Select Board to oppose bigger MWRA sewer plan

Select Board · Meeting of August 11, 2026

Norwood Select Board moves to oppose a costlier MWRA sewer overflow plan while bracing for a tight capital budget. Board member Robert Donnelly briefed colleagues on a Massachusetts Water Resources Authority plan to upgrade combined sewer overflow facilities in Cambridge and Somerville, projected to cost Norwood $32 million in water and sewer rates through 2070 under a $1.3 billion baseline, or as much as $109 million under an alternative advocates are pushing. "If you're talking about spending $1.3 billion ... is it really worthwhile?" Donnelly asked.

Separately, staff liaison Wayne Rosen said Norwood has just $1.526 million in free cash for this year's capital plan, among the lowest in years. The board also approved an ownership and license transfer at a roughly 440-room Norwood hotel, appointed Laura Messina to the Cultural Council, and heard the Norwood High School Alumni Association's pitch to raise $250,000 for a concession stand and bathroom facility. Members also thanked state and federal lawmakers for legislation supporting Norwood Hospital's reopening, with one member saying, "They said we couldn't do it, but we got it done."

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,467 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.