Envision Needham Center

Find slidedecks from the ENCWG meetings as well as a link to their meeting agendas and minutes on the ENC Working Group page.

Project Overview

Building on over a decade of studies, assessments, and construction projects, the Town of Needham is beginning to embark on the next phase to transform Needham Center by repurposing space within the public realm to stimulate economic development and create a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient destination for current and future residents and visitors. The Town has contracted with Apex to develop the design for Phase II of the Needham Center Redesign, “Envision Needham Center”.

Statement from Select Board Chair Heidi Frail Re: Delay of Envision Needham Center Project (May 6, 2025)

Project Website

Visit the Envision Needham Center project website to learn more.

Stay Connected

Visit the "Notify Me" page on the Town's website to sign up for periodic updates on the Envision Needham Center Project.

Envision Needham Center Working Group

Information on the Envision Needham Center Working Group, its charge and a list of members can be found on the Committee page..

Envision Needham Center Working Group Meetings and Presentations

Find slidedecks from the ENCWG meetings as well as a link to their meeting agendas and minutes on the ENC Working Group page.

Engagement & Outreach

Input from residents and stakeholders will be solicited through the duration of the project and feedback gathered will inform each project phase. Please visit the project website to learn more about past and future engagement events and opportunities.

Virtual Information Sessions - April 2025

The Town, in collaboration with Apex, the consultants contracted by the Town for the design of Phase II of the Needham Center redesign, held two virtual information sessions for the community on the project. The Project Team shared key takeaways from community outreach events thus far, presented an overview of ongoing traffic studies, and identified the next steps for the conceptual design and pilot demonstration.

Find links to the recordings of each session below (same presentation was made during both sessions but there were slightly different Q&As based on attendees' questions):

Powerpoint presentation from the April 2025 virtual information sessions

Select Board Public Hearing - May 13, 2025

The Select Board held a public hearing on the Envision Needham Center Project on Tuesday, May 13th at 6:30 pm. Find a link to the recording below:

May 13, 2025 Select Board Meeting. The hearing begins at 28:40.

Project Updates

August 2025

Step 1: Summer 2025

In May, the Select Board voted to pause the implementation of the Pilot this summer and asked the Envision Needham Center Working Group (ENCWG) to revisit the design to:

Consider at least three possible plans, to include optimal versions of the current four-lane configuration, as well as a plan with turn lanes, and a two-lane plan
Evaluate each plan for its impact on traffic congestion, parking, bike safety, pedestrian safety, economic vitality, and cost
Gather extensive public feedback on each of the plans

The ENCWG has been working with Apex, the consultant hired by the Town for the project, on developing three options. The plans, which are expected to be ready by mid-September, are:

Blue Plan- 4 Lane Plan- including compliance and upgrades to pavement and curbs.
Yellow Plan – 2 Lane Plan – reducing the current 4 lanes to 2 full lanes with no turn lanes in the corridor with one exception of a left from Chestnut Street onto Great Plain Avenue.
White Plan – 2 Lane Plan with Turn Lanes - reducing the current 4 lanes to 2 full lanes with pocket turn lanes at all appropriate intersections.

Each of these options will maximize parking and not include bike lanes. However, bike lanes can be added and parking can be adjusted in future scenarios to accommodate other features such as shaded areas, storm drain retention areas, outdoor dining or other amenities. Please note that all of these draft plans will:

Include detailed renditions and detailed traffic analysis
Be evaluated on a series of evaluation criteria to assist in the comparisons between the options and to better understand the tradeoffs

Step 2: Fall 2025

These concepts will first be reviewed by the ENCWG and the Select Board. The Town will then share the updated concept versions with Needham businesses and the community to solicit feedback and input through a detailed online survey tentatively scheduled for October. This information will be shared widely through the Town’s communication channels so please make sure that you are subscribed to the “Needham Business Information” List through the Town’s “Notify Me” system (see instructions below on how to do so).

If, after reviewing public feedback, a Pilot is still desired, the Select Board will decide if it wishes to pursue a pilot under the conditions of the Safe Streets for All grant to maintain the current $320,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The Town recently learned that it can make changes to the pilot within the 5-year implementation timeline and still qualify for the grant, allowing the Town more flexibility on timing and scope of the pilot.

Step 3: Late 2025

It is expected that the Select Board will make a decision before the end of the year about which concept to move forward to the Design Phase. During this phase, there will be additional public outreach and engagement as the design plans are developed. During this phase, the Town will also get more clarity on the project cost, funding options, and the construction schedule.