Time is Up for Meter Policy

March 14, 2024
• A new policy was put into place eliminating corporate and community “buy-outs” and decoration opportunities on the town’s parking meters. This policy joins an earlier policy decision in determining how municipal property can be utilized by the public.

It may seem innocuous enough to some, and even kind to others, but the practice of buying out parking meters and decorating them to spread a message has passed in Needham. A new policy enacted by the town’s Select Board eliminated the practice, as it continues to refine how municipal property and resources can be used by individuals, organizations and corporations. Striking a balance between fairness, and not wanting to arbiter which messages are appropriate or reflect town values, the board made the move after deliberating it at a previous meeting. Municipal Producer Yuxiao Yuan followed the issue, and files this report.

This story ran as part of the Needham Channel News, a weekly newscast airing on The Needham Channel every Thursday at 7:30pm. The Needham Channel News can be found on the Community Channel: Comcast 9, Astound 15 and Verizon 29. Most Thursdays it also can be viewed on our HD Channel on Verizon 2129, Astound 613 and streaming on this site.