North Reading Select Board puts three 97 Main Street options before June Town Meeting voters

NORTH READING — April 27, 2026 — North Reading Select Board sets June Town Meeting vote on 97 Main Street and approves $3.79 million capital plan. The board will ask voters to choose among purchasing a portion of the former Stop and Shop site from would-be buyer J.D. Lynch, purchasing the entire 22-acre parcel, or taking no action — with the full purchase potentially financed through Paolini funds and generating an estimated $265,000 annually in property taxes at a $20 million assessed value. The capital improvement plan passed 4-0-1 after committee chair Don Kelleher warned that without dependable free cash deposits, "the capital program is not sustainable." The board also reached informal consensus on a new solid waste contract that would push the annual household trash fee from $300 to roughly $535 under a weekly collection model. A 2-3 vote defeated a motion to send a letter urging implementation of Question 1's legislative audit, with Chair Steve O'Leary arguing the letter could harm the town's standing with Beacon Hill leaders whose support North Reading routinely needs.