Below is a summarized version of the the forum for the proposed Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
Meeting Overview
- 6:00 – 6:58 – Matt Kraunelis (Town Manager)
- Welcomes attendees and introduces the forum, noting it’s the third public forum on the ReCAL project. Highlights logistical issues (e.g., broken elevators) and outlines the agenda: project background, facility overview, design, budget, tax implications, approval process, and Q&A. Announces the meeting is broadcast on Zoom with a microphone for questions.
- 8:23 – 8:41 – Pat Tompkins
- Calls the Permanent Building Committee to order, confirming a quorum (Mark Dockser, John Coote, Nancy Ziemlak, Pat Tompkins present).
Project Background and Rationale
- 8:41 – 14:06 – Mark Dockser (Select Board Member)
- Provides a 10-year history of the project, starting with a 2015 MAPC economic development plan identifying needs for the 60+ population (28.6% of Reading’s population by 2024). Studies in 2017 (UMass Gerontology Institute) and 2021 (ReCAL Committee) reinforced the need for better facilities and programming. In 2022, ARPA funds supported a feasibility study by BH+A, completed in 2023, recommending Symonds Way as the site. In 2024, multiple committees unanimously supported this location. A town meeting vote is scheduled for May 1, 2025, with a community vote on May 13, 2025. Emphasizes the project as a need, not just a want, due to space constraints at the current Pleasant Street Center.
- 14:06 – 17:02 – Mark Dockser
- Presents 2022 community survey results (1,472 responses): 49% favored an all-ages center with 60+ focus, 76-78% expressed interest in using it, and 59% were willing to pay $100-$200 annually. Discusses site options (Pleasant Street, Oakland Road, Simon’s Way), with Symonds Way selected after extensive evaluation by multiple groups (ReCAL Committee, Council on Aging, Permanent Building Committee, BH+A, and an external firm).
Facility Overview and Programming
- 19:27 – 28:47 – Jenna Wood (Community Services Director)
- Introduces a video (19:57 – 22:19) showcasing the ReCAL facility at Simon’s Way, featuring a lobby, senior hub, recreation spaces (gym, walking track), veteran services areas, maker space, billiards room, kitchen, and outdoor amenities (patio, pickleball courts – separately funded). Outlines three divisions (Elder & Human Services, Veteran Services, Recreation) serving diverse age groups, with a focus on the 60+ population (7,887 seniors, 28% of 27,448 total population). Highlights a Surgeon General advisory on loneliness, reinforcing the project’s goal to foster social connection.
- 28:47 – 37:38 – Jenna Wood
- Details how ReCAL will address current limitations (e.g., waitlists, lack of multi-purpose rooms). Recreation will manage gym programs (pickleball, bocce) and after-hours use, while Veteran Services gains a more accessible space. Emphasizes intergenerational opportunities (e.g., Irish step dancing event with ~100 signups). Lists benefits for all ages (walking track, rentals, emergency shelter), with priority programming for 60+ ensured via an operations plan.
Design, Budget, and Schedule
- 38:05 – 48:58 – Pat Tompkins (Permanent Building Committee Chair) & Brian Ramatka (Owner’s Project Manager, Turner & Townsend Heery)
- Pat Tompkins: Introduces the Permanent Building Committee’s role since August 2024, overseeing site selection and schematic design.
- Brian Ramatka: Explains the budget process: initial feasibility estimates (2025 construction start, 26,000-28,000 sq ft) ranged $28-29M, updated to $33-34M with contingencies. After benchmarking similar projects ($27-34M range), the goal was set below $30M. Final budget: $27.9M, achieved through cost-conscious design, a tightened schedule (shovels in ground Q1 2026, opening Fall 2027), and contingencies (design, inflation, construction, owner’s). Includes triple-pane windows, a generator, and road improvements, excludes pickleball courts.
Tax Implications
- 48:58 – 54:37 – Sharon Angstrom (CFO and Town Accountant)
- Outlines financing: a 15-year bond for ReCAL at 3% interest costs $265/year for an $890,000 home (average). Combined with Killam project (20-year bond, $734/year), total impact is $999/year ($612 net after $387 savings from expiring high school/library debts). Borrowing will occur in tranches, with full tax impact in 2-3 years. A tax calculator will soon be online.
