NORWOOD – A controversial expansion plan for Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) is moving toward a crucial Town Meeting vote. The plan proposed would extend Runway 17/35, by adding 300 feet to each end, resulting in a new runway that is 600 feet longer in total. Town officials claim this project would correct a safety deficiency by paving the two existing safety areas off the approach/departure ends of the runway. However, critics claim the runway expansion will increase airport traffic and attract larger, noisier aircraft.
According to the town’s capital improvement plan proposed projects (fiscal year 2026) slated to be voted on at the November 13th Special Town Meeting, the town will pay $300,000 toward the project and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will pay the rest. According to sources, the total cost of the project is $2.7 million dollars.
Opponents argue the longer runway will inevitably lead to an influx of turboprop airplanes, which are a type of aircraft powered by a jet engine to provide most of the thrust. These aircrafts, critics claim, are louder than traditional propeller planes and will invariably affect the quality of life in Norwood. An organized coalition of residents is urging the community to “BE INFORMED” and pay close attention before a project with potential long-term impacts on public health and the environment is approved.
Neighbors also fear the runway expansion would solidify Norwood Airport’s role as a “reliever” airport for Boston’s Logan International, almost guaranteeing an increase of aircraft traffic over airport neighborhoods.
Also on November 13’s Capitol Improvement Plan is the cost to make lighting enhancements to the airport’s helipad. According to the project application, there is currently no lighting in these areas which makes night landings and takeoffs unsuitable. Critics of this improvement claim new lighting will also increase airport traffic especially in the evening hours. Not to mention the financial costs to the town which is estimated to be approximately $17,500 which is proposed to be taken from free cash.
The most potent opposition to both projects centers on the projected negative impact on local public health and the environment. Specifically, the expansion is predicted to bring jet powered engines lower and closer to residential areas of Norwood. Also, an increase in air traffic means increased lead and environmental pollutants. In a recent report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that “The science is clear: exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects in children.” Critics claim these effects lower learning outcomes in children living near airports and a rise in complaints nationwide regarding aviation noise and pollution.
Finally, there are concerns about the Neponset Watershed. Norwood Airport is surrounded by the Neponset River Watershed, a sensitive environmental wetland that drains into Boston Harbor. The project will likely require adding more impermeable material, increasing runoff and pollution into the wetlands, and contributing to broader environmental concerns.
The project’s momentum has also been viewed with skepticism by some Norwood residents, who note that the funding for the design phase was reportedly packaged in with other town business and slid through for a vote at a previous Town Meeting without a single question from residents or Town Meeting Members.
This time, opponents are mobilizing. They are urging residents and especially town meeting members to fully study the airport’s master plan, which they say discusses future land acquisition and further runway expansions.
The vote on the full runway extension/expansion is expected to come before the Special Town Meeting in November. -RD