FAQ

Why are we re-doing Great Plain/Needham Center?

For many years the Select Board has wanted to re-design Needham Center. Some of the reasons are: decreasing the flood-risk for both the Center and surrounding areas, widening sidewalks to make them ADA accessible and more walkable, improving safety for pedestrians, and stimulating more walking in the town center to draw more foot traffic to local businesses.

How will parking in Needham Center be affected?

If the four lane plan gets adopted, the number of on-street parking will remain the same. If either of the two lane plans get adopted, the number of on-street parking spaces will increase. In both cases a small amount of the parking spaces will be moved from Great Plain to the ends of the neighboring side streets.

What will the extra sidewalk be used for?

The current phase (Phase I) of ENC only focuses on the “number of travel lanes, where the curb line will be located, parking locations, and sidewalk widths.” This is so they can focus on traffic flow. Later, the use of the sidewalk will be determined based on what is available from the chosen configuration. Possible uses are bike lanes, outdoor dining, benches, etc.

How will businesses get deliveries with the new plan?

Currently many deliveries in Needham Center involve double parking which is dangerous and increases congestion. The new plans include “designated loading zones and short-term parking spaces” to fix the issue and meet the needs of businesses while decreasing traffic obstructions.

Have more questions? Check out the official ENC FAQ