[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6310626,"mediaKeyId","2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385","parentId",2399379,"title","Norwood launches hospital task force website as effort to revive closed hospital ramps up","audioSeconds",462,"startMs",3779000,"endMs",4241000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385&start=3779&end=4241","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385/thumbnail_3779000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6310626/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-launches-hospital-task-force-website-as-effort-to-revive-closed-hospital-ramps-up","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310626-75e19a6501c8616c161ee572fcf95e1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168272&Signature=ha-NgBCeITV1tHEUc25YHBcfmCDUnckZFBVZX8yzSz2E2eaUKrN~gwszhGQM2c~fbcKf1dHRbALa91uee2enFrKFNbcCbeucAH6B6Ysyg2WeDGSs190-qMtpklBCGcJiMqke186SukDUJjV8UpRfMSYYdHYzXwagYAddgcJocNcKgzNPdOYh7N84y2uFW11z8reEkphUCj-LWdobXv2RGnbtLbWacX8tHUq31aB~LiENoDMh9D5sckOseGUODR5HZmpk~YQc0oCo3PXdJpM9Rzf3u~XQ8~E2qypFPZaebduD6OuZdwaTG4droeuZaEqJzeHSzv2CyeLEUp8ZDtwvyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Norwood, MA","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","Town staff told the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 25 that a task force to pursue reopening or replacing the hospital property has launched a website — finishthejobnorwood.com — and will begin outreach across a 12‑town region to gather data, contact potential hospital operators and organize broader community support.

Town Manager Mazuko (referred in transcript) and staff said the task force has three planned tracks: (1) data gathering and analytics to document regional need, (2) contacting potential hospital operators to discuss business plans and (3) community organizing to marshal letters and local government statements of support from boards of health, select boards and other stakeholders across the region. The website includes a form to send letters to state officials and a place for residents to register support.

The manager said the task force will coordinate with regional partners, target hospital operators and attempt to secure a Designation of Need (DLN) from the state if a viable operator and business plan can be lined up. He emphasized the effort will require sustained outreach and volunteer support across the twelve towns that rely on the facility. Selectmen volunteered to help publicize the campaign, attend neighboring boards and support the community‑organizing work.

Why it matters: Restoring inpatient or emergency hospital services is a regional public‑health and emergency‑response issue; the town plans a multi‑pronged effort that includes outreach to operators, state officials and coordinated community advocacy.

Town staff said task‑force membership and the schedule for an inaugural meeting will be released soon and will include opportunities for volunteers to participate in data, outreach and communications tasks.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Norwood: Board of Selectmen 2.25.25","oneSentenceSummary","Town staff launched finishthejobnorwood.com and the selectmen discussed forming a regional task force to pursue operators, gather data and coordinate a multi‑town campaign to restore health services at the Norwood hospital site.","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},6310629,"Selectmen OK limited temporary use of liquor license at glass‑studio space; three‑month progress review ordered",708,2390000,3098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385&start=2390&end=3098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385/thumbnail_2390000.jpg","/articles/6310629/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Selectmen-OK-limited-temporary-use-of-liquor-license-at-glassstudio-space-threemonth-progress-review-ordered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310629-910afb870314604e3b90a74890dfc3a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168272&Signature=W1e~HXUlOxW~JYTdcnYI7uH-UrdrWC9AlXfIXrZ5WSHENTnzpH5fSOkTIPCwYkGEfyURNTK8B7ps5K4Wj1q35yxGTYBzCQCKDFKKjQfIUec~qRJfc3RGZn5MQKXHUIeb7J4ZRFSbJyWkaOawHmBZ~ey36TKLTPhdY3AIn~dxn1Wnf36d9VMPcdRAlQ-u1cTRl7ozpVuC7oR~uLJdNlpWlr6MWLnQrSQJUtK76lsTXRoy1Zy~t4UXeoVrzRSQLs-dyapNNbagfMe3sLWGs6uRGzYFhOVKjPA602mOfBy4utj8p1pOezRlTZTmqbG0kmzHIAM8tPEO2z3KAtjHlZvm5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Selectmen on Feb. 25 approved limited temporary use of a liquor license for a portion of a glass‑blowing studio being finished at the Salt Mill complex (applicant: Mr. Adams) and continued the broader licensing review for three months.

At the public continuation of a show‑cause proceeding, the applicant (Mr. Adams) and his partner described a partitioned portion of the building that the Building and Health departments have inspected and said could be used in limited occupancy for classes and post‑class service. The Health Department inspected the service area and approved service of alcohol and prepackaged/nonperishable food in that compartment; the building inspector reviewed plans for temporary egress and a partition to separate the service area from areas still under construction.

Selectmen debated whether to permit temporary use while construction continues elsewhere in the facility. After staff confirmed the applicant had local license documentation and the building inspector would set an explicit occupancy limit for the temporary area, the board voted to allow the limited opening, with the condition that the building inspector define the maximum allowed occupancy and the town be satisfied that required egress and safety measures are in place. The board also voted to continue the overall licensing hearing and review in three months to monitor construction progress. Both motions carried 5‑0.

