Town Meeting concludes with key votes on pickleball, infrastructure, and zoning
(6-8 minute read)
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Hawkes Fieldhouse at Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) (62 Oakland Road)
Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.
Introduction
The final night of Reading’s Annual Town Meeting took place in the Hawkes Fieldhouse due to a scheduling conflict with the RMHS Spring Concert. The evening included robust discussion and votes on several remaining articles, including the highly debated pickleball project, infrastructure investments, and zoning bylaw updates.
The meeting briefly paused after a Town Meeting member experienced a fall early in the evening. First responders quickly arrived to assist and transported the member to a local hospital. We extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Key Takeaways
Pickleball courts approved
The proposed project passed narrowly with a 102-43 vote, meeting the two-thirds majority. An instructional motion was attached recommending the implementation of user fees for court access.
Infrastructure investments move forward
Town Meeting unanimously approved $1.5M for Phase 2 of the lead mitigation program and updates to the floodplain overlay district to meet state and federal standards.
Drainage easement denied
Town Meeting voted against transferring a drainage easement on Annette Lane to the Select Board, citing environmental and neighborhood concerns.
Article 14: pickleball project
The debate over new pickleball courts concluded after several nights of discussion. While many members expressed support for the health and social benefits of pickleball, others questioned the timing and financing, especially with the upcoming May 13 vote on the Killam School Building and Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects.
Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman clarified that the courts could still be built as a standalone project, regardless of the outcome of the ReCAL vote. The courts would be located adjacent to the proposed ReCAL facility near Symonds Way and include ADA-accessible features. A portion of the funding comes from the Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA), which has raised $225,000 for the project.
Several Town Meeting members requested that court access include user fees to help offset maintenance and operational costs. Town staff cited a similar model from the former Tennis Pass Program.
Articles 15 & 16: Lead Mitigation and Zoning updates
Public Works Director Chris Cole shared progress on the town’s lead pipe mitigation efforts, which have removed over 200 lead/galvanized service lines. Phase 2 aims to replace an additional 100 lines with a $1.5 million investment, funded through the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) grant and zero-interest load program. Town Meeting approved the article unanimously.
Community Planning & Development Committee (CPDC) member Heather Clish explained zoning changes to Reading’s floodplain overlay district that would keep the town compliant with FEMA and state mitigation requirements. Residents in current and expanded flood zones were notified. The article passed unanimously.
Article 17: drainage easement transfer
Town manager Matt Kraunelis explained that the town holds a drainage easement on a property off Annette Lane, originally intended to accommodate a possible extension of Colburn Road. The easement, dating back to 1999, has never been utilized, and the current property owner requested its removal to reposition planned construction.
However, a Town Meeting member who also serves on the Conservation Commission raised concerns that the article’s accompanying map did not reflect updated wetland boundaries. Members also spoke against the proposal, noting recent tree removal had worsened flooding in the area. Town Meeting voted unanimously against relinquishing the easement.
Instructional Motions
As is customary, Town Meeting considered a list of members for removal due to attendance or failure to be sworn in. The body consulted each precinct before voting.
Removed: John D. Breshlin and Amy James (Precinct 3); Christopher D. Costa (Precinct 8, resigned)
Retained: Kerry Crehan Dunnell (Precinct 7), at the request of the precinct chair
Instructional Motions
What is an instructional motion?
Instructional motions are non-binding suggestions made by Town Meeting members to recommend or request that boards or committees explore or act on a particular issue.
Motions discussed
Passed - Expanding adaptive programming
Eric Gaffen’s motion urged town staff to identify and fund expanded adaptive programming, such as United Sports and other recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Failed - Elect the Board of Health
Nancy Docktor’s motion to make the Board of Health an elected body instead of an appointed one was voted down. Though her motion cited concerns over politicized appointments, Town Meeting members felt electing the board was not the right solution.
Final Thoughts
With the conclusion of the Annual Town Meeting, residents not turn their attention to the Special Town Election on Tuesday, May 13, where the community will vote on funding the Killam School Building Project and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL).
Stay informed, be engaged, and help shape the future of Reading.
May 8, 2025 - Town Meeting Night 4 in the Hawkes Fieldhouse at Reading Memorial High School. Photo from the RCTV Youtube page.
