NEEDHAM ELECTION 2022

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The quality of life and safety of the Needham community is paramount in my eyes and has been ever since my father taught about community advocacy growing up in Needham. There is no question that reducing or eliminating the train horns would improve the quality and, though I thought the train crossings were perfectly safe, if there is a way of making them safer we should. I will say that by eliminating the train horns the NTSB may very well require additional safety measures, though I am certainly not an expert.

Yes [I have signed the Safer Quieter Needham letter of support petition (available at https://saferquieterneedham.com/petition )].

I wish nothing ever had to boil down to money, but it does, and I would really need to know what this will ultimately cost.  I know the following may not be a popular stance, I would love to find a way to stop the train at the Junction and then have the existing railroad bed converted into a Biking, Walking and Electric Shuttle Corridor from the Heights to the Junction. It would serve for InterNeedham transportation, be very quiet, and much less pollution.

Yes, I support the town to move forward with establishing an FRA Quiet Zone to improve the safety and quality of life for all Needham residents and businesses. As a member of the Transportation Committee, I helped vet the BETA Engineering feasibility report in 2015 and helped frame and pose some additional clarifying questions, which were answered in September 2016. The Transportation Committee voted to recommend an establishment of a Quiet Zone to the (then) "Board of Selectmen" in 2016.

Yes I have [signed the Safer Quieter Needham letter of support petition (available at https://saferquieterneedham.com/petition )].

I understand the need, moving forward, to analyze possible solutions to mitigate the impact of the horns. Removing the discomfort and frustration would be a huge relief. There would also be a positive impact on property values – for the homes close to the train, silencing the horns would level the playing field. The key will be to determine if funding sources are available to supplement the town’s investment, and if this issue will garner support as an important investment for the town.

Yes I have [signed the Safer Quieter Needham letter of support petition (available at https://saferquieterneedham.com/petition )].

I would like to see a community forum on this complex issue and have information about possible remedies and costs so the whole community can get informed and hear all the viewpoints.  Not sure how that gets orchestrated in hybrid or zoom-only format?