Why it matters: The decision allows the applicant to begin limited operations in a finished section — retail/classroom and service behind a partition — while the larger build‑out continues, subject to building and health conditions and a near‑term review.

The board asked staff to coordinate with the building inspector (Mr. Pelletier in transcript discussion) to set the temporary occupancy limit and to confirm what, if any, prepackaged food service would be allowed in the temporary area.","After a continued show‑cause process for a liquor license application tied to a glass‑blowing studio, the Board approved a temporary, limited occupancy use of the license in a partitioned retail/classroom area, required building‑inspector capacity guidance and continued the larger hearing for three months.",{"_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},6310634,"Board approves change of manager at Bay State Wine & Spirits on unanimous vote",287,876000,1163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385&start=876&end=1163","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385/thumbnail_876000.jpg","/articles/6310634/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Board-approves-change-of-manager-at-Bay-State-Wine-Spirits-on-unanimous-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310634-2257f6d6775e9ed2a90506ea1b1061ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168272&Signature=f6EZm~wC9KReCAYod8k10aqrf1Mtn2lPrfWWhxqp~a1KJnQNKizHdo5NImrOeQgQ2N1pOSZ0z14WThFqEyTw7YluJu6NGJFKFKHYyiTmXa5upinWgQ3HOo1LtRIvr1qZ6Oo0Cypjs~ui3dpFhkO4SPRtZBOnIGeK7oeTF-xPWvzqYl4ord61BQSW1Lsskw0aU7IUDk1SDaQQR3M6-3XPsjsb1tuj-m70P2JwI9YIylLW-KUATT-Ko-MIX5rqCIx1dIw~9ucGiFluKGvJgMtMKdhSZCyzGGb5HxDVAMS1MCKzunvVAxjhAg7tVLu~UJTLd6PhkMF-0jjyhTPD3l1ZRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Following a public hearing held at 6:45 p.m., the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to approve a licensing board application for a change of manager at Bay State Norwood LLC, d/b/a Bay State Wine & Spirits, 426 Waff le Street (transcript spelling as provided).

Town clerk Christine Woodward read the notice that the application seeks a manager change “under chapter 138 section 15 of the Massachusetts General Laws.” The hearing included brief introductions and endorsements from the store’s current manager and a community supporter who described the applicants as “tip certified” and part of the community. No members of the public spoke in opposition. The selectmen closed the public hearing, heard no additional board questions, and approved the manager change (motion made by Selectman Groh; second by Selectman Lane). The vote was recorded as unanimous (5‑0).

Why it matters: A manager change is an administrative step for a retail liquor license; the hearing gave the town an opportunity to confirm the applicant’s suitability, confirm departmental clearances and close the public record.

The board recorded the approval and issued its signature on the licensing action that evening.","After a public hearing, the selectmen approved a licensing application transferring the manager role at Bay State Norwood LLC (d/b/a Bay State Wine & Spirits) from Michael Reardon to Deepak Kumar Patel.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6310639,"Norwood finance director: general‑government budget projects 5.4% increase; free cash near $29 million",578,2375000,2953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385&start=2375&end=2953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385/thumbnail_2375000.jpg","/articles/6310639/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-finance-director-generalgovernment-budget-projects-54-increase-free-cash-near-29-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310639-5c56f31b93002c530797a1a9659f58c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168272&Signature=WgTAOM-eMglRIzq4GpHJuiUxf2xXz1lt~mzphI-QJwrIPXltc5eKVXGa-xY7rUQB16ak9-c~s8qZX5SS~TF5a0Io3CoyBf9JNrOArfrKcgVpMuw~U4ad0o5sXEiDOpMn5iSK3Jb6YS8W~f~OGmHKVEyeaCQ3mQTgaqDy8dTHJfN5tfjcIN12eINhlZpFi4Lqw6v-GdcUBPSoIoyBqZJ4KlmqhYUx32IJkKqkAMMw1Vg1vCLurze-g4HtwvSDUPQD2MAEL5Zkh~5Tfccw2Z9zXPXz-T5YgPKUyTLJ4xVVX4dqvAVyLvBrynNybOaijOlgnjCgoXFC7460Wxck4KklZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff O’Neil, Norwood’s director of finance and town accountant, told the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 25 that the town’s general‑government budget as initially presented is projected at about a 5.4% increase for fiscal year 2026 and that the town’s free‑cash balance currently is “right about 29” million dollars.

O’Neil said investment income has outperformed initial estimates because interest rates stayed higher than expected, but building permit revenue that boosted recent free‑cash balances has slowed and will likely remain below the extraordinary recent levels unless a significant project arrives. “Unless we have some sort of excellent project that comes in in the very near future, we’re probably not going to see the outperformance that you’ve seen in the last couple of years,” he said.

On expenditures, O’Neil said most lines are within normal timing variances; he described ambulance‑billing contract costs that may show over budget on an expense line but are offsetting revenue. O’Neil said the town currently has room in operating expense lines and that some transfers (for example, water/sewer indirect charges) will be decided later in the fiscal year. He also highlighted that the Blue Hills regional assessment looks likely to fall modestly and that pension and health‑insurance costs remain pressure points.