Approval Process and Engagement
- 54:44 – 1:00:18 – Matt Kraunelis
- Summarizes approvals: Permanent Building Committee (Feb 2025), Select Board (March 2025), Finance Committee (March 5, 2025) supported the project. Upcoming: Select Board vote (next week), Finance Committee vote (next night), special town meeting (May 1, 2025), and election (May 13, 2025). Notes prior forums (Dec 2024, Jan 2025) and upcoming events (March 27 coffee chat, April 2 forum, April 16 Zoom forum). Encourages public input via email, website, and physical drop-boxes.
Q&A Session
- 1:00:42 – 1:03:49 – Ray Porter (Franklin Street, RMLD Commissioner)
- Advocates for an all-electric building with solar panels (like Killam), citing cost savings. Brian Ramatka confirms ReCAL is all-electric, with recent RMLD talks about solar feasibility in design development.
- 1:03:55 – 1:10:08 – Ann Marie (Haverhill Street)
- Expresses concern that seniors’ space might be overtaken by community use. Jenna Wood and Chris Kowaleski (Elder & Human Services) assure a senior hub and priority 60+ programming (9 AM-2:30 PM in some models), with a policy to protect this focus, aiming to serve more than the current 2,000 seniors (of 7,887).
- 1:15:28 – 1:18:07 – Taylor (Attendee)
- Questions the diesel generator for an all-electric emergency shelter, suggesting solar/battery alternatives. Pat Tompkins confirms a diesel generator in the budget, but Ring Porter and Brian Ramatka agree to explore other options in design development.
- 1:18:20 – 1:20:09 – Nancy Ziemlak (Council on Aging)
- Reassures seniors have a voice via the Council on Aging and ReCAL website, emphasizing their watchdog role over four years.
- 1:20:26 – 1:35:13 – David Zeek (Sandborn Street)
- Asks about food service and transportation plans. Chris Kowaleski details current lunches (2-3/week, 50-60 people) and plans to expand at ReCAL, with transportation via two vans (four drivers). Estimates daily attendance could double from 38,000 to 60,000 annual interactions, citing waitlists and space constraints. Jenna Wood adds hybrid models reduce stigma, boosting participation (70-110% in similar centers).
- 1:36:10 – 1:44:25 – Kendra Cooper (Precinct 8)
- Raises concerns about Simon’s Way’s proximity to the noisy Reading Rifle and Gun Club, swampy soil, and lack of traffic studies, preferring Oakland Road for intergenerational access. Pat Tompkins defends Simon’s Way as the best option after objective review, citing triple-pane windows and pickleball buffers, acknowledging no site is perfect.
- 1:47:09 – 1:51:21 – Jonathan Weber (84 Hartshorn Street)
- Asks about grant money (none in current budget, only ARPA for feasibility), average tax bill ($10,137/year for $890,000 home, ~10% increase), and supports Simon’s Way over Oakland Road (traffic/safety issues). Notes firing range noise becomes background for youth.
Closing
- 1:52:07 – 1:53:19 – Matt Kraunelis
- Thanks attendees, promotes the March 27 coffee chat, and adjourns the Permanent Building Committee (Mark Dckser, John Coote, Nancy Ziemlak, Pat Tompkins vote yes).
Key Outcomes
- Project Scope: ReCAL will replace the Pleasant Street Center with a $27.9M, 26,000-28,000 sq ft facility at Symonds Way, prioritizing 60+ programming while offering intergenerational use.
- Budget: Reduced from $33-34M to $27.9M through design adjustments, with contingencies for inflation and unknowns; no grant reliance.
- Tax Impact: $265/year (ReCAL) + $734/year (Killam) = $999/year, net $612 after debt savings, phased over 2-3 years.
- Timeline: Town approval (May 1, 2025), vote (May 13, 2025), construction start (Q1 2026), opening (Fall 2027).
- Community Input: Ongoing via forums, email, and website; policy to ensure 60+ priority in development.
- Site Selection: Symonds Way chosen over Oakland Road and Pleasant Street after extensive review, despite noise and soil concerns to be mitigated.
