Below is a summarized version of the special Select Board meeting discussing the MBTA turn back track project, 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.
📝 Special Select Board Meeting Summary – October 27, 2025
📍 Location: Reading Memorial High School
🎥 Broadcast: RCTV
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:12:08
🧭 Main Topics of the Meeting: The Select Board hosted a joint session with the MBTA and the Reading Turnback Track Committee (RTC) to review the proposed Turnback Track project, assess its environmental and community impacts, and hear extensive public comment before voting on a formal position.
📅 Agenda Overview
| Timestamp | Topic |
|---|---|
00:12:08 | Meeting Called to Order & Pledge of Allegiance |
00:14:20 | RTC Presentation |
00:58:00 | MBTA Remarks |
01:01:25 | Public Comment Begins |
02:20:30 | Select Board Discussion |
02:37:58 | Motion to Oppose MBTA Turnback Track Location |
02:38:02 | Motion to Adjourn |
🧑🤝🧑 RTC Presentation
⏰ 00:14:20
- Presented by: Lucas Prato, Aaron Parry, Mark Agami, Allie Hettler, and others
- Key Points:
- RTC supports improved rail service but opposes the proposed location due to health, safety, and environmental risks.
- The plan includes 4500 feet of new track, doubling train movements and increasing idling near homes, schools, and conservation land.
- Environmental concerns: 24+ tons of NOx emissions annually, impact on wetlands, and lack of proper environmental review.
- Traffic & safety: Gates at key crossings (Main, Ash, Washington, Woburn Streets) would close every 15 minutes, affecting emergency response and daily commutes.
- Sound study flaws: Incomplete data, missing idling train measurements, and questionable methodology.
- Call to action: RTC urged the Select Board to formally oppose the project and demand accountability and transparency from the MBTA.
🚆 MBTA Remarks
⏰ 00:58:00
- Speaker: Ryan Coholan, Chief Operating Officer
- Message: MBTA is in a fact-finding phase and no final decision has been made.
- Commitment: MBTA will explore alternatives and continue engaging with the community.
🗣️ Public Comment Highlights
⏰ 01:01:25
- Over 60 residents spoke, including students, seniors, business owners, and medical professionals.
- Concerns Raised:
- Health risks from diesel fumes, especially for children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
- Noise pollution and vibrations disrupting daily life and outdoor activities.
- Emergency response delays due to frequent gate closures.
- Impact on property values and quality of life.
- Environmental degradation of newly restored conservation land.
- Lack of transparency and flawed data from MBTA.
- Supporters of rail service emphasized the need for modernization but called for better planning and alternative locations.
🗳️ Select Board Discussion & Vote
⏰ 02:20:30
- Board members expressed appreciation for RTC’s work and community turnout.
- Acknowledged the complexity of balancing transit needs with local impacts.
- Unanimous Vote (5-0):
✅ Motion to oppose the MBTA Turnback Track project location was approved.
✅ Key Summary
- The RTC delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining environmental, health, and safety risks of the proposed MBTA Turnback Track.
- The MBTA acknowledged community concerns and committed to further review, but no final decision has been made.
- Residents voiced overwhelming opposition, citing flawed studies, lack of transparency, and threats to Reading’s quality of life.
- The Select Board voted unanimously to oppose the project’s location, sending a strong message to the MBTA and state officials.
