The urgency to address climate change has produced some progress in recent years, but not nearly enough. In the light of a federal administration determined to undermine climate action, state and local action is more important than ever. In an effort to avoid the worst effects of climate change, Massachusetts has set ambitious goals to drastically cut carbon emissions by 2030, on the way to zero net emissions by 2050. For cities and towns, this undertaking will bring not only challenges but also tremendous opportunities as they strive to transition away from fossil fuels in a just and fair way that benefits all residents.
Each question is followed by the answers as submitted by each candidate.
1) Although climate change is a global issue, it has very real local impacts (e.g.: severe weather, flooding, air quality, and health). Where does our climate crisis rank for you on our Town’s priorities? Please share your personal and and/or professional experiences working in this area, if any.
Heidi Frail
Climate change absolutely affects Needham, and the Town is working to increase climate resilience to help protect residents. Increasing extremes of heat and cold, of drought and flood, and wind events can wreak havoc on town infrastructure, and residents’ homes and wellbeing. Approaching climate resilience from every direction – stormwater capacity, tree preservation and management, increasing infrastructure permeability, reducing fossil fuel use, incentivizing clean electricity use – is needed to make residents secure, healthy and safe. Prioritizing climate mitigation and resistance has been one of my top priorities in my first term and will continue to be in a second term.
Vikram Kaul
No response received.
2) Maximizing the tree canopy is one of the goals of the Climate Action Roadmap, which was completed in 2024. Many Needham residents have expressed dismay at the number of trees being cut down for new residential construction. How should the Select Board respond to these concerns?
Heidi Frail
The Select Board has prioritized the issue of tree preservation with the creation of the Tree Preservation Planning Committee to review options for preserving the Town’s public and private tree canopy. The committee will maximize public input while examining new and proven methods to incentivize tree preservation, developing education about the importance of trees, identifying potential tree regulations for private removals and replacements, and raising awareness of the public tree management.
Vikram Kaul
No response received.
3) Teardowns are an important issue in Needham, as small and medium-sized houses are demolished and replaced with much larger homes, many over 6,000 square feet. These large structures and their large accompanying impermeable paved areas exacerbate drainage issues and decrease green space. The Planning Board has appointed a Large House Review Study Committee to develop recommendations on how best to ensure that new residential construction in the Single Residence B and General Residence Districts will complement existing buildings, settings and neighborhood character. What are your thoughts on how to balance property rights with preserving starter homes and the character of the Town?
Heidi Frail
Changing norms around house size have already wrought changes in Needham’s neighborhoods. Zoning changes which might correct this to some degree must be made carefully given that for most their home is their greatest asset. I believe a thoughtful process, undertaken with public participation, can find a balance point between the good of the individual homeowner and the good of the neighborhood.
Vikram Kaul
No response received.
4) A Green Needham team is proposing a summer ban on gas-powered leaf blowers (when the blowers are mainly used to blow grass clippings off sidewalks). Do you support this effort? Electric equipment is widely available for homeowner use and is increasingly available commercially. Would you support and prioritize requiring electric-powered landscaping equipment for all residential, commercial and municipal uses once such equipment is widely available for those uses?
Heidi Frail
I support the switch to electric-powered landscaping equipment in a reasonable and supported fashion once such equipment is ready for this use and widely available. Assuming the battery life and power is appropriate, electric-powered versions provide relief from emissions and noise pollution that will benefit landscape companies, workers and residents.
Vikram Kaul
No response received.
5) As the Town works to cut carbon emissions and help Needham residents adapt to the damaging effects of climate change, what can the Select Board do to ensure that the process is fair and benefits all residents regardless of income, race, or ethnicity?
Heidi Frail
The Select Board advocates for equitable distribution of all services and public benefits. The town’s Sustainability Manager and Climate Coaches help distribute information on new technology subsidies that exist and help all residents to make the best use of them.
Vikram Kaul
No response received.
6) Please address anything else you’d like to include to let voters know how your service as a Select Board member would further sustainable practices in the Town of Needham.
Heidi Frail
Vikram Kaul
