The town will now have a chance to vote on a measure that would set up an expedited permitting process in Norwood.
Expedited permitting is a state-approved process that puts potential developers on the fast track.
Communities with expedited permitting set up priority development sites throughout the town. Each site must be zoned commercial, industrial or mixed usage, approved by the owner, be able to fit a 50,000-square-foot complex, and be individually approved by Town Meeting.
Wishing to build out the Vanderbilt area off Rte. 1, selectmen last night voted to approve the site for expedited permitting under Massachusetts General Law 43D status.
If the district was approved as a 43D, developers would complete an application to the town.
Once done, the town would then have 180 days to make a final decision on the development. If the 180 days pass without denial or extension, the permit would be automatically approved. Proponents say the process leads to a fast and transparent permitting method, while making the town marketable and open to potential businesses.
Towns that accept the state program are also eligible to apply for up to $100,000 in grants that can be used for consultants, additional employees and other expenses associated with the permitting process.
Currently, 44 communities in the state utilize the program, with 17 more applying this month.
Selectman William Plasko said the process has been successful throughout the state and as close as neighboring Walpole, which landed Siemens because of expedited permitting.
The Vanderbilt area stretches from Dean Street to Summer Street on Rte. 1, encompassing about 200 acres. The site is broken into 46 separate parcels ranging from 1 to 28 acres.
The Economic Development Committee wishes to take advantage of that space by bringing in new offices, retailers and manufacturing, said EDC member Stephen Costello.
About 300,000 square feet, or 15 percent, of that site would be undeveloped, he said.
In the future, Costello and selectmen said they would look to approve more sites along Rte. 1 and University Avenue for 43D expedited permitting.
