Town Meeting Night 1 Recap: April 28, 2025

Apr 30

Written By Taylor Gregory

(6-7 minute read)

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School (62 Oakland Road)

Watch the full meeting on RCTV’s Youtube page.

Honoring a tradition of self-government

Town Moderator Alan Foulds began the evening with a description of how our local government came to be. On the early morning of April 18, 1775, Reading was thrust into history when a messenger named Martin Herrick galloped into town to alert Captain John Brooks that British troops were marching toward Lexington and Concord. As signal shots echoed across the pre-dawn sky, local militiamen - young and old - grabbed their muskets and marched toward the unknown.

But the seeds for revolution had already taken root. Years before the first shots of war, Reading’s Town Meeting became a forum for grappling with questions of justice, representation, and the rights of self-governance. From cautious discussion in 1773 to full-throated support for independence by late 1774, the voices of Reading’s citizens played a small but crucial role in a larger fight for liberty.

More than 250 years later, Reading residents still gather - now in a school auditorium instead of a meeting house - but the spirit of local democracy remains unchanged. Town Meeting is not just a relic of the past; it is a living, evolving institution that continues to empower ordinary people to shape their community.

Key Takeaways from Night 1

Article 4: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) approved as presented

Town Meeting members reviewed several line items within Article 4, including some shifts in project timelines and spending priorities. Two amendments proposed:

Remove the turf replacement design at Parker Middle School
Remove the $200,000 consulting plan for a Facilities Master Plan

Both amendments were rejected by the body, and the CIP was approved as originally presented.

Article 13: $1.4M for streetscape improvements on High & Haven

Town Meeting approved a $1.4 million allocation for downtown safety and beautification. This local funding will complement a $2.6 million Mass works grant and includes:

Raised pedestrian crossings
Traffic calming measures
New trees and landscaping near the train depot

Several members cited safety concerns for pedestrians and the need to make downtown more accessible and attractive.

Proposal to reorder articles rejected

A motion was made to take up Article 14 (pickleball courts) after Article 8. However, members argued that more pressing priorities - such as the Killam School and Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects - should come first. The motion to reorder failed.

Articles 9 & 10: support for veterans under the HERO Act

Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved both articles to accept new property tax exemptions for veterans, as outlined in the state’s HERO Act.

Learn more about the HERO Act.

Check eligibility for tax exemptions.

In-depth discussion: Article 4

Artificial turf design at Parker Middle School (FY26)

A question arose about why the turf replacement design was moved up to FY26. Town engineer Ryan Percival explained the field, built in 2007, is nearly 20 years old - well beyond the 10- to 15-year expected lifespan of synthetic turf. Several members cited safety issues and support the plan to move forward. The vote to retain the turf design in the CIP passed 146-12.

Facilities Master Plan Consulting

Another point of debate focused on the proposed $200,000 for a Facilities Master Plan. Some questioned the need for this when the Select Board is also developing a town-wide Master Plan.

Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman clarified that this funding would enable a consultant to review the assessment of existing facilities and develop a 20-year roadmap for town-owned buildings. She emphasized this proactive planning helps Reading avoid costly emergency repairs - a key distinction from many neighboring communities.

In-depth Discussion: Article 13

In September 2023, Reading received a $2.6 million Mass works grant to enhance the High and Haven Street corridor. An initial $6.4 million proposal came before Town Meeting in April 2024, but Town staff later revised the scope and identified savings from other projects, reducing the need to borrow funds. The final $4 million project - the $1.4 million of which is covered by the appropriation - will address safety concerns and improve aesthetics downtown.

Several members cited:

Pedestrians being struck by cars
Challenges navigating the area on foot
The need to improve the appearance of a key downtown hub

Looking Ahead

The next session of Town Meeting will continue the discussion on several remaining articles, including Killam School, ReCAL, and Article 14 (pickleball courts). As these projects carry long-term implications for education, public health, and infrastructure, future sessions promise to be just as significant.

Stay tuned for continued coverage from The Reading Observer.

Have questions or want to learn more about a specific article? Drop us a message or attend/watch the next meeting!