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Norwood ZBA trims $56,400 fine to $15,000 in 558 Pleasant Street appeal
Summary
After extended debate over whether a landlord or a tenant should be liable for zoning violations, the Norwood Zoning Board of Appeals reduced fines tied to open‑lot storage and commercial vehicle parking at 558 Pleasant Street from $56,400 to $15,000 and directed clerk/staff to follow up; the board split on legal responsibility but voted 5-0 to impose a lower, equitable penalty.
NORWOOD, Mass. — The Norwood Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 2 reduced a building commissioner’s $56,400 penalty for zoning violations at 558 Pleasant Street to $15,000 after an appeal by the property owner’s attorney and extended testimony from the owner and the building commissioner.
Attorney David Hearn Jr. told the board he represented 558 Pleasant Street LLC and asked the board to abate fines that his client should not bear for violations committed by tenant Velasquez Brothers. "These fines are far in excess of any harm caused," Hearn said, arguing the landlord promptly told the tenant to stop and sought resolution rather than immediate eviction.
Building Commissioner Gary Pelletier disagreed and told the…
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