The proposal for a second rail turnback track by the MBTA emerged as a dominant topic, with multiple residents voicing their apprehensions. Pat Crawley, a resident, articulated fears about pollution and diesel emissions affecting nearby residential areas, a soccer field, and a school. She highlighted studies linking such emissions to serious health issues like cancer and asthma. Crawley urged officials to consider the community’s concerns and cited a case in Braintree where similar issues were addressed successfully.

Another resident, Jim Riley, shared his frustration over the lack of detailed information from the MBTA regarding the proposed track, such as the projected number of trains and financial implications. Riley drew parallels between the potential diesel locomotive staging area and an industrial complex. He requested that a list of residents’ concessions be added to the agenda for an upcoming meeting.

Lucas, also a resident, emphasized the need for community involvement and presented alternatives to the proposed track. The Select Board acknowledged these concerns and expressed the necessity for the MBTA to provide a comprehensive presentation at the February 4 meeting, detailing the proposal and its anticipated impact on the community.

In addition to the MBTA rail proposal, the Select Board discussed the rollout of new trash and recycling carts, a project involving the purchase and distribution of new carts and the disposal of old barrels. The assistant DPW director provided a detailed report on the logistics, including a $900,000 budget for the project. The rollout, set to begin on April 8, will be staged from the Burbank Ice Arena’s parking lot. The initiative aims to improve waste collection services, with options available for smaller and additional carts, particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The meeting also addressed dog-related issues in the community. New strategies were proposed to improve the response to dog complaints, including a dedicated phone number and email for reporting incidents. A “Dog Log” will be available on the town’s website, allowing residents to log complaints. This approach aims to enhance communication and ensure timely responses from the authorities.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the potential repurposing of town properties, particularly the Pleasant Street Center. The board discussed various options for the building, considering its historic registry status. Potential uses included leasing it for commercial purposes or donating it for affordable housing. Financial projections suggested that leasing the center could generate substantial revenue, which sparked discussions about the balance between community needs and fiscal responsibility.

The Select Board also handled personnel changes, with a member announcing their decision not to seek reelection in April after six years of service. The member expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the community and plans to remain active in town affairs.

Lastly, the meeting touched upon the parking situation in Reading, with discussions about the effectiveness of the current kiosk system. Concerns were raised over the usability of kiosks compared to traditional meters, and potential solutions, including a coupon system, were suggested to alleviate issues for retailers and customers. The enforcement of parking regulations and the need for better public understanding of the rules were also highlighted as ongoing challenges.