NORWELL - November 12 - The Norwell Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday to continue a multi-generational housing study after learning that three town-owned properties could potentially accommodate senior or mixed-use housing. The Multi-Generational Study Committee presented 18 months of research evaluating sites on South Street, Central Street, and the former Department of Public Works location on Main Street, with early findings showing all three parcels could support development despite varying degrees of challenges.
The Full Story
After a year and a half of research, the Multi-Generational Study Committee delivered its first formal update to the Select Board, presenting preliminary evaluations of three town-owned properties that could address Norwell’s growing need for senior housing options.
Committee members George Grey and Susan MacDonald, working alongside Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan, outlined the potential of each site. The South Street parcel exceeded initial expectations despite complications from its Verizon cell tower lease and parking constraints. The Central Street property near the schools also showed promise for housing development. The former DPW site on Main Street, while centrally located, faces more significant development hurdles.
“South Street was kind of like an aha thing too. It was a little bit more than what I thought could happen on that lot,” Sullivan told the board.
The committee outlined next steps: conducting detailed site evaluations and engaging developers to assess market feasibility. Sullivan emphasized the methodical approach needed before committing town resources, noting the board had asked staff to pause other evaluations of these properties to avoid conflicting assessments.
Select Board member Andy Reardon moved to recommend continuing the project. The vote passed unanimously.
“I cannot say we’re not informed so I appreciate that,” Select Board Chair Peter Smellie said, thanking the committee for its thorough work.
The study addresses a pressing need across Massachusetts communities where aging residents seek to downsize while remaining in their hometowns. Multi-generational housing also serves families wanting to live near elderly relatives while maintaining separate spaces.
In other business, longtime resident David Deghetto raised concerns about deteriorating properties blighting the town. During public comment, Deghetto pointed to the long-vacant Norwell Cleaners building across from Stop & Shop, a collapsing garage near the Old Town Hall on Main Street, and two deteriorating houses on Forest Street near Circuit Street.
Deghetto, who has lived in Norwell since 1981, brought photographs and asked what the town could do about these “sore spots that everybody sees.”
Smellie explained Norwell lacks a property maintenance bylaw that would allow the town to compel property owners to maintain buildings and grounds. While such bylaws exist in many communities, they remain controversial because they grant municipalities enforcement power over private property. Smellie suggested Deghetto could pursue a citizen’s petition at town meeting if he wanted to advocate for such a bylaw.
Sullivan noted the Norwell Cleaners situation has unique complications—the previous owner died, leaving the property in legal limbo. She offered to provide Deghetto a detailed update outside the meeting.
The board also heard from Recreation Director George Grey about facility usage and programming needs. Board members expressed interest in reviewing the full inventory of town-owned spaces available for community use and examining how recreation programs access school buildings during summers and after hours.
Reardon noted taxpayers fund both municipal and school facilities through a single tax bill and should maximize use of all town-owned spaces. Grey emphasized the schools have been good partners but noted custodial schedules and academic year preparation limit summer availability.
“At the end of the day it’s their calendar not mine and I’m just kind of getting the scraps,” Grey said, clarifying he didn’t mean it negatively—the town does provide programming, but in non-air-conditioned schools during summer months when space is limited.
The board planned to add recreation facility access to a future agenda.
Board members offered brief reports. Reardon attended the Veterans Day observance. Board member Ren Layne congratulated the Norwell girls’ soccer team on their 8-0 semifinal victory over Auburn, advancing to the state finals. Layne also promoted a wreath sale by the Chamber of Commerce and Friends of the Council on Aging, and the Norwell Women’s Club’s December 6 holiday stroll.
Sullivan previewed a packed November 19 agenda including setting the tax rate, Government Study Committee appointment updates, conservation updates on Forest Street, and a Capital Budget Committee meeting on capital planning policy. A year-to-date budget update moved to December 3 to avoid overcrowding the agenda.
Why It Matters
Continuing the multi-generational housing study represents tangible progress toward addressing Norwell’s housing shortage for seniors and families. As the population ages, many long-time residents want to downsize but find few options in Norwell’s predominantly single-family housing market. Developing even one of the three properties could provide dozens of age-restricted or multi-generational units, allowing seniors to free up larger homes for younger families while staying near established social networks and services. The project could help Norwell meet state housing diversity requirements while maintaining local control over development on town-owned land.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve the agenda as posted. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:00:54)
Motion: Approve minutes from the October 29 meeting and executive session. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:01:08)
Motion: Recommend continuation of the multi-generational housing project. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:14:07)
Motion: Adjourn the meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:22:10)
Public Comment
David Deghetto of 303 River Street addressed deteriorating and abandoned properties throughout town, including the former Nora Cleaners building, a collapsing garage near the Old Town Hall, and houses on Forest Street. Deghetto brought photographs and asked the town to address these properties. The board explained Norwell lacks a property maintenance bylaw allowing enforcement action against property owners. Smellie suggested Deghetto could pursue a citizen’s petition for such a bylaw at town meeting.
What’s Next
The Multi-Generational Study Committee will continue evaluating the three town-owned properties and engaging developers about market feasibility. The November 19 Select Board meeting will include setting the tax rate, Government Study Committee appointment updates, conservation updates on Forest Street, a Capital Budget Committee meeting on capital planning policy, and a potential policy vote. A year-to-date budget update will be presented December 3. The board may add recreation facility usage to a future agenda.