CPDC reviews Killam and ReCAL projects
(8-9 minute read)
Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.
Project information can be found on the CPDC Upcoming Meeting Information page for both projects.
The Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) met on Monday, August 25, 2025, to review updates to two major projects: the Killam Elementary School project and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project. Both projects represent significant investments in Reading’s educational and community infrastructure, and the meeting focused on site planning, stormwater management, traffic impacts, and overall design considerations.
Key takeaways
Project teams shared updated designs and timelines for both the Killam Elementary and ReCAL projects, including details on stormwater management and lighting plans.
Killam project received approval for four zoning waivers and its Stormwater Permit, all passed unanimously by a 6-0 vote.
Discussion on the ReCAL project was continued to a future meeting so CPDC members can review the proposed parking agreement between ReCAL, the pickleball courts, and Burbank Ice Arena.
Killam discussion [10:40]
Project overview
Project Manager Jenny Katajamaki presented the Killam Elementary School project, highlighting both the timeline and the site design.
Timeline
The project began in 2021 with the Town’s submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
Voter approval passed on May 13, 2025
Earthwork is expected to begin in January 2026, with the bid scheduled by May 2026
Anticipated substantial completion for December 2027
Move-in anticipated February 2028
Overview
The new building will be on the same site but outside the current school footprint, allowing classes to continue during construction
Increased on-site parking and queueing to ease Charles Street congestion
Plans include synthetic turf fields (lifespan 10-15 years), two fenced playgrounds, and more recreation space
Lighting will be darksky compliant, with no plans for after-dark field/playground lighting.
Traffic & Parking
Traffic consultant Rebecca Brown outlined project goals and parking plans:
Improve pedestrian safety and alleviate off-site congestion
Create strategies for both K-5 and Pre-K access
Proposed 151 parking spaces (125 in the center lot, additional along the access roads)
Bylaws require 206 spaces, creating a 55-space shortfall
Waivers and approvals
The CPDC unanimously (6-0) approved:
Environmental Impact Statement waiver - not required due to site reuse and lack of environmental constraints
Parking waiver - 151 spaces approved (55 fewer than required)
Height waiver - building height allowed up to 44 ft, exceeding the 35 ft zoning limit
Landscape standards waiver - chainlink fence allowed near the WOW Center and basketball courts
Stormwater Permit - approved
ReCAL discussion [2:00:22]
Project Overview
Community Planning Director Andrew MacNichol and Landscape Architect Steve Crisafulli presented the site and design for the ReCAL community center proposal:
Town-owned land, currently undeveloped and wooded, with access via Range Road
The facility will be two stories, designed primarily for 60+ daytime programming, with a gymnasium for flexible community use
A walking path is planned around the building and nearby pickleball courts
The gym roof will be “Solar Ready”, with grant funding being pursued for panels
Parking & Accessibility
Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted ongoing negotiations with Burbank Ice Arena for a shared parking agreement between Burbank, ReCAL, and pickleball.
The proposed plan relies on the gravel lot behind Burbank, already used seasonally for soccer, baseball, and hockey.
CPDC member raised concerns about accessiblity, since gravel surfaces are not ADA-compliant.
Decision
The CPDC voted 6-0 to continue the application until:
A parking framework with Burbank is finalized
More analysis is provided on peak parking and traffic times for all three Symonds Way uses
Image of the August 25, 2025, Community Planning & Development Commission from the RCTV Youtube page. Pictured (left to right): Commission members John Arena, Thomas Armstrong, Andrew Mclauchlan, Chair Heather Clish, Secretary Hillary Mateev, Senior Planner Olivia Knightly, and Community Planning Director Andrew MacNichol. Member Guy Manganiello attended via Zoom.
