Project includes gymnasium, emergency shelter, and infrastructure upgrades
Reading, MA — Brian Hromadkn, Owner’s Project Manager for the proposed Reading Center for Active Living project to replace the Pleasant Street Center, shared that the anticipated total project cost could be $27.9 million. The Permanent Building Committee has approved this amount. Project plans include a gymnasium, improvements to Range Road up to the second parking lot entrance, triple pane windows, a full-building propane generator, and a possible stone dust trail in the adjacent area. Also included in the cost proposal is $4.7 million for contingencies.
Select Board member Karen Herrick questioned the need for a propane generator in a time when climate is an issue. Hromadkn shared that a battery system is insufficient for a building of this size. Fire Chief Greg Burns added that the new center would be available as an emergency shelter in a time of crisis. When Herrick questioned why the library could not fill this role, Burns responded that the new center would have a kitchen and showers available for people in times of emergency. Recreation use, veteran’s events, emergency sheltering, and other town-wide usage are the impetus for a gymnasium to be included in the project.
Hromadkn, speaking about other communities that have built similar projects, stated, “Those who didn’t build the gym, wish they had.”
Chief Financial Officer Sharon Angstrom reported that this project could add from $183.25 a year to $265.42 a year to the tax bill of the typical $850,000 home in Reading. The lowest cost per year being for a thirty-year bond, while the highest cost per year would be for a fifteen-year bond. Angstrom noted that the average home will pay around $300 less in the coming year than in past years due to the Wood End Elementary School, Reading Memorial High School, and library project bonds being paid in full in the current fiscal year.
Select Board member Christopher Haley expressed support for the project but also expressed concern that the tax burden may be too great, considering the Killam Elementary School project occurring simultaneously. He also shared the belief that costs could escalate if the project fails with the voters this spring.
Member Mark Dockser, who has championed the project for over six years, noted that community needs, not cost, should drive the discussion. He referenced data suggesting that thirty percent of Reading’s population will be over sixty in just a few years. He also suggested that the community could use some of the free cash to reduce costs and look to monetize the Pleasant Street Center building.
Reading-Center-for-Active-Living-ReCAL-25.02.18sm“This is the right project, it is the right scope, I think it is being done responsibly, I think the community gets so much benefit from this,” Dockser concluded.
Herrick added that communication with the community would be key in getting voters to approve the two projects, noting that due to grants for the Killam project, the community could possibly get “two for [the price] of one” by voting for both projects. Haley agreed that outreach regarding the project would be crucial for attaining the approval of the voters.
A Special Town Meeting within Town Meeting will be held on May 1, with a planned town-wide vote on May 13.
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis walked the board through the proposed warrant for April Town Meeting. Highlights of the warrant include the addition of an Elder and Human Services revolving fund, approval for a scaled-down High Street and Haven Street streetscape project, and the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Town Engineer Ryan Percival explained that the reduced streetscape plan would spend the $2.6 million MassWorks grant, utilize $1.1 million of funds left over from other projects, and not require any additional borrowing. The new streetscape seeks to improve pedestrian safety in the area and encourage future business.
Due to the Special Town Meeting planned for the second night of Town Meeting, the intent is to begin the third night of Town Meeting with approval of the FY 2026 budget. The board will vote to close the warrant at its next meeting.
The Select Board voted 4-0 to authorize the Department of Public Works to turn on a street light at 33 Grey Coach Road. The light was turned off in 1991 to save electricity. The board also voted 4-0 to approve early in-person voting for the April Town Election. Voting will be open at Town Hall from March 31 to April 3 during regular hours.
The Select Board adjourned at 9:30 pm.
