The proposed Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) took center stage at Monday night’s Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) meeting, where town officials and residents debated the project’s parking adequacy and operational logistics.
The continued public hearing, which began at 7:15 PM and lasted roughly 1 hour, focused on site plan review, stormwater permitting, and subdivision layout for the new multi-use facility planned for Zero Haverhill Street. The project, spearheaded by the Town of Reading, aims to provide a vibrant hub for residents—particularly those aged 60 and older—with programming, recreation, and community events.
đźš— Parking Agreement Sparks Debate
While the facility’s design and mission were widely praised, the CPDC raised concerns about the lack of a formal shared parking agreement with the adjacent Burbank Ice Arena. ReCAL proposes 89 dedicated parking spaces, but anticipates overflow demand during peak hours and events. The Burbank lot offers an additional 331 spaces, but no written agreement currently exists to guarantee shared use.
Commissioner John Arena emphasized the need for documentation:
I’d like to see a shared parking agreement or at least the outlines of it,” he said. “All the parties are happy, and it certainly sounds like there’s a lot of goodwill. I don’t see why there’d be any reason why a special meeting couldn’t be called.”
Chair Heather Clish echoed Mr. Arena’s request and inquired if there was any update regarding the parking.
Town staff, including Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, acknowledged ongoing discussions with Burbank leadership but said a formal agreement had not yet been finalized. CPDC members requested a memorandum of understanding or board resolution from Burbank to confirm shared parking intentions. During Tuesday nights Select Board meeting, the board added an agenda item to their September 16th meeting to appoint a board member to discuss modifications to the Burbank lease.
🏓 Pickleball, Youth Sports, and Seasonal Overlap
The facility’s six proposed pickleball courts—plus a seventh alternate—also raised questions about parking demand. Peak usage could bring up to 56 players, and CPDC members noted that the courts would likely draw users during the same hours as youth soccer and baseball games at nearby Symonds Way fields.
Jenna Wood, Community Services Director, emphasized that the town’s recreation staff has years of experience coordinating field use and managing parking overlap. She cited existing partnerships with Burbank Arena and DPW for shared use of space and scheduling flexibility.
♿ ADA Compliance and Site Adjustments
In response to feedback from previous hearings, architects Joel and Steve from BH+A presented updated site plans showing an ADA-accessible parking space near the pickleball courts. The team also committed to striping and signage improvements in the rear lot to better organize informal parking areas.
CPDC members stressed the importance of clear striping and signage to maximize space and prevent confusion. “You could get twice the number of cars in there if it was organized,” said Commissioner John Arena.
đź“ť Decision Deferred
Several residents expressed concerns about traffic congestion, seasonal event overlap, and long-term enforcement of parking agreements. Others questioned whether the facility’s programming and event schedule could be sustained without creating a burden on surrounding neighborhoods.
After an hour of discussion, the CPDC voted unanimously to continue the hearing to October 6, 2025, allowing time for the town to secure documentation from Burbank Arena and finalize conditions related to parking, accessibility, and operations.
📌 What’s Next?
The CPDC will reconvene in October to review updated materials and potentially vote on the ReCAL site plan. Town officials are expected to present a formal parking agreement or memorandum from Burbank Arena before then.
