Resident raises tenant-participation and code-enforcement concerns at Needham committee meeting

Ross Donald of 25 H Chambers Street used the public comment period at the March 10 committee meeting to press the Needham Housing Authority and town officials on tenant participation, open-meeting compliance and enforcement of a standing zoning violation.

Donald told the committee he and other tenants have spent almost two years reestablishing a tenants association and are seeking “a seat at the table.” He criticized what he described as inconsistent posting of meetings and asked who would enforce tenant-participation rules. “I'm telling you that your money is at risk if the housing authority does not obey the rules and regulations,” Donald said, warning that public funding should be contingent on compliance.

Donald also cited a standing zoning/use violation at 164 Linden that he said has been unresolved for about ten years because tenants lack funds to pursue enforcement. He called on the town to consider waiving fees that block follow-through on complaints and to ensure tenant involvement is meaningful.

The committee and attendees acknowledged the comment; committee members heard the concerns as part of the broader housing discussion but made no formal determination at the meeting. Donald thanked committee member Denise for attending during the pandemic and for listening to residents.