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Gary Lesanto

Candidate for Planning Board

“I am running to represent the best interests of our neighbors, our precinct and our town.”

Local

25 year resident – Raised 2 sons in Needham

Involved

Former Large House Review Committee Member

Experienced

Licensed Custom Home Builder

Qualified

Licensed Real Estate Professional

Specialized

Commercial Property Manager

Why I’m Running Now

I’m running for Planning Board first and foremost as a 25-year Needham resident who cares deeply about protecting what makes our town special. My career has been dedicated to building and improving homes that enhance the communities where they’re located. I’ve always focused on understanding what families want and how neighborhoods evolve — then building responsibly to meet those needs.

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25 Years in Needham

A longtime resident and builder dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and protecting the character that makes Needham home.

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Balanced, Practical Growth

Promotes careful, community-focused improvements that enhance neighborhoods and maintain a strong tax base.

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Real-World Experience

Former member of the 2016 Large House Review Committee and commercial property owner who understands what works — and what doesn’t.

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Community First Decisions

Every project should leave residents saying, “This made our town better.”

Experience, Balance, and Community Focus

There are differing perspectives in this race about the future of growth in Needham.

Some believe the town must actively pursue broader housing expansion to address long-term market challenges.

I believe in balanced, practical growth — improvements that strengthen neighborhoods, modernize housing thoughtfully, and support a healthy tax base without altering the character that makes Needham special.

As a longtime resident, builder, and former Large House Review Committee member, I understand both development realities and neighborhood impact. The Planning Board’s responsibility is not simply to plan for growth — it is to steward our town carefully, preserving what works while improving what needs attention.

Needham can evolve responsibly without losing what we value most.

Make Your Plan to Vote:

✔ Vote by Mail      ✔ Vote Early      ✔ Vote on Election Day

April 14, 2026

Get in touch with Gary

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“Growth should be thoughtful and gradual, grounded in community priorities and supportive of our neighborhoods.”