HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-25 Board of Selectmen HandoutTOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
• Financial Forum
• Downtown project and alleyway
• Atlantic closing - proposed re-development
• Curbside leaf collection this fall. Schedule: Normal collection day weeks of:
Nevernber ;
• November 17i
• December 1.
• Bare Meadow viewing platform
• Flu Clinics -
o December 4th - Parker MS - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Dates and Events:
• November 30 - Tree lighting and other events beginning at 1.
• December 4-7 - "Shop the Block"
• December 13 - Polar Express
0(-~
Press Release
November 24, 2008
Atlantic Food Store has Agreement with Housing and Retail
Developer
The retiring owner of the Atlantic Food Store, Arnold Rubin, has entered into an
agreement for the sale of his market to Oaktree Development, a Cambridge-based
development company. Mr Rubin has announced that he will be closing his store within days.
Oaktree intends to acquire the property soon after its proposed plans have zoning approval by
the Town of Reading. Conceptual plans are being previewed by the Reading Planning office,
and more developed plans will be going through a thorough community process in early
2009.
Oaktree is known for its 'green' multifamily developments, and many of its urban center
projects also include retail uses on the ground floor. Oaktree and its predecessor, Unihab,
have built dozens of small and larger-scale condominium and rental communities in
metropolitan Boston for more than 35 years.
A current example of Oaktree's work, Lexington Place, will be completed in late spring
2009. It is a mixed-use development in the heart of Lexington Center and is comprised of
30 high-end condominiums with street level shops. Oaktree and Lexington's many town
representatives have had a very positive development dialog, starting from Lexington Place's
design conception and continuing through its construction process. Oaktree CEO,
Arthur Klipfel says: "We feel particularly fortunate that the pre-sale marketing process is
going well for both retail spaces and the condominiums at Lexington Place - despite
nation-wide economic instability. We believe that by the time we've completed permitting,
construction documents, and built in Reading there will be a returning market for the well-
located, well-designed, healthy, energy efficient homes that Oaktree builds."
Oaktree has come to Reading partly because its principals see some similarities between
(9
Lexington and what seems possible in Reading. Oaktree partner and project manager,
Gwendolen Noyes, says "We like to build in community centers, near public transit, and
where well-designed housing with attractive street level retail can thrive. We believe this is
the situation for the Atlantic Market site and will further advance because Reading is
working with progressive, 'smart growth' zoning. And perhaps most importantly, Reading has
a citizenry- including likely future residents - who appreciate downtown amenities, the
benefits of condominium living and the short walk to the train station."
Oaktree is aware of how valued, almost historic, Reading's Atlantic Food Store has been
for many years, and that it will be missed. Asked about the possibility of replacing the
store, Noyes said: "We're going to do our best to attract a compact but full-service food
store, as well as a couple of other neighborhood-compatible shops, like a bookstore, wine
shop or fine restaurant. Even though there's hall competition nearby, we believe there's
still a market in the town center and beside the station for such shops. "
Contacts:
- Gwendolen Noyes: Oaktree Development, 129 Mt Auburn St., Cambridge,
MA 02138; tel 617.491.9100 x 2; email anoves@oakdev.com. Oaktree's web site is
www.Oakdev.com
- Carol Kowalski, Town of Reading Planner: tel 781.942.6612; email cowalski@ci.reading.ma.us
Sun
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TRACKING OF LEGAL SERVICES - FY 2009
Monthly
Hours
$
Month
Monthiv
Monthiv
Hours
Cumulative
Available
Monthly
Monthly
Available
Hours
Hours
Used vs
Remainder
$
j
Remainder
Allocated
Used
Allocated
of Year
Allocated
Used
of Year
July
50.0
44.6
5.40
5.40
594.60
$7,000
$6,049
$77,951
August
50.0
56.8
(6.80)
(1.40)
498.6
$7,000
$7,668
$70,283
September
50.0
50.7
(0.70)
(2.10)
447.9
$7,000
$6,861
$63,422
October
50.0
38.5
11.50
9.40
409.4
$7,000
$5,226
$58,196
November
- 50.0
50.00
$7,000
December
50.0
50.00
$7,000
January
50.0
$7,000
February
50.0
$7,000
March
50.0
$7,000
April
50.0
$7,000
May
50.0
$7,000
June
50.0
$7,000
Total
600.0
$84,000
(3)
11/25/2008 TUE 14:18 FAX
omcast.
