Special Select Board meeting recap: October 27, 2025
(8-10 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 Monday, October 27, 2025.
Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.
Review the full Select Board packet.
Read our previous coverage of the MBTA Turnback Track Forum held on September 15, 2025.
Key takeaways
Residents voice concerns over MBTA Turnback Track project
Members of the Reading Turnback Committee (RTC) presented their concerns, emphasizing the need for transparency, safety, and environmental accountability. They urged careful consideration of the project’s impact on the community and surrounding areas.
MBTA Response
Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan acknowledged the RTC’s efforts, stating that no final decision has been made. The MBTA committed to reviewing alternatives before moving forward.
Community questions on rail modernization
Residents expressed support for the goal of 30-minute commuter rail service to Boston, but raised concerns about the data provided by the MBTA and the potential impact on emergency response times.
RTC presentation [0:08:33]
The RTC highlighted multiple concerns regarding the proposed Turnback Track:
Support for 30-minute service, but opposition to the proposed location due to unanswered questions during prior forums and meetings.
Project details include 4,500 ft of new track, 14 additional trains per day, with trains idling up to 30 minutes at a time for up to 7 hours a day, increasing gate crossings by 42-158% at four locations.
Project proximity: conservation and residential zones, Tannerville (an Environmental Justice Community), Parker Middle School, and the recent Maillet, Morgan, and Sommes conservation project.
A propane tank is proposed at the midpoint of the turnback track, raising safety concerns.
Simulation of train operations revealed that idling trains would be stationary over 60% of the time, making 30-minute limits infeasible.
Concerns about emergency response: Reading has a single ambulance on the north side of town, and police have documented delays due to gate closures.
Environmental and health issues: diesel fumes and NOx emissions could increase by 24.1 tons/year; no guaranteed future enforcement for biodiesel fuel.
Sound study concerns: incomplete data collection and missing records, not representative of the full project impact.
Water and development classification: the winter water study did not account for spring rain; the project was classified as “Redevelopment” instead of “New Development”, potentially bypassing higher standards.
RTC conclusion: Reliable service is important, but not at the expense of health, safety, or community well-being.
Community concerns [0:54:39]
Residents of all ages spoke on topics, including:
Support for 30-minute service, but skepticism about MBTA data
Accountability, transparency, and concerns over piecemeal work by the MBTA
Air quality, noise, traffic, and emergency response impacts
Potential effects on recently completed local projects, wildlife, and green spaces
Need to ensure commuter rail service remains reliable for residents dependent on public transportation
Need for a Transit Advisory Committee that includes town leadership, the Reading delegation, and residents focused on transit options.
Select Board discussion and vote [2:14:45]
Chair Chris Haley noted a letter from State Representatives Rich Haggerty and Brad Jones expressing opposition to the proposed project location.
Board members thanked the RTC and participating residents. Key comments:
Karen Rose-Gillis: Supports 30-minute service; commuter perspective highlights traffic reduction benefits.
Melissa Murphy: Expressed displeasure with the MBTA’s process and lack of town notification.
Karen Herrick: Emphasized that current service is unreliable and supported a collaborative approach and a proposed Transit Advisory Committee.
Vote: The Select Board voted 5-0 in opposition to the MBTA Turnback Track project in a symbolic vote.
MBTA response [0:52:14]: COO Ryan Coholan expressed appreciation for community engagement, noting the meeting was a “fact-finding mission.” He emphasized the MBTA’s commitment to exploring alternatives and balancing the needs of residents.
This recap highlights both the concerns of residents and the response by town leaders. While the MBTA explores options, Reading residents have made their priorities clear: rail modernization should not compromise health, safety, or community well-being.
October 27, 2025 - Special Select Board meeting in the Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School. Photo from the RCTV Youtube page.
