The assessment of potential development sites for the Active Living Center stood at the forefront of the meeting. Committee members conducted a discussion to evaluate multiple locations, considering factors such as site sufficiency, impact on abutters, and prospects for future expansion. The analysis of each site included consideration of traffic conditions, parking availability, environmental concerns like wetlands and flood plains, site construction costs, and the sustainability impact on design.

Simmons Way, Pleasant Street, and Oakland Road emerged as the primary contenders for the new center’s location. However, each site presented unique challenges and opportunities that were thoroughly examined. Concerns raised about Simmons Way focused on the potential impact on nearby residents during construction, along with the need for further studies on topography and traffic. Oakland Road was recognized for its potential to offer intergenerational activities and recreational opportunities, though traffic and noise from a nearby rifle range were noted as potential drawbacks.

Pleasant Street faced criticism over issues such as insufficient parking and limited outdoor space, which sparked debate over the site’s feasibility for the Active Living Center. The committee also discussed the importance of a downtown location and the subsequent transportation needs it would create.

In terms of environmental considerations, the meeting touched on the possibility of incorporating solar panels into the parking lots of the selected site. Moreover, the potential for contamination at one of the sites was mentioned, as well as the challenges posed by renovating a historical building. The discussion was not limited to the physical attributes of each site but also highlighted the need for further assessments, such as site plan reviews, before making a final decision.

The committee recognized that the choice of location would not be without compromises, as each site had limitations and imperfections. Nonetheless, a consensus on the rankings was reached, with Simmons Way leading the preference, followed by Oakland Road, and Pleasant Street trailing behind due to the various concerns highlighted during the discussion.

Apart from the site selection, the committee’s agenda included the planning of future meetings and the potential establishment of a building committee to oversee the project. The scheduling of future meetings prompted a debate due to conflicts with personal schedules and other town events, resulting in the setting of a joint meeting on the 24th of April and another on the 8th of May. Discussions also involved the roles of the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) and the Permanent Building Committee in reviewing and providing input on the project.

A point of contention arose regarding a confusion about the process, with one member seeking clarification on the involvement of the CPDC and the Permanent Building Committee. It was clarified that schematic designs would be the next step and that the Permanent Building Committee would take over the building aspect of the project at that point. The meeting also addressed the safety concerns of the Oakland Road location, particularly for seniors, focusing on traffic and the lack of sidewalks. A community member questioned the viability of alternatives such as a long-term lease with the old Reading Athletic Club site, but it was explained that other potential sites had already been considered and exhausted.

The Council on Aging’s involvement was mentioned, with an open house planned to review the current situation at the Pleasant Street Center. The meeting concluded with the confirmation of a future joint meeting link.