Public Workshop on New England Business Center Dimensional Zoning Changes

The Council of Economic Advisors, a committee established by the Board of Selectmen to evaluate town-wide economic conditions and make recommendations to promote and encourage new and existing businesses and development, has completed the follow-up study of the New England Business Center authorized by the Town Meeting in the spring of 2010.

The CEA accordingly invites residents to attend a town-wide meeting to discuss the proposed dimensional zoning changes, including height and density requirements, for the New England Business Center District. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Performance Center of . Town residents, business owners, and property owners are encouraged to attend.

The zoning changes incorporate feedback to the Council of Economic Advisors from earlier symposia as well as consultant recommendations. At the workshop, Lee Newman, Director of Planning and Community Development, and Devra Bailin, Economic Development Director, will present the proposed zoning changes. The consultant team, led by Kathy McCabe and Giles Ham, will provide an assessment of the fiscal and traffic impacts of the proposed changes.

The purpose of the meeting is to solicit public comments and suggestions, which will be incorporated and/or considered in relation to the final zoning to be proposed to Town Meeting. The workshop will be a hands-on session with plenty of opportunity to review and discuss the proposed recommendations.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and to adjourn promptly at 10:00 p.m. Questions or suggestions should be phoned to Devra Bailin, Economic Development Director, at 781-455-7500 ext. 213, or emailed to her at dbailin@needhamma.gov or posted to her at 500 Dedham Ave., Public Services Administration Building, Needham, MA 02492.