Needham Business' letter to Town Meeting in support of the Neighborhood Housing Plan

Oct. 15, 2024

Dear Town Meeting members,

We are writing as owners and operators of Needham-based businesses and nonprofits in support of creating new opportunities for housing in Needham.

Attracting and retaining the best workers is among our top challenges. The shortage of reasonable housing options in Needham and surrounding communities has impeded that ability, which, in turn, limits our ability to best serve our customers and to be successful.

For those of us who operate restaurants, shops, and other small businesses, additional housing within walking distance of our businesses will boost foot traffic, grow our customer base, and in some cases even allow us to extend our hours of operation.

For those of us representing larger employers and nonprofits, a thriving Needham Center, Needham Heights, and Highland Ave. is something we and our employees value and a reason we choose to be located in Needham.

Fortunately, on Oct. 21 Town Meeting has an opportunity to take an important step toward unlocking opportunities to expand Needham’s supply of desperately needed, smaller housing units by approving the Neighborhood Housing Plan.

We support the four zoning amendments needed to advance the Neighborhood Housing Plan because it creates the only true path that is both in compliance with Massachusetts’ MBTA Communities Law and will gradually and thoughtfully add the housing we need for our workforce.

Voting to support the Neighborhood Housing Plan is a vote in support of Needham’s local merchants and the larger businesses and will allow Needham to remain and grow economically vibrant.

Please support the Neighborhood Housing plan at the Oct. 21 Special Town Meeting.

Sincerely,

Mary Pat Dauria, Abbott's Frozen Custard

Michael Bailit, Bailit Health

John Fogarty, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham

Brian Philips, BigBelly Solar

Scott Drago, Blue on Highland

Joshua Greenberg, Boston Children's Hospital

Dan Goodman, Building 36 Technologies

Bob Stark, Closet Exchange

Peter Brown, Dedham Savings 

Megan & Mark Pesce, Dunkin' - 1203 Highland Ave - 260 Chestnut St

Bob Rivers, Eastern Bank

Zachary Siegenthaler, Elliott Physical Therapy

Steve Stern, FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston

Steven Schwede, FASTSIGNS of Needham 

Jay Spencer, French Press Bakery & Cafe

Rachel Lee, Ice Bath Boston

John Rufo, John Rufo Studio

Ely Kaplansky, Kaplansky Insurance Agency

Jay Dobek, Last Minute Productions

Carol Patey, League of Women Voters Needham

Jerry Michelson, Michelson's Shoes

Chris Wayland, NBCU Boston

Joseph Campanelli, Needham Bank

Carole Sullivan, Needham Children's Center

Joseph A. Frias, North Hill

Ryan Barrett, Oram Cybersecurity Advisors

Jia Liang, PhysioX

Sandra Rizkallah, Plugged In Band Program

Eileen Baker, Proud Mary

Scott Linzmeyer, Reveler Beverage Co.

Mark Barrocas, SharkNinja

Brian McGrath, Sheraton Boston-Needham Hotel

Seth Medalie, The Bulfinch Group

Walter A. Wright III, Trinity Law Group LLC

Steve Volante, Teri Boardman, Dave Volante: Volante Farms