Register O’Donnell Commemorates Women’s History Month on QATV (video)

Norfolk County Register of Deeds, William P. O’Donnell, appeared on a segment broadcast by Quincy Access Television commemorating Women’s History Month and recognizing a number of distinguished women, both past and present, with ties to Norfolk County.
 
“There are numerous prominent woman with ties to Norfolk County”, noted the Register, “ranging from first lady Abigail Adams, the wife and mother of two presidents, who was born in Weymouth and buried in Quincy, to lesser known but important figures such as Katherine Lee Bates, a nineteenth century Wellesley resident, who, inspired by the beauty she observed from the top of Pike’s Peak, wrote the lyrics to “America the Beautiful”.

Some of the other women mentioned by Register O’Donnell in the segment include historic figures like Deborah Sampson from Sharon, who fought and was wounded in the American Revolutionary War, Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, both from Wrentham, whose story has been chronicled in books and in the 1962 movie, “The Miracle Worker”, Harriet Hemenway from Canton, who co-founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896, Dr. Helen Cleary, the first woman to be elected to the Town of Norfolk’s Board of Selectmen and the actress Lee Remick from Quincy, an Academy Award nominee in 1962.

Norfolk County is also birthplace of a number of contemporary women such as the astronaut, Sunita Williams, a 1983 graduate of Needham High School, who has performed the most spacewalks by a woman, National Public Radio’s Audie Cornish, Mindy Kaling, the writer and actress best known for the television series “The Office” and of course, Needham’s own Aly Raisman, the winner of several Olympic medals in women’s gymnastics and the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

“I appreciate Mark Crosby and the folks at Quincy Access Television providing me the opportunity to honor the contributions and accomplishments of women from the communities in Norfolk County that have had a positive impact in our lives”, stated Register O’Donnell.

To view the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds video segment, go to the following link:
https://youtu.be/xSwPZMqZnm8
 
To learn more about the history of Norfolk County and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 

Register O’Donnell Discloses the Most Expensive Real Estate Sales in Norfolk County in 2021

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that in 2021, seventeen properties, all commercial, sold for more than $50,000,000.

The top ten, most expensive properties were:

 

1. 190 Mediterranean Drive, Weymouth, a 418 unit apartment complex known as “Weymouth Commons” sold in November for $151,925,000;
2. 115-129 Dean Avenue, Franklin, a 23 acre parcel slated to be developed into a 250 unit apartment complex, sold in December for $129,125,000;
3. 2 Hancock Street, Quincy, a 280 unit, 12 story apartment building known as “Neponset Landing”, sold in December for $114,500,000;
4. 180-370 Providence Highway, known as the “Dedham Mall” with 510,000 square feet of retail space, sold in November for $108,154,573;
5. 1 Investors Way, Norwood, a 54 acre property with an office building adjacent to the Moderna property, slated to be developed into a bio-manufacturing facility, sold in April for $105,000,000;
6. 351-353 Maple Street, Bellingham, industrial property presently including two warehouses, one of which is now an Amazon delivery facility, sold in May for $93,350,000;
7. 155 King Street, Cohasset, a 226 unit apartment complex built in 2012 and known as the “Preserve at Cohasset”  sold in January for $90,250,000;
8. 100 Hilltop Drive, a 22 acre, 300 unit apartment complex built in 2004 and known as the “Preserve in Walpole”, sold in November for $$87,600,000;
9. 10 Faxon Avenue, Quincy, a 10 story, 200 unit apartment building built in 2006 and known as the “Amelia Apartments”, sold in July for $84,000,000; and
10. 625 Thomas Burgin Parkway, Quincy, a 180 unit apartment complex built in 2016 and  known as “Mill Creek Residences”, sold in February for $61,600,000.  

“Despite the pandemic, the Norfolk County commercial real estate market was one of the busiest in years”, noted Register O’Donnell. “It appears that the top sales consisted primarily of residential apartment complexes but the development of the three properties in Norwood, Bellingham and Franklin bodes well for the Norfolk County economy in terms of employment and tax revenue. The top ten sales generated over $4.6 million in excise taxes for the state and county. We hope 2022 continues in a positive trend”.

