Needham Say More

Doug and Aaron discuss the lack of curbside trash pick up in Needham, the history of the town's "dump," and a proposal to fine people who leave their trash cans out overnight. Some links related to this episode:

The Needham Recycling & Transfer Station

Needham RTS FAQ

Doug and Aaron discuss incidents of racism in Needham and efforts to address the situation, including the Needham Unite Against Racism Initiative, also known as NUARI. Some links related to this episode:

Needham police accused of racial profiling and handcuffing Black man on his way to work (Boston.com, July 21, 2020)

Needham police complete internal investigation following racial profiling allegations (Needham Times, Jan. 27, 2021)

NUARI - Needham Unite Against Racism Initiative

Unite Against Racism Initiative (YouTube playlist of meetings)

Needham Unite Against Racism Initiative January 11, 2021 meeting about policing

Doug and Aaron discuss a revised proposal offered at a community meeting to change the zoning governing the Muzi Ford and Channel 5 site. The revised plan lowered maximum heights and density while adding the possibility of residential development. Some links related to this episode:

Links to materials about the zoning change for Spring 2021 Town Meeting (Includes traffic study, fiscal impact, and recording of Feb. 3 meeting)

Needham officials warn of Amazon distribution center if zoning plans founder (Needham Times, Jan. 28, 2020)

Doug and Aaron discuss the Needham school facilities master plan, which includes possible renovation or reconstruction of the Mitchell Elementary School, Pollard Middle School, and High Rock School. Some links for this episode:

Executive summary of the recent school department master plan

(The condition of schools chart Doug mentioned is on page 13.)

Citizens for Needham Schools summary of master plan and more links

Town of Needham Facilities Master Plan (2014)

Doug and Aaron discuss two proposals coming before Special Fall Town Meeting to use Community Preservation Act funding to help renovate two churches in Needham. Some links for this episode:

Needham committee members wary over town funding proposed for church restoration (Needham Times, Sept. 30, 2020)

OPINION: The full picture for historic church preservation (Needham Times, Oct. 1, 2020)

MA Supreme Judicial Court Issues Decision in Acton Lawsuit (Community Preservation Coalition, Nov. 5, 2018) 

Doug and Aaron discuss a proposal to change town zoning rules to allow a senior housing community in the old Carter Mill Building at the corner of Highland Ave and West St in Needham Heights. The proposal will be considered at Needham's Fall Special Town Meeting on October 4. Some links related to the topics:

Needham board hears plans for senior living facilities at old Carter building (Needham Times, July 5, 2020)

2020 October Fall Special Town Meeting information (Town of Needham web site)

Doug and Aaron recount the debate at Needham's Spring Town Meeting about funding for the police and discuss the broader topics of racism and the appropriate role of the police in town. Some links related to this week's show:

Police budget draws scrutiny at Town Meeting (Needham Times, June 9, 2020)

Instead of ‘defund’ the police, imagine a broader role for them with public health (Washington Post, June 12, 2020)

Doug and Aaron discuss the problem of holding Needham's annual town meeting (and approving next year's budget) during the coronavirus pandemic. Some links related to this week's show:

Needham plans for outdoor Town Meeting (Needham Times, May 22, 2020)

Coronavirus should put an end to the town meeting (Boston Globe, May 4, 2020)

That’s a hard ‘yea’ for town meeting (Boston Globe, May 8, 2020)

The $600 Unemployment Booster Shot, State by State (New York Times, April 23, 2020)

Doug and Aaron discuss a recent episode of the Netflix documentary series Dirty Money that features the story of an elderly Needham resident, John Savanovich, who was put under court-ordered guardianship, moved out of his house, and had his assets sold. Some links mentioned in this episode:

Netflix's Dirty Money, Season 2, Episode 5, Guardians, Inc.

In a ‘forgotten’ corner of Needham, abandoned homes blight a neighborhood (Needham Times, April 20, 2018)

Abandoned homes cleared of trash in Needham’s ‘forgotten’ community (Needham Times, May 8, 2018)

Abandoned homes torn down in Needham’s ‘forgotten’ community (Needham Times, March 19, 2019)

Doug and Aaron discuss how the novel coronavirus outbreak is affecting life in Needham, Massachusetts, including which stores and restaurants remain open. For updates on the pandemic in Needham, check out the Public Health Dept.'s web page. Other links mentioned in this episode:

The Newton Needham Chamber's take out restaurant listing.

A Needham resident buys out a local florist shop's entire inventory.

Mass Audubon and Trustees of the Reservations close their properties.

And up next week, a discussion of Netflix's documentary series Dirty Money, episode 5 of season 2, titled "Guardians, Inc."