Norwood ZBA continues open-lot storage request at 558 Pleasant Street, requires plot plan and site cleanup

The Norwood Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 2 voted to continue Case 25-18 (558 Pleasant Street) to the board’s Oct. 7 meeting and imposed preconditions for further consideration: the applicant must clear the property of all equipment, vehicles and materials and provide a certified plot plan that shows the full property dimensions and precisely delineates the manufacturing and general-residence zoning boundary. The motion to continue, made by Matt and seconded by Rachel, passed unanimously.

Applicant Theo(dore) Velasquez (recorded as Theo Don Velasquez) told the board he had been storing tools and equipment on the site after receiving notice from the building inspector. He said he would like to eventually establish an office or permitted use at the property but asked for guidance and permission to remain temporarily. Josephine Baba Cardahi, who identified herself as the property owner and the LLC member, described a long family history of small-business uses at the address and said she supported Velasquez’s request for guidance and transparency.

Board members said the current open-lot storage extends well into the general-residence zoning district, where open-lot storage is not allowed. Members stressed there was insufficient information in the submission — in particular, no certified plot plan showing the zoning line and no clear site plan indicating what would remain in the manufacturing portion of the parcel. Several board members recommended the applicant remove all materials from the lot to demonstrate good faith and to avoid fines; the chair reminded the applicant the building inspector had cited the property for a violation. The board said if the applicant returns with a plot plan and demonstrates the storage can be contained inside the manufacturing zone, the board will consider a fenced, screened storage area as a possible condition of approval.