Reading Select Board Grapples with Austin Prep Parking Crisis and RCTV Contract Dispute
- Meeting Overview:
The Reading Select Board meeting dealt with community issues, including ongoing parking challenges around Austin Preparatory School and a debate over the management and contract of Reading Community Television (RCTV). The board faced pressure to address these concerns, balancing the needs of residents with institutional responsibilities.
22:41Foremost among the issues discussed was the persistent parking problem associated with Austin Preparatory School, which has created substantial disruption in the Arcadia neighborhood. Residents expressed deep frustration over the influx of student vehicles, which have overwhelmed local streets, obstructing driveways and violating traffic rules. Deputy Amandola outlined the severity of these conditions, noting that the school is at full capacity, resulting in approximately 60 students parking illegally in the neighborhood. Despite various enforcement measures, including issuing parking tickets and conducting traffic operations, the problem persists due to a lack of cooperation from the school.
49:14A proposed solution involved implementing a neighborhood permit parking system to alleviate congestion, though concerns were raised about the inconvenience this could pose for residents and their guests. Alternatives, such as a no-parking policy during school hours, were also considered, but these would restrict access for residents and school staff alike. The proposal of towing vehicles to enforce compliance was discussed, with some board members suggesting that financial penalties might prompt a change in behavior from students and parents.
36:47Community members voiced their concerns during the meeting. Kristen Hagstrom recounted filing 29 complaints about the dangerous conditions, including incidents where children were nearly struck by speeding vehicles. Other residents echoed these sentiments, criticizing Austin Prep for prioritizing extracurricular projects over addressing parking needs and suggesting potential solutions, such as renting additional parking spaces or incentivizing carpooling among students.
The board faced the challenge of balancing community safety with the logistics of implementing new parking regulations. Some members expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a placard system, while others urged for collaborative efforts with Austin Prep to find a sustainable solution.
02:48:26Alongside the parking crisis, the board engaged in a debate over the future of RCTV, focusing on privacy concerns and contract negotiations. Several board members expressed dissatisfaction with the management of RCTV, citing unauthorized recordings during executive sessions and questioning the organization’s leadership. The prospect of extending RCTV’s contract sparked disagreement among members, with some advocating for a shorter extension to prompt immediate action and others proposing a longer period to allow for discussions.
03:16:00Public attendees were divided on the issue, with some emphasizing the importance of RCTV’s services to the community and calling for continued support, while others criticized the board for its handling of the contract negotiations. Concerns about transparency and communication underscored the debate, with residents urging the board to address the technical issues and maintain RCTV’s role in community engagement.
In response to public comments and internal evaluations, the board deliberated on the implications of extending the contract for three versus six months. The discussion revealed differing opinions on the best approach to resolving the ongoing issues while ensuring that RCTV could continue to serve the community effectively. The board ultimately faced the task of balancing accountability with the need for constructive dialogue to safeguard the interests of the town and its residents.
01:05:44The meeting also touched on other community development matters, including the reopening of a new business at the former RCTV space and updates on local vacancies and development projects.
Matt Kraunelis
City Council Officials:
Mark L Dockser, Karen Gately Herrick, Carlo Bacci, Christopher Haley, Matt Kraunelis (Town Manager)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/10/2025
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Recording Published:
06/10/2025
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Duration:
294 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Reading
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