By a vote of 3-2, the Select Board set the minimum residential factor for Fiscal Year 2023 at .9965. This translates to a commercial factor of 1.05. This new rate represents an increase from the previous commercial factor of 1.02. This shift will slightly increase the portion of the tax levy born by commercial properties in town. Town Assessor Victor Santaniello reported that the shift would create a residential tax rate of $12.59 and a commercial tax rate of $13.21.
Santaniello continued, explaining that retaining the factor at 1.02 would have actually decreased the tax bill for the median commercial property in town by 3.15% or $248. The change will now lead to a tax increase for the median commercial property of $355. The average residential property will now have a tax increase of $335. Retaining the shift at 1.02 would have created an increase to the average residential taxpayer of $350.
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Select Board member Carlo Bacci argued that any tax increase to commercial properties would be passed along to tenants and that retaining the shift rate at 1.02 would be a “reprieve” for struggling small businesses. He also pointed out that the savings for the average residential taxpayer would only be $15. Small business owner John Means spoke to the board regarding the challenges for small businesses due to hiring and increased costs. “If there is too much of a jump . . . it’s a big hit for businesses,” Means added.[Read More]
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Photos from Skatoberfest beer garden taken October 23, 2022, on Reading Common. Photos by Kenan Cooper |
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With the popular effort to be health-conscious, Empower has become a prominent feature of Reading business downtown centered around community and personal development. Nick Face is making his mark through the success of his second location in two years, and hopes to continue his mission, centered on the importance of health and community.
Face started his career in communications and journalism after attending the University of Hartford, but more specifically with his RCTV sports talk show, “Face the Facts.” You may know Face from this talk show or his first business, Sportszone 101, which has operated for 13 years.
The first location of Empower opened in Woburn on Washington Street in the fall of 2020, but there is more behind the store than meets the eye. Empower is dedicated to Face’s late mother, Bonny Face, who passed tragically in May 2020. [Read More]
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RMLD General Manager Search Committee Names Three Finalists; New General Manager Will Be Announced on Thursday, November 3
The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) General Manager Search Committee recommended three finalists to the RMLD Board of Commissioners on Thursday, October 20. The RMLD Board of Commissioners will interview each of the finalists during a public meeting on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. and will be responsible for selecting the next RMLD General Manager. The decision will be announced by the Board during a public session on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
The RMLD General Manager Search Committee is chaired by RMLD Citizens’ Advisory Board North Reading Representative Jason Small and includes RMLD Board of Commissioners members David Talbot and Robert Coulter. [Read More]
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At their meeting on October 17, the Reading Rotary Club voted to support a $6,000 donation to support the expansion of the Reading Community Garden located at the Mattera Conservation Area. This approval comes after two months of collaboration between the Reading Rotary Club and the Community Garden Steering Committee.
The local Reading Rotary Club is applying for a districtwide grant to help fund this project. Rotary districtwide grants support projects that promote the seven focus areas of Rotary: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. Sheila Clarke, Reading Rotary Co-President, explains, “I reached out to Town Manager Fidel Maltez to ask if there were local projects that might fit these focus areas. He was kind enough to connect us with the Community Garden Steering Committee and we began to have discussions to see if Rotary could help.” [Read More]
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Best Overall Scarecrow: Beetlejuice and Lydia created by the Wadland and McColgan family |
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Scariest Scarecrow: Scary Man created by Ace and Alan Foulds |
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Funniest Scarecrow: Umly created by Kieran and Eamon Theodoridis |
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Come join members of the Trails Committee for a guided Fall foliage walk through the Town Forest. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for this easy walk (approximately 2 miles)
When: Sunday, October 30, 2022, at 1:30 PM
Location: The Wood End Elementary School. Please meet at the entrance to the Town Forest.
No RSVP required
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The Reading Art Association Autumn Show will be held the weekend of November 11 and 12, with artwork by over 90 artist members representing surrounding towns and cities.
The show will take place at the First Congregational Church in Reading on Friday, Nov. 11, from 7:30 – 9:30, and Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10:00 – 3. Entrance to the show is through the side door of the church on Sanborn Street.
Original works of framed art will be on display and are available to be purchased throughout the weekend. [Read More]
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MALCOLM COLES Class of ‘23
Favorite Book: “Tom Clancy’s Chain of Command” by Marc Cameron
Favorite Quote: “Shoot for the stars, so if you fall you land on a cloud.” Kanye West
Favorite Subject: English
Clubs/Activities: Reading Independent Video Club, RMHS POWIR Club (People Organized to Welcome Immigrants and Refugees)
Plans After Graduation: Malcolm plans to attend college in the fall and major in communications.
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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