To learn more about the Registry of Deeds, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

 

Register O’Donnell Discloses the Most Expensive Real Estate Sales  in Norfolk County in 2021

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Career Information Session

Are you interested in joining a multi-talented, multi-cultural and professional organization dedicated to providing the utmost in public safety to the citizens of Norfolk County?  

Meet representatives from the Norfolk County Sheriff’s office and learn how to prepare for a successful career.  They will answer your questions on how to prepare for their career opportunities as a corrections officer.

When: Thursday, April 7, 2022 - 10:00AM – Noon

Where: 

MassHire Framingham Career Center
1671 Worcester Road, 2nd floor
Framingham, MA 01701 

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WwLNtfVnD3jI4bX4xybXnmuf4xLt1QDK/view?usp=sharing

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Career Information Session

Register O’Donnell Reports on February 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that February’s numbers relative to Norfolk County real estate activity show a fairly sharp drop as compared to February 2021 and January’s numbers.

“Our data indicates that the Norfolk County real estate market in February was sluggish when compared not only to February 2021 but also to January”, noted Register O’Donnell. There were 10,291 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in February, a 34% decrease over last year’s February document volume and an 11% decrease from January.

“The number of deeds for February 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers both commercial and residential, decreased by 19% from February 2021 and by 32% from January. Sale prices increased significantly compared to last year but now appear to be leveling off. February’s average sales price was $1,218,942, an impressive 42% increase compared to February 2021 but down 15% from January. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also showed gains from one year ago, increasing 14% but are down 42% from January,” noted the Register. “It remains to be seen if this trend continues into March.”

Overall lending activity showed a decrease again for the month of February. A total of 1,940 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 56% decrease compared to a year ago and a decrease of 17% from January. “It appears that many consumers have already refinanced given the past low interest rate environment,” noted O’Donnell.

A continuing cause for concern in Norfolk County, however, is the increase in foreclosures. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. During February, there were 8 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County.  In addition, there were 27 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in February, up from 18 recorded in January.  In February 2021 there was only 1 Foreclosure Deed and 6 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages filed. “The sharp increase in these numbers remind us that even more of our neighbors are now facing financial challenges”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to monitor these numbers.”

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

 

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased this month at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.   There was a 17% decrease in homestead recordings in February 2022 compared to February 2021 and a decrease of 20% from January. “These figures are not too surprising where the sales of homes has decreased, but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should keep in mind that a recorded Declaration of Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000,” noted O’Donnell. “We want to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  The recording fee is only $36. Feel free to visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homesteads and to make sure you have taken advantage of this protection.”

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “February real estate activity showed a decline in Norfolk County which is not unusual for this time of year however, there has been a drop in numbers in 2022 over 2021. We still see available real estate inventory as continuing to be a source of concern in Norfolk County but it does appear that the market is not as hot as last year. Whether this translates into more and better opportunities for buyers, particularly first time buyers, remains to be seen.”

The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business. The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the Registry of Deeds Building. The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.”   

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 

Register O’Donnell Reports on  February 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds collects the fees for Community Preservation Act (CPA)

Dear Friend of the Registry and Registry Stakeholders,

The fees for the Community Preservation Act are set by the State Legislature on land documents recorded here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.  I thought the chart on the reverse side would be of interest to you.  It provides an illustration of the funds generated by the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in your community based on recorded real estate filings during the 2021 calendar year. 

 

The Community Preservation Act was signed into law on September 14, 2000. Today there are 187 Massachusetts communities that have adopted this act. 19 communities out of the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County have adopted the law. As of December 31, 2019, fees collected for the Community Preservation Act were increased to $50.00 for most land documents recorded and $30.00 for municipal lien certificates. The Registry of Deeds, at no additional cost to the Commonwealth or local communities, collects these revenues once a land document is recorded and forwards the monies to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. The funds forwarded to the Commonwealth are then redistributed back to the communities that have adopted the Community Preservation Act. 

