Town Manager’s August report: Killam construction begins, The Link launches, and Downtown work continues
(3-minute read)
Reading Town Manager Jayne Wellman has released the August 2026 monthly report, highlighting progress towards the town’s schools, transportation network, downtown, senior services, public safety, and municipal operations. Here’s a rundown of what happened in Reading last month and what’s still ahead. The full report is available on the town’s website.
Override outreach continues
Graphic of completed public outreach and education on the override by the Town of Reading.
The town continued public outreach and education on the $6.5M Proposition 2 ½ operational override proposal headed to voters in November and provided staff training on communication rules around the ballot question.
Construction moves ahead on two major projects
Construction on the new Killam Elementary School began August 3, with site preparation and utility work now underway. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at 2 pm.
At the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL), construction continued with framing and concrete work. A topping-off ceremony is planned for the week of October 5.
The Link microtransit service launches
The Link, a free, all-electric, on-demand regional microtransit service, launched earlier this week in Reading. The town and its partners also received a second year of grant funding to continue the service.
Downtown and roadway projects progress
Fresh pavement and ongoing sidewalk work mark progress on the Downtown Streetscape Project this August. Photo by the Town of Reading.
Sidewalk work continued on the Downtown Streetscape Project, with construction of the raised Haven Street/High Street intersection set to begin September 8 and run for about five to six weeks.
MassDOT conducted a pre-25% design scoping review of the Walkers Brook Drive project with town staff and consultants, and coordination continues with area businesses and agencies.
On the Haverhill line, the MBTA is planning a weekend culvert replacement in October, with bus service provided during the disruption. The line was also awarded a $140M grant for a second track.
Preparing for winter and back to school
Facilities crews completed summer maintenance, repairs, and improvements across all Reading schools, closing out 480 work orders. Winter planning is also underway, with new sidewalk plowing and salting equipment on order and a proposed Snow Shoveling Bylaw in development.
Solid waste tonnage down
July’s solid waste disposal totaled 480 tons, a reduction of 111 tons compared to the prior contract’s average, and bulk collection has also decreased.
Pickleball courts nearing completion
Surface painting at the town’s pickleball courts is nearly complete. The courts remain closed until surrounding work is finished and power is available.
Senior and recreation services
A newly poured curved sidewalk takes shape as part of the Downtown Streetscape Project’s sidewalk work. Photo by the Town of Reading.
The Pleasant Street Center reported high program participation and service activity in August and received a generous anonymous $15,000 donation for programming.
Recreation Administrator Jim Sullivan resigned to pursue a new opportunity; the position has been posted and will be filled. The Recreation Division continues to provide programs for residents and return funds to the town.
The Let Grow summer independence challenge drew 197 submitted activities from kids trying new things and building independence.
Supporting residents and community initiatives
The town is working with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office on blighted property receivership and has shared Reading’s hoarding task force model with other communities.
An internal working group is developing an AI acceptable-use policy for town employees ahead of any pilot programs, and staff is preparing a municipal Naming Policy for the Select Board’s consideration in September.
Monthly office hours continued in August, including time at the Pleasant Street Center, as part of the town’s ongoing effort to hear directly from residents.
Looking ahead
Several milestones are on the calendar in the coming months: construction begins September 8 on the raised Haven Street/High Street intersection; the Killam School groundbreaking is set for September 18 at 2 pm; the ReCAL topping-off ceremony is planned for the week of October 5; the MBTA’s weekend culvert replacement and related Haverhill Line disruptions comes in October; and the November 3 state election will include the $6.5M override question.
Graphic summarizing the Town Manager August 2026 report by the Town of Reading.
