Executive Summary
At its September 23, 2026 meeting, the Dedham Select Board approved a change of manager for Kings Bowl Dedham LLC and accepted a $50,000 state Planning Assistance Grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to fund the East Street Corridor Study. The Board also approved a letter of support for the town's 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan update, issued a written warning sanction to Orchid 7 Fusion Bar and Grill for a failed compliance check, and passed a consent agenda comprising several one-day liquor licenses, event permits, and financial gifts. In addition, the Board received updates regarding a proposed multi-board budget task force, upcoming municipal building listening sessions, and community initiatives including the MVP Climate Resilience Plan 2.0 update and National Recovery Month events.
Dedham Citizens Open Discussion
- The Chair opened the floor for citizen discussion; no members of the public came forward to speak.
Change of Manager Request for Kings Bowling (Kings Bowl Dedham LLC, 600 Legacy Place)
- Legal counsel appeared before the Board with applicant Grayson Clark to request a change of manager from Richard Cowan to Grayson Clark for Kings Bowl Dedham LLC at 600 Legacy Place.
- Counsel reported that Clark has worked in the hospitality industry since 2010, has served as a general manager, and is fully familiar with local and state liquor regulations.
- No comments were offered during the public hearing.
- Motion to close the public hearing passed 5-0.
- Motion to approve the request for change of manager from Richard Cowan to Grayson Clark for Kings Bowl Dedham LLC, 600 Legacy Place.
- Passed 5-0.
Common Victualler License Application for Press Cafe, 750 Providence Highway
- The item was taken up and held, as no applicant or representative was present to speak to the application.
East Street Corridor Study Planning Assistance Grant Discussion and Vote
- Senior Planner Jason appeared before the Board to present on a $50,000 Planning Assistance Grant awarded by the Commonwealth Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the East Street Corridor Plan.
- The planning study will follow the model of the 2024 Bridge Street Corridor Plan to draft design guidelines and zoning recommendations for East Street from the MBTA tracks south toward Route 128 in alignment with the Dedham 2035 Master Plan.
- The Planning Board selected the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to serve as project consultant.
- A six-member advisory committee will be formed, including representatives from the Select Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board, as well as local residents and business owners; grant funds must be expended by July 1, 2027.
- A member of the public asked how traffic studies would be integrated into the corridor plan and whether traffic analysis precedes or follows zoning recommendations.
- Motion to accept the $50,000 planning assistance grant from the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for work on the East Street corridor plan.
- Passed 5-0.
Budget Task Force Working Group Update
- Select Board Member Michelle Persson Reilly presented an update on establishing a budget task force working group, as recommended in the town's deficit reduction plan.
- Town administration is drafting a formal charter and governance structure for the group, which will include representation from the Select Board, School Committee, and Finance and Warrant Committee alongside the Town Manager and Superintendent.
- The goal of the working group is to establish long-term, multi-year budget planning and shared assumptions earlier in the annual budget process without superseding the roles of the Finance and Warrant Committee or Town Meeting.
Letter of Support for the 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update
- The Board reviewed a draft letter of support prepared for the Open Space and Recreation Subcommittee regarding the 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan update, to be submitted to the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services.
- Motion to approve the letter of support for the 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan.
- Passed 5-0.
Compliance Violation Sanctions for Orchid 7 Fusion Bar and Grill, 560 Providence Highway
- The Board considered disciplinary action for Orchid 7 Fusion Bar and Grill following an alcohol compliance check failure on June 3, 2026.
- Motion to issue a written warning to Orchid 7 Fusion Bar and Grill for a failed compliance check on June 3, 2026.
- Passed 5-0.
Town Manager's Report
- The Friends of Dedham Recreation fall event has been rescheduled to November 7, 2026.
- Stolen and damaged tiles at the Sawmill Park Pollinator Pathway are being replaced, and new educational signage has been installed at the park.
- Dedham is collaborating with the towns of Norwood and Needham and the MAPC to update the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Climate Resilience Plan 2.0. Applications are open through Friday for two Dedham residents to join the working team, with stipends available.
- September is National Recovery Month. The town is hosting free drop-in Narcan training on September 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall and the Council on Aging Senior Center; residents are encouraged to wear purple on September 30.
- Residents are encouraged to register for the Dedham text messaging alert system for town updates and meetings.
- Board members discussed public safety and urged community members to report suspicious activities directly to the police department under the "see something, say something" standard.
Consent Agenda
- The Board considered a consent agenda containing the following items:
- Block party permit for Spruce Street on October 3, 2026 (rain date October 4, 2026) from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Gift of $10,000 to the Dedham Youth Commission from the Smith Family Foundation.
- Gift of $36.00 to the Council on Aging from Edith and Steven Weiner in memory of Mary MacDonald.
- Dedham Square Circle request for approvals related to the Holiday Stroll on December 4, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- One-day liquor licenses for Padel Boston LLC on October 17 and October 18, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- One-day liquor license for A Perfect Taste catering at the Endicott Estate on October 18, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- One-day liquor license for Three Squares New England on September 27, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.
- Passed 5-0.
Old and New Business
- Announcement that the final community listening session on municipal facilities will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation Building (310 Sprague Street), focusing exclusively on municipal buildings.
- Members recognized organizers and volunteers for the recent community September 11 remembrance observance.
- The Board discussed establishing an issue-tracking system to monitor follow-up actions on resident and committee requests, including tax relief materials for seniors.
- The Chair acknowledged a new commemorative plaque donated by Dr. Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. and family installed at the entrance of Town Hall, noting plans to organize a formal recognition event celebrating the combined Town Hall and Senior Center facility.