In a longer-than-usual episode, Doug and Aaron discuss the upcoming Needham town election on April 13. Four candidates are running for two seats on the Select Board and three people are running for two open seats on the School Committee. Doug also wanted to draw attention to some of the competitive Town Meeting races. Some links related to today's discussion: Needham League of Women Voters: Candidates Night March 24: Featuring Candidates for School Committee and Select Board LWV's Gateway to the April 13, 2021 Needham Election Candidate web sites: http://www.moehandel.com/ https://www.lakshmiforneedham.org/ http://www.votemarcusnelson.com/ (No web site listed for Serge Zdanovich) https://www.votelizlee.com/ https://www.rebeccawaber.com/ https://www.mikeforneedham.com/

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Episode S2/9: Who's running for leadership roles in Needham

Doug and Aaron discuss the new bank going into the old laundromat space and the 2009 zoning changes that didn't end up changing much in Needham center. Also, follow up to Season 2: Episode 6 on trash pick up and the RTS. Some links discussed in this episode: Needham residents embrace revised “Theater Block” plan, with some questions (Needham Times, May 25, 2011) Theater Block Update: Alternative Plan Would Reduce Number of Apartments (Needham Patch, February 22, 2012) Filling storefronts a work in progress (Needham Times, March 20, 2014) May 2009 Annual Town Meeting items Needham Center Development Plan, Executive Summary (March 30, 2009) Strategic Plan for Needham Center: Small Town New England, not Anytown USA

Episode S2/8: Too many banks in Needham center

Doug and Aaron discuss plans to renovate or replace the Emery Grover building in Needham center, which currently houses the Needham Public Schools administration. Some linesk related to this episode: Most recent 2020 Emery Grover feasibility study (starting on page 100 of this PDF) Report on the 2010 Emery Grover study

Episode S2/7: Saving Emery Grover

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

Episode S2/6: Trash pickup and the RTS in Needham

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

Episode S2/5: Addressing racism in Needham

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)

Episode S2/4: Muzi zoning debate returns

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)

Episode S2/3: Which school to renovate next and when?

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) 

Episode S2/2: Should CPA money fund church renovations?

Two Needham, Mass., residents discuss local news and politics.

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