Planning Board members discussed the idea of allowing more residential development in Needham Center and heard direct input from a local business owner at the Oct. 7 meeting.

Hillary, owner of the Tin Rabbit shop on Chapel Street, told the board she has operated on Chapel Street for seven years and that foot traffic and daytime parking shortages limit business. She supported increased housing that would bring more year-round customers but urged careful coordination so new development does not exacerbate parking or traffic problems.

Board members framed the discussion as early-stage policy work: the town is considering whether to modify the Center Business district to encourage mixed-use buildings with residential units above retail. The board emphasized that any zoning changes would follow a separate, formal public process and that specifics such as building height, dimensional standards and parking requirements would be shaped by subsequent public hearings.

Hillary suggested the town increase events on the town common and support tenant types that generate regular foot traffic, such as cafes, restaurants and specialty retail, while protecting independent local stores. Board members also raised tenant-mix questions and noted that Needham has an inclusionary requirement for a portion of new housing units at an income-restricted level.

Members agreed to continue outreach to center businesses as the board considers draft zoning changes and to invite representatives from the Envision Needham working group to brief the board so members can better understand how proposed transportation or streetscape changes might interact with zoning changes for the center.

The discussion was informational; no formal zoning change was proposed or voted on at the meeting.