Reading schedules Eastern Gateway focus group June 17 to gather neighborhood feedback

CPDC members were briefed June 8 on outreach planned for the Eastern Gateway project and encouraged to attend a residential focus group scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Street Center.

Staff said the focus group will target abutting neighborhoods and test early assumptions about buffers, transitional areas, dimensional controls, height allowances, and the percentage of commercial versus residential uses on the first floor. The aim is to gather neighborhood input before staff drafts more definitive recommendations.

Andrew McNichol said five residents had pre‑registered and staff mailed notices to more than 200 households; the town will also send email blasts and targeted outreach to encourage attendance. Board members asked staff to circulate the focus‑group notice to CPDC members so they can participate if available.

Board members also reviewed exhibit materials and flagged residential connection points and potential circulation issues for discussion at the focus group. Members said they want to balance connectivity without reducing housing opportunities.

Next steps: staff will host the June 17 focus group at the Pleasant Street Center, post a meeting notice and report back to the CPDC with summary feedback at a future meeting.