Below is a summarized version of the Conservation Commission meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
- 🔹 Zero East Haverhill Street – Continued NOI (RECAL & Pickleball Project)
- 🔹 Montessori Forest School – Mattera Cabin Status
- 🔹 57 Longwood Road – Continued NOI
- 🔹 1503 Main Street – Continued RDA
- 🔹 1503 Main Street – Bond Release
- 🔹 DPW Coordination Meeting
- 🔹 Administrator’s Report
- 🔹 Chair & Vice Chair Elections
- ✅ Key Outcomes
📝 Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Summary
📅 Date: August 27, 2025
📍 Location: Town Hall & Zoom Hybrid
⏰ Start Time: 7:04 (video time)
⏱️ End Time: 1:50:29 (video time)
👥 Attending: Brian Bowe (Chair), Martha Moore (Vice Chair), Walter Talbot, Tim Michel, Rick Keogh, Joseph Fleury (Associate)
🚫 Absent: None
🔹 Zero East Haverhill Street – Continued NOI (RECAL & Pickleball Project)
🕒 2:47–47:33
- Applicant: Town of Reading
- Project: Reading Center for Active Living (RECAL), pickleball courts, ADA walkways, parking, stormwater, landscaping
- Discussion Highlights:
- Walkway pulled out of buffer zone except for fire access
- Red pine removed from planting plan; all species confirmed native
- Snow storage to be removed offsite
- Lighting concerns addressed with potential screening vegetation
- Stormwater design based on NOAA Atlas 14; future updates discussed
- Tree removal plan reviewed; 274 trees counted for removal
- Path material changed to stone dust; trail spur alignment pending
- Action:
- Hearing closed
- Order of Conditions to be issued at next meeting pending final plan updates
🔹 Montessori Forest School – Mattera Cabin Status
🕒 47:44–1:04:45
- Issue: Cabin shut down due to missing occupancy permit
- Discussion Highlights:
- Building reclassified as single-family; now requires code assessment
- Fire chief and building inspector confirmed closure
- Trails Committee garage use also impacted
- School may operate outdoors using pavilion and porta potty
- Action:
- Awaiting code assessment and town decision
- School launch delayed; public rentals suspended
🔹 57 Longwood Road – Continued NOI
🕒 1:04:53–1:05:08
- Status: Continued to September 10
🔹 1503 Main Street – Continued RDA
🕒 1:05:15–1:17:18
- Applicant: Garrett Alakob
- Project: Replace deck with screened porch and wraparound deck
- Discussion Highlights:
- Three roof runoff infiltration options presented
- Preferred option: gutter to existing crushed stone bed
- Alternatives: drip trench with/without gutter
- Rain barrel discussed as optional addition
- Action:
- Hearing closed
- Negative determination issued
- Conditions: select one of three infiltration options, site inspection before trench fill
🔹 1503 Main Street – Bond Release
🕒 1:18:44–1:23:26
- Issue: Developer bond held for site completion
- Discussion Highlights:
- Garrett completed required work (bounds, planting, etc.)
- Town counsel previously reviewed bond terms
- Action:
- Bond released by Commission vote
🔹 DPW Coordination Meeting
🕒 1:23:32–1:23:51
- Next Meeting: September 2
- Note: Staff-only format continues
🔹 Administrator’s Report
🕒 1:23:58–1:41:42
- Topics:
- Mattera Cabin closure
- Pressure to fund tree removals on conservation land
- Historical $7,000 tree removal fund may be depleted
- Discussion:
- Proposal to request $20,000 budget line item shared between Conservation and Trails
- Alternative to warrant article for recurring funding
- Use cases include invasive removal, signage, surveys, and emergency repairs
🔹 Chair & Vice Chair Elections
🕒 1:42:07–1:49:33
- Chair: Brian Bowe re-elected
- Vice Chair: Martha Moore re-elected
- Discussion:
- Roles include site visits, budget prep, liaison duties, and event participation
- Encouragement for future leadership rotation
✅ Key Outcomes
- ✅ Zero East Haverhill hearing closed; final plan updates pending
- ✅ 1503 Main Street RDA approved with runoff conditions
- ✅ Bond for 1503 Main Street released
- ✅ Montessori Forest School launch delayed due to cabin closure
- ✅ Proposal for $20,000 shared budget line item discussed
- ✅ Chair and Vice Chair re-elected
- ⏸️ 57 Longwood Road continued to September 10