November 25, 2008
Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
Re: Expanded Basic Service for Public Buildings and Schools
Dear Chairman and Members of the Board:
The purpose of this letter is to inform you of Comeast's intention to continue offering
Expanded Basic Service during the term of the pending Cable Television Renewal
License (`Renewal License"), at no charge, to the sites designated pursuant to Section 5.8
of said pending Reading License. This level of service will be provided in addition to the
Basic Service required pursuant to Section 5.8(a) of said pending Renewal License.
Comcast rescrves the right to modify such program at its sole discretion.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Lyman
Sr. Manager of Government and Community Relations
/jml
cc: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
Timothy G. Murnane, Comcast Regional Vice President Government Relations
2002/002
Comcast • 12 Tozer Road • Beverly, MA 01915
Tel: 978-927-5700 • Fax: 978-927-6074 i
6
Page 1 of 2
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: George Katsoufis [George. Katsoufis@verizon.net]
Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2008 2:20 PM
To: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Cc: Kowalski, Carol
Subject: RE: Reading representative to MAPC subregion
Dear Peter
Today 11/22, 1 received via surface mail an invitation to present myself in the 11/25 BOS meeting and explain the reasons why I
have volunteered for the position of the Reading representative to NSPC. Unfortunately, professional commitments at that
evening do not allow me to come to this meeting. Instead, I would kindly ask you to. distribute to the Selectmen this message and
the following list of basic reasons for my application:
• understand on Reading's behalf how state-wide planning issues/initiatives/forecasts "trickle-down" to the subregions
• voice Reading's interests on the implementation of these issues/initiatives/forecasts
• bring Reading's planning concerns up to NSPC for consideration and support
• participate in NSPC activities that benefit the subregion as a whole, especially on issues that are compatible with the
Town's Master Plan Goals
• monitor programs for state funded planning
• work with Town Planner to ensure that the Town Staff and other Boards/Committees/Commissions are on board with
developments at the NSPC
In addition, I'm hoping that I'd be allowed to maintain my position as CPDC Associate and - in a way- act as a liaison between
regional and town planning, especially with regards to mid- and large-scale developments and transportation projects.
My apologies for my absence on the 25th; it is a well known secret that architects work (and hold meetings) late hours.
Thank you,
George Katsoufis
-----Original Message-----
From: Kowalski, Carol [mailto:ckowalski@ci.reading. ma.us]
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 10:39 AM
To: katsoufis@verizon.net
Subject: Reading representative to MAPC subregion
Hello George,
Reading currently does not have a representative to MAPC's subregion, the North Suburban Planning Council (NSPC).
Peter Hechenbleikner asked me to provide you information, and he hopes that you would consider representing Reading.
The NSPC includes Reading, Wilmington, Burlington, Woburn, Lynnfield, North Reading, Wakefield, and Stoneham. The
subregion collaborates on regional transportation, land use, environmental, economic development and related planning
issues. MAPC's Joan Blaustein is staff support to the subregion, which meets the first Wednesday of each month in one of
the NSPC communities.
Link to NSPC information on MAPC website:
http://www.maDc.org/metro area/nsoc.html
Please let me know if you have any questions. We appreciate your considering representing Reading to the NSPC.
Carol
11/24/2008
v
Water/Sewer/Storm Water Enterprise Funds
Projections as of November 24, 2008
A: borrow for WTP demo & chlorination B: paydown WTP demo & chlorination
Rates (projected)
Reserves (projected)
as of
Nov-08
Nov 08
as of
Nov-08
Nov-08
Apr-08
A
B
Apr-08
A
B
9.23%
FY09
9.23%
9.23% .
