Select Board Recap: July 15, 2025
Updated after initial posting to clarify the discussion regarding the Mulberry Montessori School.
(6-7 minute read)
For residents looking to stay up to date on key town matters, this recap highlights major takeaways from the Select Board meeting held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.
Review the full Select Board packet.
Key takeaways
Barrows neighborhood parking rules approved
A public hearing was held to address growing concerns about Austin Preparatory (AP) students parking in neighborhoods around Barrows Elementary School. Residents voiced frustration over unsafe driving and overcrowded streets. The Select Board unanimously approved three amendments to limit parking during the school year to residents and their visitors, with enforcement by the Reading Police Department. The changes are intended as a temporary solution, pending improved cooperation from Austin Prep leadership.
Budget update from Town Accountant
Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom shared minor budget adjustments, noting savings in multiple areas (e.g., workers’ compensation and property insurance) helped offset increased costs due to a higher number of Reading students attending Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School. State aid to schools was higher than expected, and there are opportunities for future savings and revenue through fee reviews and retiree benefits.
Montessori Pilot Program approved at Mattera Cabin
The Board reviewed the proposal and asked questions regarding a pilot program by Mulberry Forest Montessori School, a nonprofit organization, to utilize Mattera Cabin and Bare Meadow for outdoor learning. Backed by the Conservation Commission, the initiative promotes environmental education and land stewardship.
Barrows neighborhood traffic amendments [0:28]
Residents near Barrows Elementary School expressed strong concerns about Austin Prep students parking in residential neighborhoods, often unsafely. Deputy Chief Chrisinte Amendola presented a resident-only parking plan, including:
Free resident stickers and placards for visitors and Barrows faculty
Restricted parking (7:00 am - 5:00 pm weekdays) on designated streets between August 25 and June 30
Many residents said past attempts to speak directly with students failed, and cooperation from Austin Prep leadership has been minimal. Last year, a proposal to use parking near the commuter rail station and shuttle students failed due to parent resistance and a lack of follow-through from the school.
Vice Chair Melissa Murphy, whose daughter attends AP, shared that Dr. James Hickey, Head of School, originally shared with her that he would attend the meeting but ultimately declined after his conversation with Town Manager Matt Kraunelis. Mr. Kraunelis disagreed, noting Hickey was uncomfortable facing residents, but Mr. Kraunelis left the decision to attend the meeting up to Dr. Hickey.
The following streets will now require Barrow Neighborhood Resident Permits:
Munroe Avenue
Garret Road
Arnold Avenue
Acadia Avenue
Edgemont Avenue
Stewart Road
Shelby Road
Eastern Gateway priority planning update [1:01]
Senior Town Planner Andrew MacNichol outlined progress on the Eastern Gateway planning project, a 65-acre area split by the commuter rail. While no development is underway, ongoing studies aim to reflect community values and future potential.
Goals identified:
Increase walkability, connectivity, and public space
Foster cultural identity and retain marketable town features
Promote public-private partnerships
Next steps:
Summer: refine concepts and host stakeholder meetings
Fall: apply for grants, conduct fiscal studies, and deliver final planning documents
Consultant Michael Wang emphasized the potential of the site, given its location inside the 128 beltway, and the importance of ensuring the area doesn’t feel overdeveloped.
Graphic from the presentation to the Select Board and available in the packet.
Budget discussion highlights [1:41]
Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom provided a detailed financial outlook:
Found savings in several categories, offsetting increased costs at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School
State aid increased and state assessments decreased, improving the town’s net position
Future savings are anticipated through reviewing departmental fees, many of which haven’t changed since 2014
A Special Education contingency was discussed, including possible out-of-district or residential placements requiring collaboration with the School Department
At least one, potentially two, Financial Forums will be held later this year to give residents a closer look at the Town’s financial landscape.
Mulberry Montessori School pilot at Mattera Cabin [2:19]
Mulberry Montessori School will launch a pilot program at Mattera Cabin and Bare Meadow, with a mission rooted in accessibility, land stewardship, and community care.
Proposed fee: $9,300 for 180 days plus 15 rainy-day uses (Subject to approval)
The curriculum aligns with state standards and emphasizes forest school methods
The school will have liability insurance, comply with state regulations, and leave the property available to the public while in use
Chair of the Conservation Commission Brian Bowe voiced strong support, stating it aligns perfectly with their mission and benefits the community without restricting public access. The Select Board did not formally vote on this measure, but allowed the Town Manager to proceed with the proposal by the Montessori School. Final approval for the Montessori School is contingent upon additional reviews by the town, including seeking accreditation from the School Committee, a Licensing Agreement, and a Development Review Team meeting to review logistics and safety.
FY26 board & committee budget requests [3:25]
The Board reviewed $29,480 in funding requests across several committees but only had $20,000 available. After the discussion, the following allocations were made:
Awarded
$500
$6,500
$1,500
$5,000
$6,500
Committee
Climate Advisory
Conservation Commission
Historical Commission
Town Forest Committee
Trails Committee
Requests not funded included archival processing services for the Historical Commission and part of the Conservation Commission’s tools and signage requests.
Looking ahead
Residents are encouraged to participate in future meetings and forums, especially as the Town embarks on planning for Eastern Gateway and begins financial workshops in the coming months.
Image of the July 15, 2025 Select Board meeting from the RCTV Youtube page. Pictured (left to right): Board members Karen Rose-Gillis, Karen Herrick, Chris Haley, Carlo Bacci, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, and Town Manager Matt Kraunelis. Member Melissa Murphy attended via Zoom.
