Reading's Green Shoots: eCars of New England

eCars of New England - 281 Main Street

eCars of New England, a car dealership for 100% electric and other environmentally friendly cars, is replacing the run-down former artist studio across the street from at 281 Main St. 

The company represents Wheego Electric Cars, as well as a wide selection of pre-owned vehicles. 

"I think it’s a very innovative business, which is exciting," said Community Services Director/Town Planner Jean Delios. "And the fact again that they are redeveloping a long, vacant site is great. Vacant sites are not good for anybody, and as the person who heads the planning for the town, nothing gives me greater joy than to see vacant sites redeveloped and brought online as a productive use."

The application to redevelop the site was approved by the Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) back on March 21st. The existing building will be renovated, the parking lot layout will change, and there will be additional site improvements.

The new owner is currently working on building permits, and, according to Delios, a meeting is scheduled with eCars sometime next week to advance their demolition permit. She expects demolition followed by construction to begin in late spring or early summer. 

"It’s a win-win all the way around to take a vacant site and put something in there at it’s highest and best use, and really see the property come back to life," said Delios. "It breathes new life, not only to that site, but really into the community in general. That’s what we love to see in planning."

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 will feature one new business or development each day.