Norwell Select Board Explores Strategies to Revitalize Town Center Through Mixed-Use Development
Officials discuss zoning changes and business incentives to create more vibrant, walkable downtown area along Route 123 corridor.
NORWELL - July 9 - Norwell Select Board members are exploring comprehensive strategies to revitalize the town center, focusing on mixed-use developments and zoning improvements that could transform the Route 123 corridor into a more vibrant community hub.
During their July 9 meeting, board members discussed collaborating with the planning board to implement zoning changes that would encourage businesses to invest in the downtown area while creating more walkable spaces for residents.
"If we could see some investment down here, we might be willing to dig deeper into our pocket, take a little bit more of a risk, try to get some things open," said board member Andy Reardon, referencing conversations with local business owners about potential development opportunities.
The discussion emerged as part of the board's broader goal-setting session, where members outlined priorities for enhancing the town's economic development and community appeal.
Board member Lorenda Layne emphasized the importance of taking a proactive approach to zoning and planning. "I think that we have not, as a town, taken a proactive look, at least in the time that I've been here, to kind of have that more holistic, just a real focus on the zoning like the planning board is doing now," she said.
Layne suggested creating "an experience for members of our community and those passing through," noting that when she first moved to Norwell, real estate agents would apologize for the town's lack of a traditional center.
The board discussed the potential for mixed-use developments similar to successful models in neighboring communities. Chair Peter Smellie referenced a project by developer Webb that combines commercial space on the ground floor with residential units above as an ideal example for Route 53 development.
"If you can replicate that small scale, like a bunch down 53, there's a ton of SHIs chipped away," Smellie said, referring to the state's Subsidized Housing Inventory requirements.
Board members also highlighted recent positive developments, including the approval of Sparrow's Roadside Kitchen, a new takeout restaurant that will occupy the former Quick Pick location at 690 Main Street. The business, which will offer pizza, pasta and sushi with accompanying beer and wine sales, represents the type of incremental improvement officials hope to encourage.
"I am really excited for the Roadside Kitchen because I can't tell you how many times lately I've driven to CP's in Scituate to pick up a pizza," Layne said, noting the convenience factor for residents.
Vice Chair Brian Greenberg drew comparisons to successful downtown revitalization efforts in other communities, citing examples like Hingham Square's Bloomy Rinds, which pairs wines with food offerings.
"It's the same concept," Greenberg said. "Their business is successful. It hasn't impacted the other businesses. In fact, it actually brings people into the other businesses, and vice versa."
The board acknowledged that parking could present challenges as development increases but indicated this issue could be addressed through planning.
Reardon noted the historical context of the area, explaining that Norwell Center was once more active before becoming less central to community life. "When it was Norwell Center, yeah, it was busy, but it certainly was never the heartbeat of the community," he said.
The officials expressed optimism about incremental improvements building momentum for larger developments. Smellie used a baseball analogy, saying, "You don't need the Grand Slam. If I get a ton of bunts, I'm still adding runs to the scorecard."
Board members also discussed the importance of highlighting Norwell's natural assets, with Layne mentioning how paddling on the North River provides residents with a different perspective on the town's beauty.
"Some of them have never, they've lived in Norwell for over a decade. They've never seen Norwell from that perspective," she said about friends she has taken on river excursions.
The revitalization discussion was part of a broader goal-setting exercise where board members outlined priorities including budget management, transparency improvements and infrastructure projects.
Other significant business conducted during the meeting included committee reappointments and the approval of an off-premise beer and wine license for Sparrow's Roadside Kitchen.
Layne was appointed as the new Select Board liaison to the OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) trust fund committee, replacing former member Bruce in the role that involves quarterly meetings and annual actuarial reviews.
The board also adopted a new definition for capital projects, raising the threshold from $10,000 to $25,000 for items requiring Capital Budget Committee review. Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan explained this brings Norwell in line with other communities and focuses the committee's attention on more significant expenditures.