The Select Board voted on Sept. 24 to approve a banner and signage program for the Needham Heights business district that will add decorative banners along pedestrian light poles and new banners marking the Avery Square public parking lot.

Paul Good, chair of the Needham Community Revitalization Trust Fund committee, presented the plan and described a four-panel banner design that highlights Avery Square, shopping, dining and the arts. "As soon as you arrive into Needham Heights, you know you're in Needham Heights," Good said, summarizing the objective of a consistent wayfinding and placemaking look.

The committee proposed Sunbrella or similar durable materials, two spare banners per site and a standard design to match the town’s new logo. The board approved the program in a roll-call vote and asked staff to work with design review for the required sign permits; staff said the banners and the parking signs will be maintained under the revitalization fund program and vendors will be available to rotate and replace banners as needed.

Board members said the parking wayfinding banner in particular should help drivers find underused public parking and that the banners would also promote the Gorse Mill arts activities and local businesses. The project was presented as a low-cost placemaking initiative with ongoing private and trust-fund support for maintenance.

The motion to authorize display of the Needham Heights Business District Banner Program passed unanimously by roll call.