600,000
FY09
710,000
1,060,000
8.76%
FYI 0
5.97%
5.92%i
575,000
FYI 0
650,000
525,000
8.51%
FYI 1
6.42%
6.23%
250,000
FYI 1
725,000
625,000
8.02%
FYI 2
6.30%
6.15%!`
-
FYI 2
125,000
50,000
FYI 3
6.28%
6.21%
FYI 3
150,000
100,000
Used 1,425,000
2,360,000
2,360,000
Ending 994,082
1,057,493
1,057,493
JCapital (projected)
!
Debt (projected)
as of
Nov-08
Nov-08
as of
Nov-08
Nov-08
Apr-08
A
B
Apr-08
A
B
813,600
FY09
813,600
813,600
2,183,296.
FY09
2,258,296
2,608,296
1,050,000
FYI 0
1,020,000
1,020,000 '
2,295,968
FYI 0
2,107,918
1,977,918
1,017,000
FYI 1
1,047,000
1,047,000
2,393,894
FYI 1
2,297,219
2,171,219
1,219,000
FYI 2
651,000
651,000. `
2,315,847
FYI 2
2,227,947
2,107,947
FYI 3
406,000
406,000
FYI 3
2,636,251
2,529,251
3,937,600
3,937,600 '
11,527,631
11,394,631
Water/Sewer/Storm Water Enterprise Funds
Impact of excluding MWRA bu ..-in
debt
B : No other changes from B above
NEW: rearrange reserve use
,
Rates (projected) ~
`Reserves (projected)
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
B
B*
NEW
B
B*
NEW
9.23%
FY09
9.23%
9,23%!
1,060,000
FY09
1,060,000
1,060,000 ; ...j
5.97%
FYI 0
-3.52%
1.67%:;'`'
525,000
FYI 0
525,000
-
6.42%
FYI 1
7.07%
3.30%
625,000
FYI 1
625,000
450,000
6.30%
FYI 2
6.90%
3.26%1.
50,000
FY12
50,000
250,000
6.28%
FYI 3
6.90%
429%',' _
100,000
FYI 3 ,
100,000
600,000
danger
Used 2,360,000
2,360,000
2,360,000
Ending 1,057,493
1,057,493
1,057,493
Capital (projected)
)
;Debt (projected)
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
Nov-08
B
B*
NEW
B
B*
NEW
813,600
FY09
813,600
813,600
2,608,296
FY09
2,258,296
2,258,296
1,020,000
FYI 0
1,020,000
1,020,000: ,
1,977,918
FYI 0
775,578
775,578
1,047,000
FYI 1
1,047,000
1,047,000
2,171,219
FYI 1
750,037
750,037
651,000
FYI 2
651,000
651,000
2,107,947
FYI 2
720,535
720,535
406,000
FYI 3
406,000
406,000 f
' 2,529,251
FYI 3
1,001,120
1,001,120.
3,937,600
3,937,600
3,937,600
11,394,631
5,505,566
5,505,566 ,
6)
Massachusetts Department of Revenue Division of Local Services
Navjeet K. Bal, Commissioner Robert G. Nunes, Deputy Commissioner & Director of Municipal Affairs
Butetin
2008-13B
MTBE Litiqation Settlement Proceeds
. CHUSF~
Y
d p4
TO: Accountants, Auditors, Assessors, Mayors, Selectmen, City/Town Managers and Finance
Directors
FROM: Gerard D. Perry, Director of Accounts
DATE: November 2008
SUBJECT: Treatment of MTBE Products Liability Litigation Settlement Proceeds
We have received a number of inquiries regarding the treatment of settlement proceeds received as
a result of a class action products liability lawsuit, In Re: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether ("MTBE'), brought
against manufacturers and distributors of gasoline containing MTBE. This Bulletin explains the
accounting treatment and expenditure of proceeds received from the settlement. G.L. c. 44, 38 and 43.
We understand the settlement compensates cities, towns and districts for damages attributable to
MTBE contamination of their water supplies. In addition to the monies now being distributed, the
settlement provides for additional compensation should contamination be detected in other supplies in the
future. We also understand the settlement does not place any restrictions on the use of these funds,
although recipients may use all or some of the monies for current or future clean-up costs.