 

As you may or may not be aware the Norfolk Registry of Deeds has been fighting to keep its 2-person permanent onsite direct report Registry IT Technology Department.  This department which includes a Registry Chief Information Officer that heads it has been key in implementing technology and modernization initiatives.  There are also cyber security and ransomware risks when you look at not just the CPA monies collected but the over 82 million dollars the Norfolk Registry of Deeds collected in calendar year 2021.  Please see the attached resolution, as voted by the Town of Millis Select Board.

 

Please urge the Norfolk County Commissioners to keep the onsite direct report Registry IT Department as to continue to do otherwise is an unsound public policy that is negatively impacting Registry operations and the services it provides.  Their contact information is attached along with the representatives to the Norfolk County Advisory Board.  The failure to have a permanent onsite Registry CIO and a permanent direct report onsite Registry IT Technology Department is evidently going to be taken up as part of the county budget process. Please contact your Norfolk County Advisory Board members as well as your Select Boards, City Councilors and Mayors who appoint your community’s Norfolk County Advisory Board member to urge keeping the Registry IT Technology Department with a Registry CIO like it has had for well over 35 years.

 

Thank you for any assistance you can give in this matter.  2021 has certainly been a very challenging year.  I wish you and yours a happy and healthy new year in 2022.

                                                                       

Sincerely yours,

William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

NORFOLK COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS

 

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT (CPA)

SURCHARGES BY TOWN FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021

 

TOWN	TOTAL
AVON	$64,775.00
BELLINGHAM	$257,975.00
BRAINTREE	$460,750.00
BROOKLINE	$605,800.00
CANTON	$359,525.00
COHASSET	$151,925.00
DEDHAM	$338,425.00
DOVER	$94,225.00
FOXBOROUGH	$223,975.00
FRANKLIN	$440,125.00
HOLBROOK	$142,425.00
MEDFIELD	$201,000.00
MEDWAY	$186,850.00
MILLIS	$138,375.00
MILTON	$366,525.00
NEEDHAM	$444,575.00
NORFOLK	$173,300.00
NORWOOD	$333,600.00
PLAINVILLE	$116,625.00
QUINCY	$887,050.00
RANDOLPH	$361,225.00
SHARON	$255,625.00
STOUGHTON	$367,625.00
WALPOLE	$349,300.00
WELLESLEY	$349,950.00
WESTWOOD	$224,400.00
WEYMOUTH	$707,775.00
WRENTHAM	$197,725.00

 

Link to the Norfolk Deeds letter ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVah_ejUdPHcplsLKWWxU4EYMxd9wyGd/view?usp=sharing

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds 

Register O’Donnell Commemorates Black History Month on QATV (video)

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell, recently appeared on a segment broadcast by Quincy Access Television commemorating Black History Month and recognizing distinguished African Americans with ties to Norfolk County.

“There are a number of prominent African Americans with ties to Norfolk County”, noted the Register, “ranging from world-renowned figures like Booker T. Washington, who summered in Weymouth, to lesser known but important figures such as Florida Ruffin Ridley, a nineteenth century civil rights activist from Brookline, one of the first black public schoolteachers in Boston and editor of the Women’s Era, the country’s first newspaper established by and for African American women.”

Some of the other African Americans mentioned by Register O’Donnell in the segment include historic figures like William B. Gould, after whom a park in Dedham was recently renamed, Henry W. Diggs from Norwood, former Boston Celtic and Sharon resident Sam Jones and more contemporary individuals like Randolph’s Audie Cornish, a reporter and host on National Public Radio, William (“Mo”) Cowan from Stoughton who served in the United States Senate and former Governor Deval Patrick, a resident of Milton from 1989 to 2016.

“I appreciate Mark Crosby and the folks at Quincy Access Television providing me the opportunity to expound on some of the rich history of Norfolk County and honor some of the contributions of African Americans from our communities here in Norfolk County that have been a part of that history”, stated Register O’Donnell.

To view the QATV segment, go to the following link:   https://www.qatv.org/episode/norfolk-county-registry-deeds-celebrates-black-history-month  
or directly on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/S2B9dRw3uhA

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 

Register O’Donnell Reports on January 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that January real estate numbers relative to Norfolk County real estate activity continue to trend down.

