(7-minute read)
Reading’s Center for Active Living (ReCAL) reached its topping-off milestone, the Killam School construction bid came in nearly $25M under budget, and the town landed a $500,000 state grant for Walkers Brook Drive, according to Town Manager Jayne Wellman’s October Monthly report. The report covers activity through October 29 and consolidates the five weekly updates issued during the month. Because it was completed before Election Day, it describes budget preparation for either outcome of the $6.5M override vote rather than the final result.
Override outreach and the FY28 budget
Town and school staff wrapped up public education on the override in October, holding forums, office hours, and a final webinar on Oct. 28, alongside a four-part video series and a daily FAQ campaign.
Capital plan meetings were completed in October, and department budget meetings were scheduled to finalize FY28 proposals before Thanksgiving. Staff are preparing to present a budget in December that reflects the outcome of the Nov. 3 vote. Wellman noted that the short window between election, Town Meeting, and Thanksgiving requires close coordination across departments.
The town also received preliminary certification from the state Department of Revenue for its tax classification process, and Wellman submitted Reading’s comment letter on combined sewer overflows through the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority’s (MWRA) official portal.
ReCAL reaches topping off
The ReCAL facility celebrated its topping-off ceremony on Oct. 7 with more than 60 people in attendance. As of the October 18 update, the project remained slightly ahead of schedule and under budget.
Construction during the month included sheathing, gable ends, interior framing, second-floor rough plumbing, and window protection. The transformer arrived, and electrical connection work was underway with the Reading Municipal Light Department. Site work covered the rear walking path, drainage, parking lot curbing, and forms for four site signs. At midmonth, the building was expected to be weather-tight within two to three weeks.
A shade structure and benches were installed at the pickleball area after the town took over. The courts are not yet open, however, because their accessible parking space sits within the ReCAL parking lot, and some monument sign work in that area still needs to be finished.
Killam School bid comes in nearly $25M under budget
The town took part in the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) construction kickoff for the Killam School replacement, and the foundation permit was issued by midmonth. Site activity picked up, including removal of material and old asphalt.
The construction bid came in nearly $25M below the projected budget used in the MSBA agreement. The Killam School Building Committee (KSBC) voted to pursue rescinding more than $14M in borrowing authorization at Town Meeting. The report notes that final amounts depend on aligning the owner’s project manager’s projections with the MSBA’s revised financing calculations.
$500,000 for Walkers Brook Drive
Reading received a $500,000 HousingWorks Infrastructure Program grant through the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth program. The award will move the Walkers Brook Drive corridor redesign from 25% design toward construction documents. Staff continued reviewing MassDOT comments and working with consultant Kimley-Horn on requested design changes.
Mattera Cabin and business activity
Facilities staff, Northeast Metro Technical Vocational High School, and the town’s architect reviewed the work needed to bring Mattera Cabin up to code, determining which tasks students can perform and which the town must complete. A proposed $120,000 FY27 budget adjustment, supported by expected savings from the town’s renegotiated health insurance contract, will go to Town Meeting. The report says actual costs are expected to come in lower.
Trader Joe’s opened in October after receiving its certificate of occupancy, and Dion’s Fine Wine & Liquor also received its certificate. Noise complaints at 885 Main Street had stopped by early October as ledge work neared completion. Eastern Gateway planning moved forward with roadway discussions and outreach preparation for property owners, and an economic development summit is being planned after the holiday shopping season.
The Link tops 100 daily passengers
With its full fleet in operation, The Link microtransit service kept setting ridership records in October. Daily ridership reached 92 on Oct. 5, then passed 100 for the first time with 110 passengers on Oct. 22. The service carried 115 riders on Oct. 23 and 107 on Oct. 28. An in-person information session at the Pleasant Street Center is in the works.
Streets, sidewalks, and downtown access
High Street improvements advanced with the installation of the stamped concrete raised table, curbing, conduit, and light bases; the intersection opened on Oct. 30. Streetlights and the granite wall are expected to begin within the next two months, while plantings, cast-iron bollards, and final paving are planned for spring. Work on John Street progressed through utility adjustments and pavement markings.
Staff updated the map of accessible parking spaces downtown and considered one or two additional on-street locations. Public comment and a review by the Commission on Disabilities are planned before finalizing locations and adding pavement markings.
A public forum at the Library on the proposed sidewalk snow-shoveling bylaw drew more than two hours of discussion. Residents, including many who opposed the proposal, raised concerns about their ability to comply, and staff will work through the feedback as the bylaw is reviewed.
Public Works and winter preparation
DPW crews repaired sidewalks and potholes, rebuilt a collapsing catch basin on Van Norden Road, and addressed a collapsed section of drainage pipe on Avon Street. Crews also poured concrete for new bike racks at Parker Middle School, planted street trees, continued leaf cleanup, and installed sanding units on trucks ahead of winter.
After the late September storm, crews surveyed every street and completed cleanup at 60 reported or identified locations by Sept. 30. No playground needed to close.
The fall bulk drop-off event served 160 vehicles and filled four dumpsters. DPW reported 313 second water meters installed across 2025 and 2026, including 117 this year. New second-meter applications were paused starting Nov. 2 and will resume in the spring so crews can clear pending work before winter.
Community support and events
More than 500 people attended an October vigil honoring Andria Hanafin. Wellman wrote that the gathering offered space for remembrance, support, and connection to resources, and she thanked town departments, Superintendent Dr. Henry Turner, Reading Public Schools staff, and the many others who supported the community response. The Reading Clergy Association, Reading Community Singers, and Cait and Pat Beckman contributed to the vigil.
Elsewhere, the Chamber of Commerce Beer Garden Fest brought residents to the Common, where Wellman and Turner held office hours as part of override outreach. Recreation’s new Trunk or Treat partnership with the YMCA drew strong turnout, and more than 50 groups registered in advance for Connected Reading. The town also began a soft launch of the mylo hub app, with about 20 residents downloading it at the Beer Fest.
Staffing changes
Community Services Director Jenna Wood resigned effective at the end of October after 14 years with the town. The report credits her with an instrumental role in developing ReCAL and says the town intends to fill the position with an experienced professional as the facility nears opening. A resignation in the Police Department brought the number of positions the town is holding open to 13.5 by month’s end.
MBTA work and what comes next
Staff attended the 15% design meeting for the MBTA’s Haverhill Line Double Track project, where early plans include accessible platforms on both sides of the Reading station, with potential completion before 2030 discussed. MBTA culvert work in Reading remained tentatively scheduled for Nov. 14 and 15.
Looking ahead, the report lists incorporating the override result into FY28 budget proposals, preparing financial and capital items for Town Meeting, reviewing the shoveling bylaw feedback, seeking public input on accessible parking, and continuing winter readiness.
Graphic by the Town of Reading.