As is the case for proceeds payable to a city, town or district from the settlement of litigation
claims generally, the MTBE settlement monies are unrestricted revenues that belong to the general fund
and require an appropriation to spend. G.L. c. 44, § 53. Due to the timing of these distributions, many
recipients would be unable to appropriate these monies for water or other purposes until after the close of
FY09. The reason is that ordinarily any unanticipated general fund proceeds not reported in the tax rate
are unavailable for appropriation until the Director of Accounts certifies there as part of a community's
free cash at the close of the fiscal year. G.L. c, 59, § 23. In this case, however, recipients may reserve
these settlement proceeds for appropriation during FY09. This treatment is consistent with longstanding
Bureau policy that allows payments over $20,000 received as restitution for damage to public property to
be accounted for as available hinds during the fiscal year received. (See G.L. c. 44, § 53(2), which allows
smaller restitution payments to be spent without appropriation for repairs.)
The Division of Local Services Is responsible for oversight ofand assistance to cities and towns in achieving equitable property taxation and effrclentfiscal management. The
Division regularly publishes IGRs (Informational Guideline Releases detailing legal and administrative procedures) and the Bulletin (announcements and useful information) for local
officials and others interested in municipal finance.
Post Office Box 9569, Boston, NSA 02114-9569, Tel. 617.626-2300; Fax: 617.626.2330 http://www.mass govldls
9
-2-
Therefore, a city, town or district has the following options regarding the treatment and use of
MTBE settlement proceeds received during FY09:
It may report all or a part of the proceeds as estimated receipts when setting the FY09
tax rate. The receipts may be applied to offset existing appropriations, or if a town or
council meeting is held before the rate is set to offset new appropriations, for water or
other purposes.
• It may reserve and appropriate the proceeds as an available fund for water or other
purposes during FY09. Any monies not appropriated in FY09 will close to fund
balance (free cash) at the end of FY09.
• It may reserve the proceeds for appropriation during FY09 by requesting an update to
free cash. See Bulletin 2008-04B.
The same options will apply to additional payments received in any other fiscal year as
compensation for newly detected contamination. The monies may be reported as estimated receipts in
that year's tax rate, reserved and appropriated as an available find during the year or reserved for
appropriation through a free cash update.
For FY09 and future years, any proceeds not used or reserved under these options will close to
fund balance at the end of that year.
Any questions you have should be directed to your Bureau of Accounts representative.
November 4, 2008
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading; MA 01867
Stephen A. Goldy, Chairman
Ben Tafoya, V. Chairman
James E. Bonazoli, Secretary
Camille W. Anthony
Richard W. Schubert
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
(781) 942.90.43
FAX: (781) 942-9071
Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us
To: All Liquor Licensees
Dear Licensee:
2008 has, been a challenging year for the enforcement of liquor laws in the Town of Reading, particularly with
regard to the sale.of alcoholic beverages to underage individuals. As you are probably aware, there were three
incidents in the Town of Reading in.2008.
As the Board considers the renewal of liquor licenses for 2009, the Board wants you-to be aware of the following:
1. The Town, through the Reading Coalition: Against Substance Abuse (RCASA), I$ sponsoring training
sessions currently and during, 2000. The training provides information to'licensees on how to identify
underage purchasers and how to avoid selling to them. The Board encourages you to take advantage of
training. opportunities during the year; and, to. contact the RCASA Director Erica McNamara'at 781-943-
6793, emcnamaraO_ci:readina.ma.us or Lt. Richard .Robbins at 781-942-6757, rrobbinsna.ci:read Ino.ma.us
at the. Reading Police Department, if you have -any questions about training or other concerns related to
preventing the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage customers.
2. Acceptance of out, of state identification for purpose of proof of age is done at your own.. peril. The only
acceptable forms of identification in.Massachusetts for which one can argue before the Licensing Authority.
include a Massachusetts driver's license, a Massachusetts ID, a Military ID and-a passport. .
