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5737347-c8adf287ac497fbd52cf983a95a37abf/thumbnail_158000.jpg","/articles/6475151/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Applicant-withdraws-55-Lenox-Street-special-permit-application-after-board-objects-to-large-parking-waiver","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475151-7fcc9a8469466a9a921dc87ba0f85127/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165157&Signature=lO9l~byvC727YfPUIJ8XVj-v1Y2k1M14QOZKD0kVfEhOLvQO7sGhlUm26WqWNYKPDHpP4zB61t-LJoZke--LrL4jBgdA9s31e4E1OupC2IBiV7MPpFFtl8K6eS1CmKDzCzKr7ehVOCInKLTGxtRKp2eTvAv4JVVHXZbBejr3p32ACTuzAVRPcCMRqC1ml0F6kGH0VdfJv4LCDaVTcP~wbDZhs-eO4vxcW1jfeNdASIW1datAVwuk~VPNhlSAPnPu8JDYqPE6li7VUkkqAnN1WLRZ5OE39G2zFg4-EsK3dWDqidXkWl~oEbiP5lrxIDI~5kJkAnpfuFIvoDOxfu~wuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Debbie Homewood, chair of the Norwood Planning Board, read the agenda item at the Planning Board meeting and said the public hearing for 55 Lenox Street was closed and could not be reopened because it would have required additional public notice.

The discussion that followed focused on a requested waiver of the town\u000027s parking requirement for the proposed project. Planning Board member Joe said two issues stood out for him: the size of the building and the quantity of required parking. \"There are 2 issues that stand out for me. 1 is the size of the project and the lack of parking with respect to the size of the project,\" Joe said, noting that the developer had told the board the larger building was necessary for feasibility.

Joe and other board members repeatedly said the Planning Board is not responsible for guaranteeing a developer\u000027s profit and questioned whether the board should waive the town\u000027s parking rules. Planning Board member Joe noted the zoning requires 1.1 parking spaces per unit and that granting the waiver before the board would reduce required spaces by about 38 or 39 spaces depending on rounding. \"This waiver would request as too much as it would reduce that number of required spaces by 38 or 39, depending on whether we're rounding up or down,\" he said.

Board member Brian said he initially liked the project and acknowledged the site is appropriate for redevelopment, but after walking the neighborhood and reviewing parking access he concluded the proposed parking waiver was too substantial. \"I came to the conclusion is too substantial,\" Brian said.

After discussion, the applicant said, \"I'd like to withdraw my application, please.\" The Planning Board accepted the request and then voted to accept the withdrawal without prejudice. A motion to accept the withdrawal was made, seconded by Brian, and the roll call recorded yes votes from Ernie, Joe, Brian, Rob and the chair. The chair announced, \"The application is withdrawn without prejudice.\" The applicant\u000027s withdrawal means the board will not reach a decision on the underlying special-permit request at this meeting.

Background and context: the application had been scheduled originally for an earlier date and was continued; Homewood reminded the room that the board could not take comments from the public or the applicant because the public hearing record remained closed. Board members said they supported redevelopment in the downtown location but that the size of the proposed building and the requested off-site parking arrangements (including potential use of 15 spaces at a local dry cleaner) did not satisfactorily address the town\u000027s parking standard.

The chair closed the item after the vote. The withdrawal was accepted \"without prejudice,\" meaning the applicant may refile in the future.

Ending: Board members indicated the parking issue remains a substantive obstacle to approving a project of the proposed size at 55 Lenox Street and signaled they would expect future applications to meet the town\u000027s parking standards or propose a narrower waiver.","The Norwood Planning Board accepted a request to withdraw a special-permit application for 55 Lenox Street after members said the developer\u000027s request to waive most parking requirements was too large to approve.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Comprehensive plan steering committee reports engagement progress, outlines phase 3 strategy work

Community Preservation Commission outlines outreach, deadlines and funds available

Applicant withdraws 55 Lenox Street special-permit application after board objects to large parking waiver