Reading's Green Shoots: Calareso's Farm Stand

This week, Reading Patch will feature businesses and developments that could be considered "green shoots", or signs of economic growth, for the town of Reading.

We spoke to the Community Services Director/Town Planner, Jean Delios, about her opinion as to how five businesses/developments will positively effect the town we all call home.

Calareso's Farm Stand

Back in October of 2010, the CPDC approved plans for to relocate to 80-100 Main Street on the corner of Main and South Streets. The three existing vacant buildings have already been demolished, and construction of the new and improved Calareso's is expected to begin during late summer or early fall of 2011.

"They are about doubling the size of their operation, so that’s always a good sign when long-standing Reading business expands to that degree," said Delios.

Other advantages of the new, larger site include more space for more parking, improved access to the site, as well as taking a vacant site and replacing it with a thriving business at the "gateway" into Reading from Stoneham.

In addition,  will be constructing a 400-plus unit housing development (a project dubbed "Reading Woods") at the former Addison-Wesley site, and according to Delios, not only will these two new developments mutually benefit from each other, they will also help reduce the impact Reading residents have on the environment by increasing the town's "walkability."

"The relationship between the two is going to work out very nicely for all those residents who will be living at Reading Woods to be so accessible to Calerso’s," she said. "The planning commission spent a lot of time figuring out the most workable solution to attract pedestrian traffic and prevent people from getting in their cars to reduce our carbon footprint. Both Reading Woods and Calareso's will have a strong pedestrian component for access, which is very important."

Reading Patch will feature one new business or development each day this week.