The Large House Review Study Committee of the Town of Needham on Dec. 10 finalized the agenda and outreach plan for a Nov. 18 community meeting focused on proposed zoning changes intended to reduce the size of new single‑family houses.

Committee members agreed the presentation will open with a 20‑minute fiscal overview by the consultant and a 20‑minute summary of the committee’s three reduction options, followed by an extended public question‑and‑answer period. "The town clerk would send an email out to all town meeting members so they're aware of the meeting," said Lee Newman, summarizing outreach tactics that also include newsletter articles, flyers, town electronic signboards and social‑media posts.

Members pressed for a concise public deck and readable graphics, asking staff to post the presentation and an FAQ before the meeting so attendees can review materials ahead of time. Oscar Mertz said the committee will “post the presentation” and bring a simplified set for the planning board as a dry run. The group agreed to keep technical detail in an appendix and use clear definitions (FAR, livable area, lot coverage) early in the deck.

The committee also confirmed logistics for the planning board review and asked the consultant to prepare a 15–20 minute fiscal summary for public audiences. Staff will publish a draft FAQ that includes common concerns and the committee’s responses and will accept written comments after the meeting for a limited period.