“The Norfolk County real estate market” noted Register O’Donnell, “has continued to slow entering into 2022, which is not uncommon for this time of year. January is typically one of the slowest months for real estate transactions.”  There were 11,622 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in January, a 25% decrease over last year’s January document volume and a 21% decrease from December.

“The number of deeds for January 2022 which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, decreased by 4% from January 2021 and by 30% from December. However, the average sales price during the month was $1,439,472, an impressive 51% increase compared to January 2021 and only slightly down from December. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also showed solid gains from one year ago, increasing 57% to over $1.05 billion,” noted the Register.

Overall lending activity showed a decrease again for the month of January. A total of 2,325 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 44% decrease compared to a year ago and a decrease of 22% from December’s number. “It appears that many consumers have already refinanced given the past low interest rate environment,” noted O’Donnell.

A cause for concern in Norfolk County, however, is the increase in foreclosures.   A moratorium on foreclosures enacted on April 20, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic expired on October 17, 2020.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. During January, as in December, there were 7 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County.  In addition, there were 18 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in Norfolk County in January.  In January 2021 there was only 1 Foreclosure Deed and 9 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages filed. “The increase in these numbers remind us that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to monitor these numbers.”

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased slightly this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.   There was a 1% decrease in homestead recordings in January 2022 compared to January 2021 but a decrease of 25% from December. A recorded Declaration of Homestead,” noted O’Donnell, “provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “January real estate activity slowed in Norfolk County but again, that is fairly typical for this time of year.  We see available real estate inventory as continuing to be a source of concern in Norfolk County. It’s especially a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market.  Nothing we see in the numbers indicates any change in that sector of the market.”

The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business. Registry personnel are processing in-person recordings while vigilantly maintaining COVID related protocols.  The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the Registry of Deeds Building The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase.. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.”   

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

January 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Good Deeds: Black History Month

Every February the United States of America celebrates Black History Month.  It is a way to honor the contributions that African Americans have made throughout history while also recognizing the fight for equality and justice continues.  A founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History organization, Carter G. Woodson, is believed to have had the idea for what would become a month-long celebration.  Mr. Woodson who earned a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University was born in 1875 to newly freed Virginia slaves.  The motivation for Carter Woodson of developing this concept of celebrating black history was his belief that African American children were not being taught about their ancestors’ achievements.  Carter Woodson was instrumental in having Negro History Week launched in 1926.

As the decade of the 1960’s closed Negro History Week continued to be celebrated.  This was the precursor for what was changed into Black History Month.  The month of February was picked for Black History Month because it contained the birthdays of United States President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas.  President Lincoln was born on February 12.  Frederick Douglas, a former slave, who became a noted abolitionist did not know his precise birthday but celebrated his date of birth on February 14.  Some fifty years after the first celebrations of black history then United States President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month during the celebration of American’s bicentennial in 1976.  President Ford called on Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds and the land records housed there date back to 1793.  John Hancock, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was then Governor of Massachusetts and on March 26, 1793 signed legislation that established Norfolk County on June 20, 1793.  A modernization initiative recently completed at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds that transcribed handwritten land records dating from 1793 to 1900 has made history come alive.

As Black History Month is celebrated let us be aware of connections to Norfolk County.  Booker T. Washington was born into slavery in 1856.  He was an educator, author and orator who during his lifetime was one of the prominent voices for African Americans in the United States.  Booker T. Washington established the Tuskegee Institute a school of higher learning for African Americans located in Alabama.  He called for progress through education and entrepreneurship.  Booker T. Washington’s connection to Norfolk County was that he vacationed for several summers at the residence owned by William H. Baldwin, Jr. in South Weymouth at the intersection of Main Street and Columbian Street.

As part of the 225th Anniversary Commemoration of Norfolk County in 2018 the Registry of Deeds chose another notable African American Audie Cornish who hails from the Norfolk County community of Randolph to be in its Notable Land Records book.  Audie Cornish was born in Randolph in 1979.  She graduated from Randolph High School and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.  Audie Cornish went on to become a journalist for the Associated Press and later a reporter for Boston public radio station WBUR.  In 2005 she shared first prize in the National Awards for Education Writing for a report entitled “Reading, Writing and Race.”  Ms. Cornish became a reporter for National Public Radio later becoming a host and news chair.

