Selectmen Notes: Board Discusses Tree Removal on Common, Zoning of Potential Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Board Approves Removal of Four Trees from Town Common

At their meeting Tuesday evening, the Norwood Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a motion from department of public works director Mark Ryan to remove four trees from the Town Common.

Town Manager John Carroll said that Ryan had discussed the situation with an arborist, and feels that it would be best for the state of the Town Common to have them removed. In their current state, the trees will grow into each other - causing damage to the trees themselves as well as the lawn below.

"I agree with Mr. Ryan, they really are causing problems," Carroll told the board.

"As nice as the Common is and as much as we like the greenery if you look close you have to admit it's overgrown," Selectmen William Plasko added.

The board unanimously voted to approve the tree removal, as well as approving a motion to clean up the shrubbery surrounding the memorial statue.

Board Discusses Zoning Restrictions on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Chief William G. Brooks III, of the Norwood Police Department, sent a letter to Manager Carroll to pass on to the Board regarding the potential passing of Question 2 on the November ballot allowing for the creation of medical Marijuana dispensaries in the state.

Brooks' letter expressed a desire that the Board consider some way to control the location if someone wanted to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Norwood.

Plasko noted that if any action was to be taken, it would have to be quickly.

Selectmen Paul Bishop said that there is a similar zoning bylaw on the books already regarding "adult areas," and perhaps medical marijuana dispensaries could be added under that rule.

"If I had my way of zoning, I'd zone it in Arkansas," Bishop said.

The board voted unanimously to refer the letter to the planning board so that a zoning requirement could be considered and potentially put on the warrant for the Nov. 15 Town Meeting.