Saying the calendar is moving faster than the project, Select Board member Kevin Keane announced to Town Meeting Monday night during committee reports that the Envision Needham Center pilot phase will not begin as planned in July.
Envision Needham Center is part of the town’s long-term plan to create a safer and more vibrant downtown that is a draw for residents, visitors and businesses. The Department of Public Works-led project focuses on redesigning Great Plain Avenue between Linden and Pickering streets.
“Back in December, a mid-July pilot seemed plausible. Not so much in early May,” said Keane. “The Select Board has voted to give the Envision committee more time by moving the pilot back by at least six months.”
In his report Keane said the intent of the redesign “is to address pedestrian, vehicular and bicycle safety; intelligently manage traffic flow; improve storm drainage; and encourage economic development and vitality.”
Many businesses and property owners in Needham Center oppose the project and had called for a pause of the July pilot phase. They’ve been outspoken about their concerns that a draft plan to narrow Great Plain from four lanes to two lanes would adversely affect parking and their businesses. On May 1 the town held two meetings with the businesses to hear their concerns.
Keane said the project has been a Select Board goal since 2017 and the town received a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant of $320,000 to cover the majority of the design and pilot cost. Separately, Town Meeting voted Monday night to approve an article to accept Chapter 90 state funds that are designated for improvements to public ways, some of which can be used for the Envision project.
Keane said moving back the pilot will allow more time for the committee working with the DPW and its consultant, the engineering group Apex, to consider designs. It also will increase the opportunity for public engagement, he said, noting that the Select Board will hold a public hearing on the project May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
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