3. In at least two of the cases of the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage customers, the claim was a lack
of focus or distraction by the sales. clerk. The stated reasons for the distractions were: the clerk just came
on the shift or something else-was going on in the store - deliveries, etc. In spite of distractions and
disruptions, all licensees are required to be vigilant.
4. During 2009, the Reading Police Department will continue to provide undercover enforcement operations.
As a licensee, .you have a special responsibility to the community and to the Board of Selectmen, the Licensing
Board, to prevent future underage sales. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter..
The Board of Selectmen will consider liquor license renewals at their meeting on November 25, 2008. You are
not required to attend although you are welcome.
Sincerely,
r
Ste n A. Goh9y~
Chairman, Board of Selectmen
CC: Board of Selectmen
Police Chief James Cormier
Erica McNamara, RCASA Director
9
LATHAM LATHAM & LAMOND~ P.C.
643 MAIN STREET
READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867-3096
WWW.LLLLAW.COM
KENNETH C. LATHAM (1939-1996)
0. BRADLEY LATHAM*
JOHN T. LAMOND
JOSHUA E. LATHAM*
CHRISTOPHER M. 0. LATHAM
*ADMITTED TO PRACTICE IN
MASSACHUSETTS & NEW HAMPSHIRE
Reading Board of Selectmen
Reading Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
TELEPHONE: (781).944-0505
FAX: (781) 944-7079
November 21, 2008
Re: L iquor L ixme of A tlantk Food Mart Inc
Dear Selectmen:
r-11
8
co
C:D
N
0
We understand that the Board is reviewing the renewal of existing liquor licenses at its
November 25, 2008 meeting. On behalf of Atlantic Food Mart Inc., we request that the
Board renew the Atlantic license for 2009. Atlantic is attempting to sell a portion of its
business and the Board's renewal of that license would enable Atlantic to consummate a
transaction that is it currently negotiating.
We thank the Board for its consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Lamond, P.C.
Lathamzietham
O. Bl
To: Reading Finance Committee
From: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
Re: FY09 Budget status and FYI 0 budget process
Date: November 24, 2008
FY09 Budiyet Status
The Town Manager has identified items in the FY09 budget and placed `holds' on
making any of these planned expenditures until we know what the FY09 reductions in
State Aid will be, if any, and until we know what the FYI 0 budgets will be. The
Superintendent of Schools is currently working on a similar list of "holdbacks". Each
planned expense being held back will result in a reduction in the quantity or quality of a
service to the community. If there are reductions in State Aid for FY09, the Town and
School will implement the reductions in budgets on the "hold" list in appropriate
proportion to each other, and would expect to use cash reserves to make up any
difference. The actual modifications to the FY09 budget would be done formally at the
Annual Town Meeting next spring.
The list of municipal holdbacks includes:
$215,000 in benefits (total is about 2% of line B99) consisting of $15,000 in actual
savings on workers compensation premiums and $200,000 in estimated savings in health
insurance. The latter figure is entirely due to the flat enrollment figures for the year to
date in health insurance, when a 3% increase has been the recent trend and was budgeted
for in FY09. In a difficult economy, the Town has historically seen an uptick in
enrollment for dual income families, so this pattern will be watched closely for the next
several months.
