Committee members previewed updated animation videos showing how different lane‑count alternatives would reshape Needham Center intersections and curb lines.

Reviewers asked staff to add clearer labels and arrows in the animations so viewers can identify exact streets and businesses (for example, between Chapel and Highland). Staff confirmed the Chapel‑to‑Highland corridor shown in one animation retains the same amount of parking in all three alternatives and agreed to revise on-screen text to avoid misinterpretation.

The group also discussed pedestrian phasing. One animation depicted an "exclusive" pedestrian phase (sometimes called a Boston or scramble crossing), which removes protected diagonal crossings; staff explained that exclusive phases reduce pedestrian conflicts but change crossing patterns and might require two crossings instead of a single diagonal move. Members asked that the animations and FAQs make these trade-offs explicit.

Several members raised concerns about large vehicle turns on narrowed lanes. Staff said they had run a pilot layout with the fire department's largest apparatus and reported it could make the turning movements after minor adjustments. Staff agreed to contact local businesses that receive large deliveries (New Leaf, Needham House Pizza were cited) to confirm the typical truck sizes and rerun the vehicle checks if needed.

What happens next: staff will revise the animation files to include labels and explanatory text, add a FAQ note on truck and emergency access, and add explicit statements in public materials where parking does not change between alternatives.