Town evaluating path to reopen Mattera Cabin

Feb 23

(6-7 minute read)

The future of Mattera Cabin, a small but well-loved community space at 1481 Main Street, remains under review after permitting issues led to its closure last fall. Town officials, the Conservation Commission, and the Select Board are expected to discuss next steps at upcoming public meetings.

A community resource since 2009

In 2009, the Town of Reading, with a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Burbank and additional grant funding, purchased Mattera Cabin and more than two acres of surrounding land. The property shares a parking lot with the Bare Meadow Conservation Area, making it a natural hub for trail volunteers and outdoor programming.

The approximately 800 sq. ft. cabin has historically accommodated 25-30 people and has been available for public rental. Over the years, it has hosted volunteer meetings, community gatherings, conservation activities, and seasonal events - including the RMHS Band’s annual “Santa’s Workshop.” The Trails Committee has frequently used the space for meetings and continues to store tools and equipment in the adjacent garage.

Permit review triggered by school application

This past summer, Mulberry Montessori School began the process of applying to use Mattera Cabin as its primary facility. That application prompted a broader review of the building’s permitting and occupancy paperwork.

During that review, Town officials discovered that the cabin had been incorrectly permitted for its use over the past decade. When the Town acquired the property in 2009, it had previously been classified as a single-family home. Single-family residential occupancies are subject to different building code requirements than business occupancies, which require stricter compliance due to the anticipated number of occupants.

Officials note that such discoveries are not uncommon in older buildings. Often, long-standing use patterns go unchallenged until a substantial renovation or change of use triggers a detailed review under current building codes.

When the permitting issue became clear, the building inspector and fire chief closed the cabin in September 2025 pending further review.

Mulberry Montessori subsequently relocated to Camp Rice Moody. The school has not yet been accredited by the Reading School Committee, as additional questions were raised regarding a board member’s prior association with the former Boston Mission Hill School.

Code compliance and path to reopening

To determine what would be required to bring the cabin into compliance, the Town engaged Gienapp Architects to conduct an existing building analysis under the Massachusetts State Building Code (MSBC) Chapter 34. The goal of the review is to identify necessary upgrades and repairs to obtain a Business Group occupancy permit for the cabin.

Some required improvements may be suitable for volunteer support, while others will require licensed professionals and potentially more substantial investment.

“Until the required compliance path is fully defined, completed, and a Business Group occupancy permit is issued, the cabin will remain closed,” Conservation Administration Chuck Tirone told the Conservation Commission.

The issue has been discussed publicly at recent Conservation Commission meetings, including sessions on September 24, 2025, January 28, 2025, and again on February 18, 2026.

When the cabin reopens, officials anticipate the allowable occupancy may be slightly reduced.

Upcoming public meetings

The Reading Select Board is scheduled to discuss next steps for Mattera Cabin at its meeting on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:00 pm. The Conservation Commission will also take up the issue at its meeting on February 25 at 7:00 pm.

Residents who care about the future of Mattera Cabin are encouraged to attend the Select Board meeting, either in person or virtually, to share input and demonstrate support for the long-term preservation and safe reopening of the community space.

As discussions continue, the cabin remains closed for rentals, though Trails Committee members retain access to tools and storage within the garage area.