๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ
The Reading Select Board devoted significant time last Thursday night to reviewing proposed changes to the long-standing lease agreement with Burbank Ice Arena, focusing on a new parking arrangement and financial provisions tied to the townโs Unified Sports program.
The discussion centered on two documents: an amendment to the existing lease and a new master license agreement. The lease amendment addresses financial terms and contingency reserves, while the license agreement outlines reciprocal parking access between Burbank and the planned Reading Center for Active Living (ReCal). Under the proposed arrangement, the town would gain guaranteed access to Burbankโs lot for pickleball and other ReCal events, while Burbank would be allowed to use ReCalโs parking during peak hockey season. Negotiations are ongoing regarding whether Burbank could terminate the agreement at willโa point the town opposes to ensure stability for ReCal programming.
Financial changes were another major topic. The contingency reserve cap would rise from $300,000 to $500,000, reflecting inflation and rising maintenance costs since the original lease was signed in 2013. Board member Karen Gately-Herrick stressed the need for greater transparency, including a detailed capital plan and utilization data, to better understand Burbankโs financial position and its ability to generate rent revenue for the town.
A significant component of the proposal involves creating a Unified Sports Stabilization Fund. This fund would be supported by a portion of future rent payments, providing resources for inclusive athletic programs for students and residents with disabilities. While the draft language suggested 25โ50%, Co-Chair Chris Haley pushed for a flat 50%:
โThis is about putting our money where our mouth is,โ Haley said. โWe talk about inclusion, but when itโs time to act, we do nothing. This gives us a chance to make a real difference.โ
The school district has ambitious goals for Unified Sports: expanding staffing at the high school, building consistency at the middle school, and introducing programs at the elementary level:
We had over 40 students in the last basketball game,โ said Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman. โThis is one of the largest programs in the region โ and itโs growing.โ
Any stabilization fund and revenue dedication would require Town Meeting approval. Officials noted that Town Meeting would retain authority to adjust percentages or repurpose funds in the future, ensuring flexibility as community needs evolve. The board also flagged outdated insurance limits in the original lease and requested updated coverage requirements consistent with current municipal standards.
The agreement remains under negotiation with Burbankโs legal counsel. The Select Board plans to revisit the matter after revisions are made, including clearer language on rent obligations, event coverage, and insurance. Ultimately, Town Meeting will decide whether to create the stabilization fund and allocate rent proceeds, shaping the future of both the Burbank partnership and Unified Sports programming in Reading.