$167,630 from the Municiual eovernment budget (about 1 % of budget) as follows:
$ 2,000 (line M1) Accounting salaries & wages: reduce OT for the MUNIS project
$15,000 (line N15) Finance salaries & wages: part year savings on Technician
$ 6,000 (line B99) Benefits associated with Technician wages above
$ 5,000 (line N15) Finance salaries & wages: reduce OT for the MUNIS project
$10,000 (line N16) Finance expenses: slow PC replacement schedule
$10,000 (line N16) Finance expenses: reduce broad town-wide professional development
$16,700 (line P1) Library salaries & wages: do not fill Library Technician position
$ 6,680 (line B99) Benefits associated with Library Technician wages above
$50,000 (line Q7) Town Manager's expenses: actual savings on P&C premiums
$ 1,000 (line Q7) Town Manager's expenses: eliminate Department Head retreat
$ 5,700 (line R14) Community Services: do not fill Coordinator of Volunteers position
0
$ 2,280 (line B99) Benefits associated with Coordinator of Volunteers wages above
$ (7,500) (line R14) Community Services: Coordinator of Volunteers sick/vac. buyback
$ 1,050 (line S19) Public Works salaries & wages: reduce June hours at compost center
$ 5,000 (line S 17) Public Works expenses: eliminate spring curbside leaf collection
$ 4,000 (line T7) Public Safety salaries & wages: eliminate optional Police training
$24,800 (line T7) Public Safety salaries & wages: do not fill new Firefighter position
$ 9,920 (line B99) Benefits associated with new Firefighter wages above
$15,500 in enerLyv savings (over 2% of line V99) with the shift to a 4-day work week
for Town Hall and the Senior Center.
FY10 Budeet Process
For FYI 0, we will prepare a detailed budget which will include a 0% increase when
compared to the budgets for FY09 as approved through November 2008 Subsequent
Town Meeting (not inclusive of the holdbacks listed above); Accommodated costs and
debt/capital will be per guidelines - including retaining the 5% amount for debt plus
capital. At the present time, this Zero budget still leaves us short by several hundred
thousand dollars. We will make further reductions if possible, and may rely on some
modest level of cash reserves to address any shortfall.
For FY 10 we will identify what is the cost of continuing current levels of staffing and a
2% increase in total expenses when compared to the FY09 budget as approved by the
Subsequent Town Meeting.
For FYI 0 we will identify what the priority of expenditures would be if we were able to
increase from the Zero budget towards a current staffing budget.
Depending upon the level of State Aid cuts for FY09, if any, there is no need for further
Financial Forums until the first week of February 2009. At this point, we should know
the State Aid picture for FYI 0 as typically the Governor releases a budget at the annual
MMA meeting (January 24, 2009). In addition, we will know what our health insurance
renewals are at this time. The Board of Selectmen and the School Committee will need to
complete their budget process during January 2009, based on the outline and guidelines
above, and submit budgets to the Town Manager as required by the Town Charter. In
early February, we can finalize the budgets and have a Financial Forum discussion.
~ZJ
Z
Pagel of 2
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 9:06 AM
To: 'Jason Schrieber'
Cc: Zambouras, George; Kowalski, Carol; McIntire, Ted; Cormier, Jim
Subject: RE: Parking Study Conversation
Jason
I think you can go ahead with the scope for the upper parking lot. It would be good to understand what of
that information is transferable to another site though. For example, I assume you are not doing borings at
the upper lot site, so you are making some assumptions as to sub-surface conditions. Would those
assumptions be the same for other sites?
Pete
C Board of Selectmen
From: 3ason Schrieber [mailto:jschrieber@nelsonnygaard.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:06 PM
To: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Subject: RE: Parking Study Conversation
I've got SDE about to charge ahead on specing out a structure on the CVS lot. Let me know if we should do any of these
alternates instead:
1. Keep the CVS design simple and do an additional site (Atlantic, at the depot, Town Hall, etc.)
2. Dive more into establishing design guidelines for private structures with associated costs
3. Develop an "ideal" wrapped structure & incentive for its construction anywhere in town in a public/private partnership
I realize changing our scope much requires BOS approval, so I expect we'll stay the course, but let me know if a change is
warranted. If we stay the course, we'll at least try to make whatever goes into the publicly owned land of the CVS lot be as
modular as possible, spending more time on a good realistic design than tweaking a wall if the property line is 2-feet too small.
