– Revenue losses and uncertainty grow while the town works to determine next steps –
The long‑shuttered Mattera Cabin remains closed with no clear reopening timeline, as highlighted during the Reading Conservation Commission’s January 28th meeting. Conservation Administrator Chuck Tirone provided an update during the committee’s Administrative Report, outlining ongoing delays and the complex chain of approvals required before repairs can begin.
Mattera Cabin, historically used for community events, rentals, programming, and trails activities, has now been out of service since summer 2025—a closure that several commissioners emphasized is not only impacting community access but also reducing rental revenue at a time when the town is preparing for financial constraints.
The shutdown of Mattera Cabin traces back to the period when the Mulberry Forest School sought to begin a nature‑based program at the site, prompting a closer review of the building’s condition and required upgrades. That review ultimately led to the cabin being closed, with repairs and compliance steps still unresolved as of the latest Conservation Commission update.
A Long List of Repairs, but No Final Direction Yet
According to Tirone, the town is still waiting for definitive guidance from the new Building Commissioner, who has expressed interest in relying on the recommendations of his predecessor, Steve Fredericks. This earlier list includes several code‑related repairs that exceed what volunteers can legally or safely complete.
We were told there’s a list of things that need to be done,” Tirone explained. “Unfortunately, that list is pretty stringent. I’m not sure volunteers can do much—or any—of that work.”
Additional steps still pending include:
- A coordinated staff meeting between Building, Facilities, and Conservation
- Agreement on a final, authoritative list of required upgrades
- Determination of who will fund and execute the work
- A timeline for reopening
Tirone noted that although public inquiries about the delay are increasing, the Conservation Department itself cannot move forward without formal direction from town leadership.
Budget Questions and Funding Gaps
One of the central obstacles is cost. Mattera Cabin is a town building, but no dedicated budget exists for the needed upgrades. The Conservation Commission does not control funding for structural building repairs and, according to Tirone, cannot simply allocate its own limited operational budget to the project.
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and staff are expected to play a key role in determining how the repairs might be funded—whether through town facilities budgets, capital planning, or another source.
Commission member Martha Moore raised the financial impact of the closure, noting the town is losing rental income every week the cabin remains offline.
If I had a piece of property I couldn’t rent for six months, that would be draining money out of my pocket,” she said. “We’re not getting that income to offset other needs.”
Capacity Limits and Code Requirements
One constraint already known: depending on the building code determination, Mattera Cabin may be limited to 20 occupants unless significant upgrades—such as an additional bathroom—are completed. A waiver could be a possibility, though Building must determine whether that approach is feasible.
Next Steps: Waiting for a Staff Meeting
The next action depends on internal coordination within Town Hall—specifically a staff meeting involving:
- The Building Commissioner
- Facilities leadership
- Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager
- Conservation staff
Once a final list of required repairs is approved, the town can seek estimates and begin discussing funding and timelines.
Until then, the cabin remains closed.
