News from the Town of Needham

This is the banner image of Town Hall in the spring

Good morning, Needham!

It’s been an exciting week as Needham students headed back to school and voters headed back to the polls! There are still a few more opportunities for Early Voting in Needham. Vote today at Town Hall until 5 pm or tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, September 6th. Polls will be open 7 am to 8 pm. Find your polling location on the Town Clerk’s website.

Labor Day is Monday, and Town facilities will be closed. Town buildings will shift from Summer Hours back to Regular Hours Tuesday, September 6th. The Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS) will close at noon this Friday, September 2nd. Beginning Friday, September 9th, the RTS will resume normal operations, open Tuesday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm. The Swap Shop will be open Tuesday - Friday 7:30am - 3pm and Saturday 7:30am - 4:00pm (no drop-offs after 3:00 pm).

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Public Health Urges Community to Take Precautions as Risk Level for West Nile Virus Ticks Up in Needham

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has raised the risk of West Nile virus infection from “low” to “moderate” in Needham. Lexington, Natick, Wellesley, Weston, Winchester, and Woburn have also been raised to “moderate” risk category. No mosquito samples have tested positive in Needham at this time, but positive mosquitoes have been detected in several nearby towns, including Brookline, Newton, and Wellesley. With this increase in risk, Needham Public Health wants to remind you of ways to prevent WNV infection, including:

Checking the MDPH Risk Maps regularly to be aware of changes in risk level and understand what the risk levels mean
Repair damaged window/door screens and dump any standing water in your yard
Wear mosquito repellant when outdoors, especially between the hours of dusk and dawn.”

Town Treasurer Evie Poness Retires Today After 43 Years

Evelyn Poness, the Town’s Treasurer/Collector, retires today after 43 years with the Town. Evie joined the Town in 1979 as an Accounting Clerk. In addition to her Treasurer/Collector role, Evie has chaired the Retirement Board for 35 years. Diane Ryan, the Town’s Assistant Treasurer/Collector, will serve as Acting Treasurer/Collector while the Town conducts a search for Evie’s replacement. Thank you for your service, Evie and best of luck in retirement!

Needham Police Warn Residents of “Grandparent Scams”

The Needham Police Department is currently investigating multiple “Grandparent Scam” incidents in Town. In these ruses, scammers often call posing as a grandchild or as an authority figure on behalf of the grandchild to report some sort of legal or medical issue. The caller may report the grandchild was arrested or in a serious car accident and in need of money. Traditionally, the scammer will direct the grandparent to wire transfer money or purchase gift cards and reveal the card information and pin. Recently, the Needham Police Department and other area departments are seeing scammers show up to victims’ houses to collect cash in person. If you receive a phone call and you believe it is a grandparent scam, here are some suggestions:

Slow Down – These scams rely on the creation of a false sense of urgency. The scammer does not want a victim to stop and think rationally about what is going on. Take a step back to process the phone call logically.
Check Your Grandchild’s Whereabouts – Obtain the caller’s number and tell them you’ll call them back. Hang up and call your grandchild or family member on your own to see if there’s a true issue.
Report the Crime – Don’t remain on the phone. Remove yourself from the conversation and call the police department. Share as much information with the police about the incident as possible.

Never share personal information online or on the phone with an unverified contact. If you need assistance, call the Needham Police at 781-455-7570.

Public Works Department to Begin Safety Improvement Project at Busy Intersections

The Town will begin construction in the next few weeks at the intersections of Dedham Ave., Warren St., and Harris Ave. Long identified as a series of intersections that are confusing to both drivers and pedestrians, this intersection will undergo a minor transformation to address these safety issues. This project was selected and funded through the Town’s participation in the Complete Streets Program.

The intersection of Dedham and Harris will be realigned to make the entrance to Harris more perpendicular to Dedham Ave, increasing visibility and creating additional space from the intersection of Warren and Dedham. The island in the middle of Harris Ave will be extended to include an island for safe pedestrian crossing. The extended grass will also include an area for improved storm water drainage.

The intersection of Warren (heading North) and Dedham will be also reoriented and a stamped concrete median will be added to discourage traffic from driving across Harris to Warren without making turning movements on to Dedham.

The pedestrian crossing on Dedham Ave will be relocated to move it away from the Harris and Dedham Ave intersection and to shorten the crossing distance. A rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) will be installed.

This new layout will make it clear that cars should not drive directly across Dedham Ave, but should turn on and off Dedham Ave to go from Warren to Harris Ave making this intersection safer for cars and pedestrians.

The work will be completed in the coming months.

Town Seeking Volunteers to Join Local Committees

Are you looking to get more involved in the community? Interested in making a positive impact? The Town has a number of openings on Town Committees for residents who want to volunteer their time. Spots are open on the Historical Commission, Council of Economic Advisors, Commission on Disabilities, Conservation Commission, Council for Arts and Culture, Golf Course Advisory Committee, Technology Advisory Board, and Water/Sewer Rate Structure Committee.

Learn more and apply

Center at the Heights Hosts Open House Wednesday, September 7th

The Aging Services Division will host an Open House at the Center at the Heights Wednesday, September 7th from 2 pm - 4 pm. Meet the Center’s program instructors and representatives from community organizations including the Needham Community Council, Better Business Bureau, Springwell, Seniors Helping Seniors, Shine Counselors and more.

The Center at the Heights is located at 300 Hillside Avenue.

Library Hosts Free Family Information Fair September 20th

The Needham Free Public Library will host a free Family Information Fair in the Library Community Room on September 20th from 3:30-5:00 PM. Several local organizations will be present to provide information on the programs and services they provide for Needham families as well as to give away free books and promotional items. Participating agencies include: The Needham Free Public Library, Family ACCESS Community Connections, WIC, Youth and Family Services, Needham Community Council and Riverside Early Intervention. Entertainment will be provided during the event by popular children's musician, Hugh Hanley. This event provides a great way to get connected at the start of the new school year for both families that may be new to Town as well as families that are long-time residents.

CALENDAR OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

Meetings are linked to the relevant agenda

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Primary Election Day, polls open 7 am to 8 pm.

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Needham Housing Plan Working Group Zoning Subgroup, 12 pm via Zoom
Personnel Board Meeting, 4 pm via Zoom
Needham Planning Board, 7 pm, Powers Hall, Town Hall and via Zoom - This meeting includes two public hearings: 557 Highland Ave. (former Muzi site) and Brewery Zoning

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Needham Housing Plan Working Group, 7:15 pm via Zoom

Events shown as listed on the Town calendar as of 9/1/22. Don't forget to check out the Needham Meeting and Events calendar for updated information. You can also sign up to receive meeting notices and agendas on the Town’s “Notify Me” page.

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We want to hear from you! Send questions or comments to Public Information Officer Cyndi Roy Gonzalez at croygonzalez@needhamma.gov or fill out this 1-question survey. If you’re inclined, forward this on and urge others to subscribe. Happy reading!

Town of Needham
1471 Highland Ave.
Needham, MA 02492
781-455-7500
www.needhamma.gov