Jason
Jason Schrieber, AICP, Principal
617-521-9403
jschrieber@nelsonnygaard.com
www.nelsonnygaard.com
Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates
Mobility I Accessibility I Sustainability
San Francisco Portland Seattle Boston New York
-----Original Message-----
From: Hechenbleikner, Peter [mailto:phechenbleikner@ci.reading.ma.us]
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:44 PM
To: Jason Schrieber
Subject: FW: Parking Study Conversation
11/24/2008
Page 2 of 2
-----Original Message-----
From: Joyce [mailto:joyciegould@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:39 PM
To: Town Manager; Steve Goldy forwarding account
Cc: Goldy, Stephen home account
Subject: Parking Study Conversation
Gentlemen;
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me last night during the
office hours before the BOS meeting.
1 am writing to document my position on the conclusion of the Parking
Study.
I recommend that this final phase of the Parking Study look at Parking
Structures in a more general way - and not have the conclusions be tied
to any specific designated sites (e.g. the.CVS and Atlantic/Municipal
parking lots,)
First - by constraining the study with 2 possible sites as solutions -
the results will include only the solutions indicated. These two
existing sites (as you know) have limitations: the CVS site is not
entirely owned by the town, while the municipal lot behind Atlantic
abuts private residences.
Also, those sites would determine the size of a structure to be
considered or proposed. This final phase of the study should be allow
the consultants to propose the appropriate size structure(s) based on
utilization or # of employees or some other 'trigger' for the maximum
cost benefit trade for our applications.
In summary - I would recommend that Parking Study be directed to include
a, more general review and recommendation of future parking structure
needs - not tied to either location currently specified.
Thank you for your time - and for forwarding this information to the
other BOS members.
Respectfully;
Joyce E. Gould
17 John St.
Reading MA
7821 942 3810
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11/24/2008
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MARILYN G. REID
106 Colonial Drive, Reading, MA 01867
(617) 519-9100
marilyngreid@comcast.net
2(08 NOV 23 QM 11: 31
November 22, 2008
Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
Town Hall
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner :
I must confess that I have not been keeping up with the detail of the redesign of Reading
Center; however, it has pleased me to see that traffic will be slowed down for the
"walkers" that will hopefully be more encouraged to fully utilize the center of town.
Being a complete fan of the current landscape architectural movement to build towns
with all (or at least most) of our human needs within walking distance is very powerful.
It enhances community, exercise, use of less vehicles and gas, etc. And Reading is
unique in that it has dense housing around the center.
Therefore, it greatly saddened me to read of the upcoming closing of the Atlantic Grocery
Store. It was always ideally located for this "walking" community concept.
Furthermore, it is the perfect size to not unduly tire older or disabled individuals, perfect
for the worker that just needs to stop by and pick up a few things without aisles and aisles
of walking, and is customized to the consumer, so unlike the Big Box grocery store style.
I have a car, am very mobile and will adapt (but not happily so). Those individuals for
whom this grocery story gave them independence to meet their food needs are completely
left out in. the.cold.
Isn't there anything that can be done on a town level? If we rightfully encourage vendors
to Reading by offering TIF's and other enticing financial arrangements, it seems that the
Atlantic Grocery Store is a prime candidate for tax breaks to meet the fulfillment of the
new town's design.
Sincerely,
U
Marilyn G. Reid
Town resident for 31 years
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Marilyn
Thanks for your letter, and I'm glad to see that you "get it" as to making
downtown a pedestrian friendly place. With respect to the Atlantic, the property
is under contract for sale. We are working with the buyers, and have been for
some time. Their intent is to demolish the existing structure and build a new
structure that would have underground parking for building occupants, first floor
retail including a smaller specialty supermarket (like but not necessarily a Trader
Joe's) and other retail, and 3 stories of condominiums above. There does not
appear to be a need for economic incentives, but we will need to do some
amendments to the existing zoning bylaw to accommodate the proposed uses
and we are currently working on this.
I too will miss the Atlantic - you have 10 years on me living in Reading but we
have always shopped their. Clearly though, a fair number of their customers
migrated to other stores when they opened. More importantly, however, is the
fact that. Mr. Rubin is retirement age, and none of his family want to take over the
business.
Times change - when you moved into Reading there were 4 supermarkets in
Town. 15 years ago there was only one left. We as a community will get through
this change too, and I hope (if this economy lets us) come back better and
stronger than before..
Pete
P-~