Neighbors Strongly Oppose Mixed-Use Development In Reading

READING, MA — A developer has proposed a four-story mixed-use building on Main Street in Reading. However, the project has run into significant opposition from neighbors, who have numerous concerns about how it would affect the area.

The project, dubbed Strada on South Main, would incorporate existing lots at 10 Pinevale Ave. and 252, 258, and 262 Main St.

The developer is seeking a mixed-use special permit for the site, with the proposal calling for 40 residential units and 8,100 square feet of commercial space on over 1 acre of property. Ten percent of the residential units will be affordable, according to Chris Latham, a representative for BLVD Reading LLC, who spoke at a Dec. 11 Community Planning & Development Commission meeting.

Latham said the access to commuter rail along with nearby residents to support commerce make the location of the lots ideal.

"If there were ever a perfect location for mixed-use development on South Main Street, this is it," he said at the meeting.

The site is across from the Belmont Arms condos and abuts 259 Main St., a residential building with 24 units.

Latham said the new development will be "100 percent electric" and have two public electric vehicle chargers available. It will also include 78 parking spaces.

Several residents spoke against the proposal at the meeting.

One Pinevale Avenue resident, who has lived there since 1973, called it "dangerous and outrageous."

"This whole project has a stench to it," she said.

She said that the project will negatively impact wildlife on the nearby Pinevale Conservation Trail.

Another Pinevale Avenue resident said she wants to keep intact the "peaceful and cohesive residential neighborhood."

She said there are numerous issues including light pollution, noise, and overflow parking on Pinevale Avenue.

A major concern residents brought up is traffic. Residents said that the project will back up traffic on Pinevale Avenue, a dead-end street that only connects to Main Street, and result in additional general congestion.

John Weston, Community Planning & Development Commission chair, said he seconded much of what the neighbors said.

"Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should," Weston said. "You don't need to jam everything possible onto a site. Sometimes it just doesn't work."

The commission voted to continue the public hearing to its next meeting, which is scheduled for Monday.