[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6362414,"mediaKeyId","2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe","parentId",2167938,"title","EAC to convene cross‑department discussion on e‑bikes, dirt bikes and street safety","audioSeconds",851,"startMs",3027000,"endMs",3878000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe&start=3027&end=3878","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe/thumbnail_3027000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6362414/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/EAC-to-convene-crossdepartment-discussion-on-ebikes-dirt-bikes-and-street-safety","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362414-a00b3935a7c97eda7df7664ccb68918a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775993655&Signature=AAT4VU8ISeUQZmmS6n8Vy~VGre~L1cQ-XOrNk0sMLchDh3EB0um4GQF2t3NBhg2wzlzQtGqy7o7DA9-t~54Q-BLLHdIM-ei3lOkWxDU7V7Vd9TxqEw945dpSXzDw3RLwm0k5fjSFgkYHORXmEVeeMyJphnSqtL-L3t83utRdnTisSzKHK16wz8wrsUNlDh8bBQeJ7mFirMPt1MSLJzHa6E1fpAAauTRHD7t-3Wznlvloqu~FGPZNw5fQqbOtSjPJGAhBulpW5RYVlLF1yIDtkPCotCDXR1Vbgn5r3fQN-ea5Dk2jeoK9uAjj501JITMEN5ozbOWXYCMlfHGGOr4dTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Reading, PA","date","2025-01-30T13:45:40Z","article","Members of the Environmental Advisory Council agreed to begin convening a cross‑department discussion to address safety, regulation and infrastructure for e‑bikes, dirt bikes and similar micro‑mobility vehicles.

The conversation followed reports of a recent near‑miss at Clymer Street where a member said an e‑bike rider ran a red light without headlights. Members raised concerns about inconsistent rules, enforcement challenges, and the growing presence of electric bikes used for deliveries and commuting. Several members described a ‘‘gray area’’ between bicycles, motorbikes and off‑road vehicles and said the lack of clear legal or infrastructure options increases risky behavior.

Council members suggested the EAC could convene a preliminary roundtable with planning, public works, police, community stakeholders and advocacy groups to clarify rules, identify education and enforcement strategies, and map infrastructure needs. Planning staff noted that Vision Zero work and bike network planning are already in progress and could be natural partners. Members proposed adding a defined list of stakeholders to the next EAC agenda and asked staff to help coordinate an initial meeting.

The EAC did not adopt formal regulations; members agreed to include a preliminary bullet on the next meeting agenda to identify participants and next steps for a convening.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","EAC Meeting - Tues, Jan 28 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Members urged a convening of city departments and stakeholders to discuss e‑bikes, dirt bikes and enforcement after members reported near‑misses and concerns about safety and unclear rules; item to be added to the next EAC agenda.","taxTitle","Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2971,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362418,"Public Works, EAC members report storm response, signage and projects including recycling bins and solar design",58,5000,63000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe&start=5&end=63","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe/thumbnail_5000.jpg","/articles/6362418/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/Public-Works-EAC-members-report-storm-response-signage-and-projects-including-recycling-bins-and-solar-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362418-83b676080fd41471f8c2eeb9ff6c58eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775993655&Signature=LCzdjxpl02Ha090PUacomB5zyLuh13R-yPnPdzz-WrIKIiVnXImgGW89-ut7ti7M5S3mH5jHv6fs-5ghNmJFQMQz5tGeXZLP3dSP-NYGKrVqJHxhPKzjYChTRO-2xwGTbEqQRdDe1~Blp2igEScyz~NDaRzEIMvI0tVlN5INIcliXZ-RbJ-DIRiUP86LVLZyMA1pVhrQFd7PuQOq8Z5nxIDi8DZmJbrYIstrji~t9dTEE3fV877qDsq7hNluuhmx1RlQr-gjpAsV36h7IOASkWO0iuVAmoZk2ouBS4mdTreWPSFvcrcREFFsa~eR8aeGUVjXwY4mXu2NJ-sF3s8lzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Public Works and EAC members provided multiple operational and project updates to the Environmental Advisory Council, including storm response, watershed sign placement, recycling distribution, lighting and solar project timelines, and community outreach.

Scott (Public Works staff) said the department is juggling vehicle availability after a recent snowstorm that limited operations when temperatures fell below 25 degrees and kept several trucks out of service. He reported crews prioritized clearing catch basins and storm duties, which has reduced sanitary maintenance capacity. Scott noted a recurring complaint about brown‑colored discharge from storm basins on Fairview Street; he said the discoloration is related to road salt runoff and basin design rather than a contamination event.