Selectmen discussed budget strategy, the tradeoffs of using free cash to balance the budget and the practical limits of cutting line items that would reduce the town’s ability to generate surplus. Several members urged keeping capital and operating priorities visible during the capital‑outlay and FinCom review cycles. The board agreed to wait for the budget‑balancing committee’s meeting and to continue deliberations at future sessions rather than make a final vote immediately.

Why it matters: The finance director’s outlook frames the fiscal choices the board will consider in the coming weeks — how much to rely on free cash, whether to accept a mid‑year transfer for specific programs, and how to prioritize capital projects.

The selectmen left the budget under study; staff said a more final vote on a general‑government number could be possible in March after the budget‑balancing committee and FinCom complete further review.","Finance Director Jeff O’Neil told the selectmen the town’s general‑government budget is projected to rise about 5.4% for FY26, building‑permit revenues have cooled and free cash currently sits around $29 million; the board agreed to continue budget review with the budget‑balancing committee.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6310644,"Norwood selects sidewalk overlay as capital priority; DPW updates on multi-million-dollar road, water projects",1124,1213000,2337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385&start=1213&end=2337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2399379-dd506b09054b1ec4418b8a8f96618385/thumbnail_1213000.jpg","/articles/6310644/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-selects-sidewalk-overlay-as-capital-priority-DPW-updates-on-multi-million-dollar-road-water-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6310644-5fb123c944d99217b4b43a78781e52fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168272&Signature=Ctc89f18AJ2P7TKp2SB9d-0hym~Vk8SmkPpJEofSsZLVn~EOrddGB9-00HqTw5XTXCTr6aCHAb~Epd8mkFBfyHFu-amx9ZVAnF8OIjhd3D6pTywj2AtAThAaRHP4yEI04rd8WzUH4iwdMoWeln2G5NF1eX9LF8th~zqwd8mqIovGDt8THRX0JCTYW7-vCBnx7Y1vAdqFHdpEtRg4sKTDQU8UZTAh3UIDSPRK1kZWDgif~CFJg93h9qgylJ~BMInQNajeqFt~ne3gRp~POl0~9P0CNE-LzRVryrzcCDBfRFSrbCa60z2GRgaPTHO7esDS2tYjwD2dlDHWULMgOtmqZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Selectmen on Feb. 25 endorsed submitting a sidewalk-overlay program to the town’s capital outlay process and heard detailed updates from the Department of Public Works about multiple ongoing and planned infrastructure projects.

The endorsement came after DPW Director Mark Ryan summarized a multi-year sidewalk plan and cost estimate. Ryan told the board the sidewalk effort would be “an additional $2,000,000” if done as a single project but could be phased over two to three years. The selectmen voted to “endorse the submission of sidewalk overlay program to the capital outlay” (motion carried 5‑0).

Ryan also reviewed large roadway and water projects. He said the Prospect Street–Dothlin Road–Washington Street intersection project is a state‑led job with roughly federal and state dollars and “close to $8,000,000.” He described the work as adding traffic signals, new sidewalks and road rebuilding and said the town holds biweekly meetings with the state and contractor. Ryan said a bid opening is set for March 27 for construction work on two new water tanks and that the bid package covers the construction of the tanks; he described the tanks as a planned water‑system improvement and said construction is expected to begin in summer.

On water distribution work, Ryan said the town largely finished the 2024 cleaning and lining program and that remaining water service work in the Fulton/Railroad Avenue neighborhood will be completed under a contract expected back in March. He noted the ongoing federally and state funded work improves water quality and fire flows.

Ryan also described the town’s inventory of water service materials, required by state and federal regulators after lead service line concerns nationally, saying the town met an October deadline to submit an initial inventory and will return to town meeting for funding to continue the work. He cautioned that many service materials remain “unknown” and that the inventory process will continue.

The board discussed several timing and safety items raised by residents and selectmen, including additional lighting near Jersey‑style barriers and maintenance of narrow walkways near a bridge on Moore Street used by transit riders; Ryan said DPW would add the walkway to its radar and examine lighting options near the barriers.

Why it matters: The sidewalk overlay endorsement signals town officials plan to treat pedestrian infrastructure as a capital priority; several major road and water projects described by DPW rely on state or federal funding and will shape construction and traffic patterns in Norwood for months to come.

The selectmen moved the sidewalk overlay proposal onto the capital outlay list and asked staff to return with scheduling details once capital‑outlay drafting resumes in April.","The Board of Selectmen endorsed placing a $2 million sidewalk-overlay proposal on the town’s capital outlay list and heard a Public Works update on several high‑cost projects, including a state-funded intersection upgrade (about $8 million), a water main cleaning/lining program and an upcoming water‑tank bid.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Norwood launches hospital task force website as effort to revive closed hospital ramps up

Selectmen OK limited temporary use of liquor license at glass‑studio space; three‑month progress review ordered

Board approves change of manager at Bay State Wine & Spirits on unanimous vote

Norwood finance director: general‑government budget projects 5.4% increase; free cash near $29 million

Norwood selects sidewalk overlay as capital priority; DPW updates on multi-million-dollar road, water projects