At its Sept. 29 meeting the Envision Needham Center working group reviewed draft public‑engagement materials and a proposed outreach schedule that would include the Harvest Fair, an online survey and a town open house. Committee members and several business representatives cautioned that outreach must be substantive and not rushed.

What staff proposed

Town staff presented draft survey language and said the town intends to use its Polco subscription to run the townwide questionnaire. The staff recommendation includes a QR‑code presence at the Harvest Fair and distribution to local businesses, plus the possibility of a mailed postcard to Needham households directing residents to the online survey. The survey would ask about travel mode, visit frequency and responses to stylized depictions of each alternative; staff said animations are in development to help respondents visualize differences between lane treatments and curb uses.

Stakeholder concerns and timing

Several committee members and business commenters said a single Harvest Fair presence and a short survey window may underrepresent key groups such as older residents or patrons who rely on cars. One member suggested additional outreach at the senior center, at athletic events and at evening meetings to capture a broader cross‑section. Multiple participants urged doing at least one weeknight open house in addition to recommended weekend outreach.

The committee also discussed sequencing: staff proposed launching the survey after the Harvest Fair and keeping it open for roughly two to three weeks (the team observed that surveys lose momentum if left open longer). Staff said the town can allow attendees at outreach events to complete the survey on site via kiosk or QR code, and that the survey can be live while in‑person events occur.

Why it matters

Committee members pointed out that survey wording and any advisory matrix should avoid implying a preferred outcome. Several members recommended plain‑language descriptions rather than numerical scoring so respondents can understand trade‑offs without misinterpreting “zeros” or “pluses” as prescriptive rankings.

Next steps

Staff will revise draft survey questions to improve clarity, add a question that distinguishes Needham residents from visitors, and prepare animations and stylized plan graphics for the next meeting. The committee also discussed scheduling at least two outreach events — a weekend Harvest Fair presence and a weeknight open house — and distributing QR codes broadly so the survey reaches residents and non‑resident patrons.

Ending: The working group agreed to refine outreach materials and timing; no formal advisory vote on outreach dates or on a preferred plan occurred at the Sept. 29 meeting.