A 5.4 million gift to build a hockey rink is something Norwood can’t afford to miss out on. After much research, the site committee has come to the conclusion that Coakley Middle School is truly the best location in town. As a lifelong resident of Norwood, I too have fond memories of watching ball games and swimming at the old civic center. However, I also welcome progress, like having a cell phone and not having to walk to find a pay phone when I have a flat tire, and being able to go to a state of the art MRI center right here in Norwood when my child was sick.
I also remember as a student of the Oldham School going into a supply closet for glue, pens, crayons, markers and tissues. However, I have spent the better part of the last ten years, fundraising for these same supplies for the Oldham. As you all know, our school’s budget can only go so far. With that said, the one point that sticks out to me from the very well prepared presentation the Norwood Rink Committee gave, was the simple fact that we need to grow our pie. Norwood has a very unique opportunity to make an investment in growing our pie with no money down. Please don’t let the few who believe that they will be inconvenienced with a small traffic delay get in the way of progress for our great town.
Laurie Shea
Patricia
5:25 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
First of all there is no such thing as a "gift", our tax dollars are funding this project.
Secondly, I would invite Ms. Shea to spend a few hours in S. Norwood, primarily from 2:15-3:30 pm. and see the traffic issues when two schools are dismissed and perhaps throw in an afternoon wake at Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home. The last I knew S. Norwood was the most densely populated area in town, so more than a few people will be inconvenienced. I feel for the poor ambulance drivers trying to maneuver through this strip of Washington Street anytime during those hours. Then we have a brief reprieve before the evening commuters come by.
In a perfect world a rink in Norwood would be a great addition, so wouldn't an indoor swimming pool that could be used by more than a select group of athletes.
Norwood is a great town, but diminishing the quality of life of one section of town is not fair to the taxpayers in that area.
Too bad we can't find a "gift" from the state to replace the modular classrooms at the Coakley Middle School that were supposed to temporary, I believe they have been there for upwards of six years.
Mr. Ragman
5:57 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
don't forget to mention a dance recital, little league games, soccer tryouts, football games, craft fairs, throw in railroad tracks being demolished on short street ant that intersection of Washington St. will be a mess. I like how our leaders say we need more recreation, yet are willing to sacrifice the tennis . courts and put 110 parking spaces on what is now full growth forest of beautiful trees adjacent to a pond (I guess you could always fish from the bed of your pickup truck). The only way they get away with this is because the tennis courts are not on school property - remember the fiasco with the fields at Callahan and Oldham (who owns them?) The state has on a list $5.6 million tied to an ice rink in Roxbury. Its not written in stone, they do not have to put out the money. $5.6 does NOT build a rink, it builds about 1/3 of a rink which you will soon find out when our leaders ask town meeting for another $11 million to fund the rest - get real Shea, this thing is far from a done deal, and you are wasting your breath making yourself feel good tonight.
Lisa Caparella
8:38 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Come on folks, the town is not trying to build a TD Garden in Soulth Norwood, they are trying to give our Children a Hockey RInk, so our children have a place to practice and play their games, so they do not have to travel outside of their own town to practice or play games. If the town is going to receive a Gift then WHY NOT. Please let this opportunity go through so our children can be proud of their HOME TOWN!!!!
Zootie Maguire
7:34 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
FOCUS, FOCUS,. FOCUS....Norwood does NOT have a skating rink. Does this item put our town in the "not attractive" category? I think not. Is the rink ESSENTIAL? I think not. So we really care about our kids? I think not. Are we upset that our Norwood students did not qualify for Advanced MCAS? I think not.
Is putting a gasline under an active playground essential? I think not. Do we need to replace modular classrooms? I think not. And the best of the best NOT THINKING ideas is to create and build an ice rink on school grounds, near a public pool and guess what? Adjacent to a playground. Now that's irresponsible.
Cruiseman
4:24 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
Hey Ragman,
The traffic is high during those hours because of school.....not hockey. So, let's move the school because I'm sure it wasn't there when you moved in...right? Get real Ragman, a hockey rink is not going to make your life that much more miserable than it is now, is it? It's South Norwood, a congested, high traffic, commercial area in Norwood that you decided to rent. If you don't like it, MOVE!!
Indiana
4:41 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
Not for nothing...As much as I want this rink for the kids of Norwood - I do find it curious this is the best practical spot for the rink. It really is a cluster up there. I do understand all the inclusions tied to it
Daniel Hogan
3:04 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Is there no end to the money being spent in Norwood? Do we really need a Hockey rink in town? I think we should stop trying to be Dover or Westwood. How about replacing modular classrooms at Coakley and Oldham for our kids? A rink in Norwood to keep a small number of of skaters happy for over $10,000,000 is not a good idea. Let's start to be a bit frugal in our spending habits people.
Zootie Maguire
6:52 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Mr. Hogan, there is no dire need for a hockey rink on school property in Norwood. Imagine our kids winning trophies all these for being hockey champs WITHOUT a rink!! Awesome. Some adults want this so bad that they are having the kids themselves soliciting signatures for petitions. Imagine a coach telling the kids, go get em kids! Is this today's moral's? We need to vote OUT everyone that's IN.
Lisa Caparella
7:19 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
O.k. Zootie, Norwood does not need a rink? then why does Norwood need a senior center for the elderly to Play bingo and other activities. We should send them to other surrounding towns for such activities. Having a Hockey rink in the town of Norwood would bring business to this town as well as letting our children have a Hockey rink to win trophy's and to be proud of.