William Maurice “Mo” Cowan lived in the Norfolk County town of Stoughton.  He was appointed to serve as the United States Senator for the State of Massachusetts on February 1, 2013.  He served along with U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) making it the first time that two African Americans served simultaneously in the United States Senate.  Prior to his appointment Senator Cowan earned a law degree at Northeastern University and joined the prestigious law firm of Mintz Levin where he later became partner.  Mr. Cowan left the law firm to become counsel to Governor Deval Patrick.

Speaking of Governor Deval Patrick an African American who was elected as Governor of Massachusetts in 2006.  He served two terms as Governor.  Did you know he lived in the Norfolk County town of Milton?

Florida Ruffin Ridley was an African American civil rights activist, suffragist, teacher, writer and editor born in 1861.  She was one of the first black public schoolteachers in Boston and edited the Women’s Era, the country’s first newspaper established by and for African American women.  Florida Ruffin Ridley lived in the Norfolk County town of Brookline where in 1896 she was one of the town’s first African American homeowners.  In September 2020 the Florida Ruffin Ridley School in Brookline was re-named in her honor.

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds building is located in Dedham.  This Norfolk County community recently honored the life of William B. Gould (1837-1923) by renaming the East Dedham Passive Park in his honor.  William B. Gould was born into slavery in North Carolina.  He escaped slavery in 1862 by boat during the Civil War.  Mr. Gould served for the Union for the rest of the Civil War in the Navy chasing Confederate vessels.  After the Civil War ended this Civil War Navy Veteran was a distinguished member of the Dedham Community.
 
Henry W. Diggs was a lifelong resident of my hometown of Norwood from 1906 to 2003.  He and his relatives were the first African Americans to settle in Norwood.  After graduating from Norwood High School in 1924 Mr. Diggs worked for the Norwood Press.  He would later serve as a radio repairman for the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II.  Henry Diggs was active in town government having served on the Norwood School Committee, Town Meeting and the Blue Hills Regional High School Committee.  Mr. Diggs in a high school graduation address urged graduates to “build a bridge” to one another so that “walls of suspicion, fear, prejudice and hate will disappear.”

Sam Jones was a clutch basketball scorer who won 10 Championships with the Boston Celtics during their dynasty in the late 1950’s and 1960’s.  Mr. Jones died recently at the age of 88.  Sam Jones as a Boston Celtics wore the number 24 which was retired by the Celtics in 1969 while he was still an active player.  He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984 having played all 12 of his NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics.  Sam Jones  owned a home together with his wife Gladys in the Norfolk County community of Sharon while he was playing for the Boston Celtics.

Black History Month commemorates contributions made by African Americans to our country and to the fabric of what makes up our country.  Let us be proud and take notice of all noted contributions and know individuals from our communities here in Norfolk County have been a part of that history. 

Register O’Donnell and Hyacinth Cornish

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell Thanks Contributors to Registry’s Annual Holiday Food Pantry and Toys for Tots Drives

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Registry’s 2021 Annual Holiday Food Drive and Toys for Tots collection. “Despite the ongoing pandemic, both our Holiday Food Pantry Drive and Toys for Tots collection were a great success,” stated the Register.

“I am thankful,” O’Donnell noted, “for the generosity of so many Norfolk County residents who took the opportunity to donate and to help make the holiday season a little more special for those facing hardships. I’m also grateful to our employees who contributed and helped to organize the drives.”

The non-perishable food collected during the drive is dispensed to several pantries throughout Norfolk County and in early December several boxes of toys were delivered to the US Marine Corps Reserve depot at the Convention Center in South Boston. 

Register O’Donnell stated, “While the holiday food drive has ended, it does not stop hunger from affecting many of our neighbors. A report done by Project Bread noted that approximately 1 out of 10 households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure and 1 out of 8 Massachusetts children are in the same category. Altogether there are 266,500 food insecure households in Massachusetts.

