Needham Select Board, 8/11/26

• Date: August 11, 2026
• Governing Body: Needham Select Board
• Meeting Type: Regular Select Board Meeting
• Attendees:
  • Catherine Reid Dowd, Chair
  • Marianne Cooley, Vice Chair
  • Joshua Levy, Select Board Member
  • Kevin Keane, Select Board Member
  • Heidi Frail, Select Board Member (Remote)
  • Katie King, Town Manager

• Avery Newton (69 Howland Street): Expressed frustration regarding the opening of the town's 18th bank branch at the Basala Art site. Newton suggested exploring zoning restrictions for banks, vacancy fees for empty storefronts, and small business incentives. Quote: "We don't need 18 different places to store our money. We need more places that make this wonderful town a community."
• Corey Wilk (6 Wayne Road): Representing Needham Baseball and Softball, Wilk highlighted the urgent need for Memorial Field renovations and the loss of big diamond fields due to the Pollard Middle School project. He noted that the organization spends an average of $70,000 annually on field maintenance.
• Bill Looney (213 Garden Street): Spoke on behalf of neighbors opposing the 193 Garden Street 40B project. He cited concerns regarding the scale of the 10 five-bedroom homes, environmental impacts on adjacent wetlands, and safety issues related to first responder access.

The Board considered a proclamation to recognize the impact of addiction and remember those lost to overdose.

• Official Action: The Board voted to declare August 27, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day.
• Legal Language: "Now therefore be it resolved that August 27th, 2026 be declared International Overdose Awareness Day in the Town of Needham."
• Vote Outcome: Approved 5-0 via roll call (Heidi Frail: Yes; Marianne Cooley: Yes; Joshua Levy: Yes; Kevin Keane: Yes; Catherine Reid Dowd: Yes).

Eversource sought a grant of location to install approximately 17 feet of conduit from pole 61/11 to provide underground service to a new home. It was noted that the work was mistakenly completed prior to the hearing.

• Action: The Board approved the petition to install the conduit.
• Vote Outcome: Approved 5-0 via roll call (Heidi Frail: Yes; Marianne Cooley: Yes; Joshua Levy: Yes; Kevin Keane: Yes; Catherine Reid Dowd: Yes).

The Town Manager presented a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to codify responsibilities for the Stephen Palmer property.

• Key Provisions:
  1. The Select Board assumes responsibility for supporting existing tenants and managing the building until it is vacant.
  2. The School Committee will submit capital requests for FY2028-2032.
  3. The Town Manager will request operating funds in the FY2028 budget.
  4. The property will be included in a town-wide facilities master plan.

Representatives from the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) provided updates on two major initiatives:

1. Needham Dewatering Drain Line:

   • Project: Installation of 1,250 linear feet of 36-inch diameter pipeline to discharge treated construction water during the South Tunnel construction.
   • Timeline: Construction targeted for Spring 2027 to Spring 2028.
   • Impact: Includes the replacement of 300 linear feet of brittle clay sewer main along the Charles River bank.

2. Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan:

   • Financials: The draft plan is estimated at $1.3 billion total. Needham's projected share is approximately $28 million for the draft plan, rising to $85 million if the highest level of control (25-year storm event) is mandated.
   • Public Comment: The comment period for the CSO plan has been extended to October 30, 2026.

The developer presented an updated plan for "Gardener's Nest," a 40B condominium project.

• Project Details: 10 total units in five duplexes; 30% of units (3) will be designated as affordable.
• Waivers Requested: Use (single residence district), lot coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), and potentially height.
• Environmental: The project maintains a 70-foot buffer from the wetlands, exceeding the standard 50-foot no-disturb zone.
• Board Feedback: Members expressed concerns regarding the density and massing of the buildings, suggesting a reduction in scale to better fit the neighborhood character.

The Board reviewed a proposal for a public mural titled "The Accidental Artist" at 1299 Highland Avenue, a public-private partnership with the Grossman Company.

• Action: The Board expressed support for the mural as a pilot project for future public art initiatives.

Director of Communications Amy Haleson presented the 2026 National Community Survey results.

• Highlights: 97% of residents rate Needham as an excellent or good place to live. Public safety and education remain top strengths. Trust in government saw a decline, mirroring national trends.
• Town Flag: The Board reviewed two designs for the new town flag featuring the updated seal. The Board selected the navy blue background over the white background.

The Board voted on three traffic regulations recommended by the Traffic Safety Committee:

1. Grove Street (R26-08-11): Designated the West Fork portion as one-way. Approved 5-0.
2. Central Avenue at Forest Street (NTOR 26-07-21): Established a "No Turn on Red" restriction for southbound traffic. Approved 5-0.
3. Greendale Avenue (R26-08-11): Prohibited parking on the east side between Webster Street and Davenport Road. Approved 5-0.

The Board discussed joining a consortium led by the Town of Walpole to negotiate a new contract with Wind Waste (formerly Wheelabrator) as the current 20-year agreement expires in 2028.

• Action: Approved the inter-municipal agreement (IMA) for solid waste negotiations.
• Vote Outcome: Approved 5-0 via roll call.

The Board formally opened the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on October 19, 2026.

• Key Articles:
  • Funding for the Pollard Middle School project.
  • Article 97 home rule petition for Warner Field.
  • Zoning amendments for Large House Review (attics and height).
  • Home Rule Petition for digital legal notices (noting the town spent $34,000 on print notices in FY26).
• Action: The Board voted to call for and open the warrant. Approved 5-0.