On Tuesday night, the Select Board voted 5-0 to expand and modify the Symonds Way Exploratory Committee’s (SWEC) charge to include the land to the left side of Symond’s Way (if driving in from Haverhill Street). Originally included was only the land on the right side as highlighted in the image below as SWEC Original Charge.
Vice-Chair Mark Docker, sought to change the language under the purpose of the charge to include specifics regarding a potential senior/community center since the 17 Harnden Street deal fell through earlier this year. Select Board member Carlo Bacci, who is also the Chair of SWEC, noted that the committee is still entertaining anything as the highest and best use for the property, which includes a senior/community center. After a lengthy discussion, the board felt the original charge (below) was broad enough and that it previously encompassed Mark’s request.
SWEC shall gather input from its members and the Reading residents as to what the property should look like and its functionality. SWEC will hold regular meetings and community outreach, SWEC will gather, analyze, and organize information for future planning decisions related to the best uses for this property. The Committee shall consider the following:
- Best uses to serve as many residents as possible
- Using public funds and grants where possible towards development
- Private/public partnerships to develop the property
Below are two videos of Symonds Way that we recorded to inform the community what exactly the area looks like in question. The first, is the newly approved “Exhibit A” area referenced in the graphic above. The second, is the original SWEC charge area.