Register O’Donnell concluded by saying, “I urge residents to continue their generosity by dropping off supplies at their local pantries. Beside food, many pantries are requesting toiletries and paper products. Dropping off a donation at your local food pantry can make a world of difference to a struggling family, especially in the winter months when the cost of fuel can play havoc with a family’s budget.”

For a list of food pantries, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org, go to the top of the menu bar, click on News and Events and then in the drop down box click on “food pantries”. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on Twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell Thanks

“One of the Strongest Years in a Decade”

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that overall 2021 real estate numbers relative to Norfolk County real estate activity trended in a positive direction compared to the 2020 numbers.

“The 2021 Norfolk County real estate market was up over 2020 in a number of respects.” noted Register O’Donnell, “there were 195,112 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, a 9% increase over 2021. While many sectors of our economy were negatively affected by the continuing pandemic, Norfolk County real estate activity increased and was vibrant. In fact, 2021 was one of the strongest years in a decade.”

“I am pleased to report the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continued to remain open and operational for the recording of land documents every work day throughout this continuing pandemic. I want to thank the Registry staff for their efforts and I am particularly proud of our employees who continued to work diligently and effectively throughout these difficult times.”

“The number of deeds which evidence real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, increased by 29% in 2021. In addition, the average sale price in 2021 was $1,070,650, a respectable 19% increase compared to 2020. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also showed solid gains, increasing 29% to well over $3 billion,” noted the Register.

Overall lending activity increased in 2021. A total of 46,430 mortgages were recorded during the year, a modest 2% increase compared to 2020. 

One positive metric for 2021 in Norfolk County relates to foreclosures.  A moratorium on foreclosures enacted on April 20, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic expired on October 17, 2020.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. Despite the expiration of the moratorium, in 2021 there were 52 foreclosure deeds recorded in Norfolk County, a decrease of 23% from 2020 when there were 87 foreclosure deeds recorded,.  In addition, there were 141 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in Norfolk County in 2021, down from 183 Notices recorded in 2020. “We hope these numbers continue to trend downward in 2022 but we are reminded that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to monitor these numbers.”

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums increased in 2021 at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.   There was an 8% increase in homestead recordings in 2021 compared to 2020.  “A recorded Declaration Homestead,” noted O’Donnell, “provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “Without question 2021 was generally positive for real estate activity in Norfolk County.  However, available real estate inventory continues to be a source of concern in Norfolk County. It’s especially a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market. Also, things may be slowing down compared to past real estate indicators.  The Registry of Deeds was operational every work day during the pandemic.  The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business. The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the Registry of Deeds Building The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase.. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.” 

Attached is a link to a “Good Deeds” episode discussing the 2021 Norfolk County real estate statistics and other issues relating to the Registry of Deeds:  https://www.qatv.org/episode/norfolk-county-registry-deeds-5

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

“One of the Strongest Years in a Decade”

Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) - update

January 26, 2022

Dear Friend of the Norfolk County Registry of Deed and Registry Stakeholders,
           Re:      Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO)

On June 30, 2021 the Norfolk County Commissioners voted not to replace a retiring Registry CIO even though this essential position was funded in the Registry of Deeds budget and has been in existence for decades. As a result of a law suit filed in July 2021 the Norfolk County Commissioners designated a Registry CIO as “temporary”. This “temporary” status Registry CIO handed in his letter of resignation effective January 21, 2022. Please review the attached correspondence to the Norfolk County Commissioners dated January 19, 2022.

I have spoken and wrote to the Norfolk County Commissioners that the “temporary employee” designation does not help in retaining or attracting qualified information technology employees and job candidates. Once again because of bad decision making despite pleas from those tasked by law with managing the Norfolk Registry of Deeds the Registry operations are left without ANY Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO).

I do not know what motivates such an unsound public policy decision to not keep an on-site permanent direct report Registry CIO working for and with the Registry staff, Registry users and the general public. It is unimaginable in this day and age of technology as well as cybersecurity risks and ransomware. 

You can only manage and overcome these poor public policy decisions for so long in striving to produce quality services. Thank you for your patience as the Norfolk Registry of Deeds deals with this unfortunate situation.

Sincerely yours,

William P. O’Donnell,
Norfolk Register of Deeds

Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) - update