EAC member Steve (Thompson) reported the city will receive a shipment of recycling bins in about two weeks and expects citywide coverage by year end; he also previewed new advertising planned for 2025. Bethany said sign artwork for the watershed signs is complete but sign placement is still being finalized; the story map project is paused until placements are set. She said a kickoff for the Schneider Giesel project will be scheduled with the mayor’s office and that city hall lighting installation will begin in early February. The city’s solar project is in final design and will proceed to permitting.

Bethany also noted that Barrio Alegria fellow Louisa Corporan is creating a series of short videos to introduce environmental concepts and local programs; one video covered winter storm management and recommended shoveling before salting.

Members briefly asked whether a temporary federal pause in grant funding would affect local programs; staff replied assessment funds for the Exide Superfund site were deposited and not affected, and that Congress controls appropriations for many programs.

No formal EAC action was taken on operational updates; staff asked members to share information and help publicize events and project milestones.","City Public Works staff updated the EAC on storm response and Wyomissing Creek watershed signage placement; the council also heard that a recycling bin shipment arrives mid‑February and the city’s solar project is in final design.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362423,"EAC hears update on Exide Superfund site; CAG meeting set for Feb. 13",115,312000,427000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe&start=312&end=427","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe/thumbnail_312000.jpg","/articles/6362423/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/EAC-hears-update-on-Exide-Superfund-site-CAG-meeting-set-for-Feb-13","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362423-5b6d1690d7dfdf3f2a94a00a39c52f2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775993655&Signature=U61r~eVb4fVeB51LlqYKz-saa41RSmllWQ7atdRhGOBda6NV1Y2cXhRqoxLMtXsSWkcwAHQbP8-o5zGMGsW1U9MgXHHLm9SD-UAkKN6ZF0ClFIVCJ0AtiZ8nhphQbitvKAeQ2o8jhojmlTqvZNKVz6K3rbLGWxK8TkNARE3gFnQXZDJuGecXBFOzUi16WqQDZ1sC~An6jHwJhOP8RIyK4oSqgWYDVjCN3D5brrOr3wBHR0iinoU73SiSvzOOhcl94UuN2GszkxGI8c82HPEPG9ugZcyNGLHs4GLi~t3DY5kOUbPZGY2~ARnz~Pz8b5aR8LULhrhObNp7iEfN2Se9kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Environmental Advisory Council received an update on the former Exide Superfund site in Laureldale and the Bernhardt property, where the city is a property owner. City staff reported that assessment funds are fully deposited and will not be affected by any temporary pause in federal grant processing.

A Community Action Group (CAG) meeting to organize community participation is scheduled for Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at Muhlenberg Junior High School; staff said flyers and social‑media materials are forthcoming and that Tom Smith from the EPA had confirmed the meeting was proceeding. City staff said they would distribute additional informational flyers and post details on social channels.

The update came during a broader staff report that also covered volunteer events and other environmental projects. Council members and EAC members said they planned to attend the Feb. 13 meeting to represent the city and help organize community engagement.

No formal EAC action was taken on the Superfund update; the item was informational and staff asked members to share outreach materials once they are distributed.","City staff told the EAC that assessment funds for the former Exide site are fully deposited and a community action group meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13 at Muhlenberg Junior High School to organize local engagement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362427,"Reading EAC elects new chair and vice chair; approves November minutes",204,642000,846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe&start=642&end=846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe/thumbnail_642000.jpg","/articles/6362427/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/Reading-EAC-elects-new-chair-and-vice-chair-approves-November-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362427-c4b56083cd8355569744e4013953d6c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775993655&Signature=PjPXcavWm485tMSLUWyi13kldVmGP4YQ~YdL2m5lwy-HjcMD2XbSciAOcQu65fX~xU3i~CXaMoLC2x6UmlVOCvMSuUvhL2~MXwNvJ~6isx~DOcxyiHykHLiFTHwBxeYSk9RI~LkXLrVCPcjRGTaZrCxLy9Lo1rnUN4S0nTGH5CIlMPlq0USTKbqRM4zY2qEUWFa1xMM-YLwxUkpLE6mvwPQtbMJ17YlLS4knEkLzMHbIExLL4GVIe5RphLoYaZw4P~Jshv214rLCcHgSQ7rGpzE~xGowWEz~P4DXXBP1wHRxBWcMW6DTSBBvyk~xXaw5W3KFpGbO41ufLUbx5tSd8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its meeting, the Reading Environmental Advisory Council reorganized leadership for 2025, unanimously electing Steve Thompson as chair and Jim Cole as vice chair, and approved the Nov. 26 meeting minutes.

