News from the Town of Needham

Needham Public Works will begin its annual water main flushing overnight Monday, May 2nd and continuing during the overnight hours until Wednesday, June 15th. The purpose of water system flushing is to verify the safe operation of hydrants and valves; to remove accumulated sediment or mineral buildup in our water mains, to flush stale water from dead-end streets, restore or help maintain chlorine residual throughout the water system and continue maintaining a clean, safe water supply to customers.

The water flushing may result in a temporary discoloration of the water, as well as possible reduction in water pressure. The water discoloration is not a health risk. The Water, Sewer & Drain Division recommends restricting your water usage during this period. The discolored water may stain your laundry, especially white materials as well as the possible staining of plumbing fixtures.

Flushing will occur Mondays through Thursdays 11 pm to 7 am.

Take the Community Housing Survey and Help Shape Needham’s Future Housing Plan

The Housing Plan Working Group is asking for your input as it continues to work towards developing recommendations for the future of housing in Needham. Take this 10-minute survey and share your opinions on what changes the Town should make in its next Housing Plan.

The deadline for submitting the survey is Thursday, May 19th at noon.

Drug Take Back Day this Saturday at the Police Station

Needham is supporting the National DEA Drug Take Back Day through its own event on Saturday, April 30 from 10am – 2pm at the Needham Police Station.The event is an opportunity for community members to safely dispose of their expired, unused medications which also helps prevent improper use. Items accepted included unused or expired prescription or over the counter medications. You cannot drop off needles, thermometers, medical waste or illicit drugs. This event is hosted by the Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham (SPAN) and the Needham Police Department.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to offer entry level summer opportunities. The DPW supports a wide variety of activities and programs over the summer months, and it relies on motivated and hard-working summer help to ensure that the Town’s roads, parks, water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, fleet, waste management, engineering, and buildings are all ready for the upcoming year. These jobs offer the opportunity to experience public service at its most fundamental level by providing insight into the workings of infrastructure maintenance.

Those with an interest in construction, engineering, environmental science, public service, recycling, or trades work are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity. We encourage you to come and see Needham from a different perspective and be a part of our summer team!

Pick up your Sapling Saturday to Celebrate Arbor Day

Celebrate Arbor Day (Friday, April 29th) by planting your very own tree! Tree saplings will be available at Park and Recreation (Rosemary Recreation Complex) Saturday, April 30th from 9 am to noon. Saplings include Douglas Fir, Service Berry (flowering), Chinkapin Oak, and Ginko (shade tree).

Need guidance on planting your tree? Check out this video from Needham Tree Warden Ed Olesen.

April marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s most influential landscape architect and a visionary maker of parks and public places. In honor of his work to create public spaces that brought beautiful and healthy environments to people of all classes, the Friends of the Needham Public Library will host a lecture on Olmsted’s legacy by Karen Mauney-Bodek, president of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, on Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m. at the Needham Free Public Library.

All are welcome. The program is free, but seats are limited and registration is required. It will be held in the Needham Free Public Library Community Room at 1139 Highland Avenue, Needham.

Please join us for a celebration in honor of Dan Matthews, who served as Select Board member for 27 years. We will gather to toast Dan Friday, April 29th in Powers Hall, Town Hall from 4-6 pm. All are welcome.