The Needham Heights Neighborhood Association (NHNA) will hold a general meeting and discuss the 128 Add-a-Lane project on Monday, June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Needham Free Public Library Community Room.

Featured speaker will be Larry Cash, project manager from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, who will present the latest information on the Route 128 Add-a-Lane Highway Project and how that work will affect the town of Needham in the next few years. MASS DOT has completed much of the design work for this major highway improvement, and Cash will explain what is being contemplated and be available for a Q&A session.

Following Cash’s presentation, there will be a brief meeting of the NHNA, which is also open to the public.

The NHNA has been in existence since 1980. Its purpose is to enhance and protect the residential character and livability of the area. The focus is on improving Needham as a whole while ensuring that Needham Heights, the gateway into Needham from Route 128/Highland Avenue and Needham Street in Newton, continues to be an attractive community in which to live and do business. The organization has gained the respect of town leaders and local businesses as well as neighbors in the community.

The NHNA is looking to get more new voices involved as they look to further beautify and preserve the neighborhoods of Needham and in particular the Heights/Avery Square area. The association would like to plan an upcoming speaker series that should attract new members. 

"As we look to the future, we need to band together as neighbors to provide input on large scale projects and to help establish the kind of town in which we want to live," NHNA member Mike Verdun said. "We want to reach out to businesses to forge a better partnership between our residents and the businesses they frequent. Please know that members of our association participate in the Council of Economic Advisors to ensure that the Height’s voice is heard as the town plans the future for the business districts.

"We continue to receive calls from potential tenants of Heights property including restaurants, cafes and retailers who we hope to be able to greet in the near future. We hope you take part in our Association and provide input on what you would like the NHNA to focus on in the future and who you might like to hear speak at an upcoming meeting."

Possible future meeting topics may include:

• 128 Add a Lane Project

• Fire Chief on Heights Station and Fire safety

• Green Line Rail Extension into Needham

• Affordable Housing Updates

• Highland Avenue / Kendrick Reconstruction

• Business owners on being part of the community

• General Public Works schedule of Heights projects

• Economic Development and Revitalization 

To express interest in one of these topics, add issues of concern or learn more about the NHNA, e-mail nhna@rcn.com or write to: Box 163, Needham Heights, MA 02494.

Learn more at http://needhamheights.org.