Two Key Meetings on MBTA Turnback Track: Wednesday, October 22nd & Monday, October 27th!
If you’ve been involved in any of the numerous public discussions regarding the MBTA Turnback Track proposal, then you know Reading is not going quietly! Two upcoming meetings could be critical to the final outcome: Conservation Commission Public Hearing Wednesday, Oct 22 and the urgent Town-wide “Reading Turnback Track Committee” meeting on Monday, Oct 27.
Be There & Speak Up!!!
- 10/22 Conservation Commission Public Hearing: Agenda topic = “0 Vine Street, MBTA” at their meeting Wednesday, Oct 22 (7:00 PM) in the Select Board Room or via Zoom (agenda and packet can be found at this link). This meeting will be held, pending additional data on stormwater compliance, wetland delineation, and alternative site evaluations.
- 10/27 Reading Turnback Track Committee Emergency Town Meeting: On Monday, Oct 27 (7:00 PM) at Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center. This is your chance to have a real discussion (see FaceBook invite here). This is a “group of Reading residents advocating for transparency, public health and safety, and environmental accountability” regarding the MBTA Turnback Track in Reading. Bring your friends & neighbors!
High-level Considerations:
- Environmental impact to wetlands, wildlife habitat, drinking water
- Public Health risks from diesel emissions & noise pollution
- Impact on traffic/congestion
Additional Considerations:
- Validity of the MBTA’s “noise data” that suggests the decibel level of an idling train in that location is within acceptable limits and would not be a nuisance to neighbors. (See Daily Times Chronicle article at this link.)
Be Informed & Get Involved:
- Email Conservation Commission (Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator): ctirone@ci.reading.ma.us
- Contact your state representative:
- Senator Jason Lewis at this link.
- Representative Bradley Jones at this link.
- Representative Richard Haggerty at this link.
- Sign the petition to STOP the turnback track: Sign at this link
- Follow the Reading Turnback Track Committee on Facebook: Link to Facebook site
Until next time . . .