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I want to clarify my thoughts about the major projects on the table for Reading. I don’t disagree with the LTE writers & pickleball players who are passionate supporters of the Pickleball spirt & project. What I do believe is that we need to think wisely about every nickel & dime we spend. The Town has indicated that we have two important projects to consider this year, Killam & ReCal. ReCal already includes more pickleball courts in the planning. Pickleball courts were not listed as a priority.
Reading is, generally speaking, a middle class community. In my volunteer work for the town & association with Reading Neighbors Network & The Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus I have seen tears & heard fears about elders inability to manage the increasing property tax burden. Almost all of these folks are not eligible for Circuit Breaker relief & the town only offers 10 positions for the Property Tax Work Off program.
The pickleball project may be an insignificant cost compared to the two priority projects…but they still are a cost. In this economic environment, I believe we should carefully focus all taxpayer revenue on the Town’s priorities & projects that will benefit the largest numbers of Reading residents.
Joanne Wooldridge
Precinct 1
President, Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus
