The beloved Mattera Cabin, a cornerstone of community programming and conservation efforts in Reading, has been officially closed following a determination by the town’s building department and fire chief that the facility does not meet current occupancy and safety standards.
The closure affects not only the cabin itself but also the garage used by the Trails Committee for equipment storage, potentially impacting trail maintenance and volunteer projects across Reading’s conservation lands.
According to updates shared during the August 27th Conservation Commission meeting, the shutdown was prompted by a review of the cabin’s use in connection with a proposed Montessori Forest School program. That review revealed the absence of a valid occupancy permit for the building’s current use, which has included educational programs, community meetings, and rentals for private events.
The update notably omitted any reference to the Montessori School’s failure to gain the School Committee’s endorsement in a recent vote against supporting the program, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty about the school’s future in Reading.
Originally renovated in 2009 to serve as a multi-use space, the cabin was classified as a single-family residence. However, its use as an assembly or educational space requires a different classification under building codes. Without a proper code assessment and updated occupancy permit, the building cannot legally host any activities.
This is a conservation commission building, and yet we weren’t included in many of the conversations,” said Conservation Administrator Chuck Tirone during the meeting. “It’s disappointing, especially given how frequently the cabin has been used by groups like the Ipswich River Watershed Association, Tufts University, and the Trails Committee.”
The closure has already led to the cancellation of several recreation department programs and community rentals. The commission noted that Mattera Cabin is typically rented two to three times per month, not including regular use by town departments and environmental organizations.
Efforts are now underway to conduct a formal code assessment to determine what upgrades are needed to bring the cabin into compliance. These may include modifications to railings, steps, accessibility features, and fire safety systems. However, funding and responsibility for these upgrades remain unclear.
There’s a real risk that we may never be back in the building again,” Chuck added. “It’s a shame, especially considering how much the cabin has contributed to conservation education and community engagement.”
In the meantime, the grounds surrounding Mattera Cabin remain open to the public, but indoor access is prohibited. Residents and organizations seeking alternative spaces for programming are encouraged to contact the Recreation Department or Town Hall.
The Conservation Commission expressed hope that the situation can be resolved in time for fall programming, but acknowledged that the timeline is uncertain. The Montessori School, which had planned to use the cabin, is exploring alternative options at Bare Meadow, including the use of a pavilion and portable restrooms.
As the town works through the next steps, the closure of Mattera Cabin serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining compliance with evolving building codes—especially for spaces that serve as vital community resources.
