NORWOOD – The Town of Norwood is looking for civic-minded residents to help shape the future of two major local priorities: community preservation and affordable housing.
Town leaders recently announced the creation of the Cofsky Farm Advisory Committee and the Housing Advisory Committee. Qualified residents interested in shaping town policy are invited to submit letters of interest and resumes by June 12, 2026.
The newly established Cofsky Farm Advisory Committee will be tasked with creating a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for the future use and stewardship of the prominent town-owned property. The 20 acres of land located at 820 Neponset Street was secured by the town to the sum of $7,252,500 for community open space use.
The panel will consist of 7 to 9 members who will study the site’s current conditions and evaluate a wide range of potential uses. Key areas of focus will include agricultural and recreational uses, feasibility and logistics and financial planning.
This committee would explore concepts like creating community gardens, walking trails, passive recreation, and habitat improvements. Also, they will assess low-impact amenities, permitting considerations, maintenance needs, and potential project phasing.
Community engagement will be a core focus of the panel, which will work alongside Town staff to ensure recommendations align with local policies before presenting a final framework to the General Manager and the Board of Selectmen.
Concurrently, the town is launching a Housing Advisory Committee to address local housing costs and develop concrete strategies to help low- and moderate-income households achieve homeownership.
This 5-to-9-member committee will focus on practical, real-world models to strengthen Norwood’s broader housing strategy. Key initiatives on their agenda include evaluating programs where the Town or partner organizations acquire and renovate existing properties—such as two- or three-family homes—and resell them at affordable, deed-restricted prices. The group would also research the feasibility of shared equity arrangements, local lending programs, and long-term affordability protections. Collaborating with the Norwood Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC), nonprofits, and financial institutions, the committee will explore funding streams like the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and state or federal programs.
The town is specifically looking for a mix of members who bring professional experience in housing, real estate, finance, and law, as well as vital perspectives from residents directly impacted by local housing costs.
Residents interested in serving on either committee must submit a resume and a letter of interest to the Town Manager’s office via email at managers@norwoodma.gov.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026. -RD