Sarah, the outgoing chair, said she would not renew her term and thanked members; the EAC then followed a standard nomination process. A motion to nominate Steve Thompson for chair was seconded and passed unanimously.

Members then nominated Jim Cole for vice chair; the motion was seconded and the membership voted to approve him unanimously. The EAC also approved the Nov. 26 minutes by voice vote without opposition.

Shelley, city staff, noted the vacancy process for the outgoing seat and said the city will advertise the opening online; applicants must be city residents or own a business in Reading and apply through the online portal. Several members said they will recruit prospective candidates.

The EAC noted that several current members have terms recently expired and said the city may have up to three open seats to fill; incumbents said they are willing to assist with committee work until replacements are selected.","The Environmental Advisory Council named Steve Thompson chair for 2025 and Jim Cole vice chair; the council also unanimously approved minutes from the Nov. 26 meeting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362433,"EAC approves beekeeping zoning amendment, sends measure to City Council",1247,1331000,2578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe&start=1331&end=2578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167938-596ab86e5485c82d12f3cabc2eda12fe/thumbnail_1331000.jpg","/articles/6362433/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/EAC-approves-beekeeping-zoning-amendment-sends-measure-to-City-Council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362433-918a5b1409a469d82085318b9b30b772/orig.mp4?Expires=1775993655&Signature=FlFZU9h~oO6jhb~tfYmCBvPg9yEWbUq9glZz8atUNyvvKv1VEkLyxXg277UVQVD8vxTKHZnad1ym6vjkDojrEVc~QYmv8rSo4Qvk2CBil1xM2do86Pt0cAqXGPnKFiYZprpnqTr-vjBI0xJsFcPA8JpsHhBT5Sny~WNyNg785KKWe83Cm2hPU1QKQTa364WpmwtE~bRFGiJic2L6Z-m1L3N-kDeh5YuaUm6AGuNvnqDYjsS67GRXqJWXEp4F9WeSQSzUAagy3nk5ACPgjOqselq3xzcTB~q7JYUDgYK8SExIdD1rEcrwpSdaS~j6CZ5QRgOMJQVKpT0776r3auX4Ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Reading Environmental Advisory Council on Tuesday voted to approve a revised beekeeping zoning amendment and send it to City Council for consideration and public hearings.

The amendment requires beekeepers to hold required state permitting through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture before obtaining any city zoning permit; clarifies an exception for preexisting apiaries; broadens language about proximity to kennels to include animal shelters for pets; retains a numerical limit and exceptions process for hive counts; and clarifies that any on‑site sales of honey must meet home‑occupation rules and other city approvals.

The revision swaps the order of permit requirements so state registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is listed before the city zoning permit, a change committee members said better reflects regulatory authority. The draft also removes a provision that would have referenced a local beekeeping organization as a certifying body and instead relies on state permitting and the city’s nuisance and zoning processes for follow up.

EAC members debated the distance requirement from areas where animals are kept. Some members said the language as revised could exclude small urban lots; others said a larger buffer (50 feet) helps prevent neighbor conflicts when animals are kept in yards. Members discussed a possible compromise distance of 30 feet but did not change the numeric buffer at this meeting.

The amendment also tightens how sales are treated: if an apiary operator plans to sell honey, they must obtain the city approvals that apply to home‑based businesses (health permit, business privilege license and, if selling on site, a zoning/home‑occupation permit). Committee members recommended rewording one sentence to place the ‘‘if the operator plans to sell honey’’ clause at the start for clarity.

City staff member Shelley said the zoning office will circulate the EAC’s vote and the small edits to the planning commission; by ordinance the planning commission will review zoning amendments and council must hold public hearings before a final vote.

The EAC motion to approve the amended beekeeping language and forward it to council passed unanimously.

The council review will include a planning commission review and at least one public hearing before council consideration; the EAC said it expects to provide a brief presentation when the amendment reaches council.

What’s next: the zoning office and planning commission will complete their reviews and calendar the item for council public hearings and a final vote. If council requests clarifications, the EAC said it will attend to answer questions.","The Reading Environmental Advisory Council voted to approve a revised beekeeping zoning amendment and forward it to City Council for review and public hearings. The changes clarify permitting order, expand the definition of nearby animal shelters, and add sales and home‑occupation language.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EAC to convene cross‑department discussion on e‑bikes, dirt bikes and street safety

Public Works, EAC members report storm response, signage and projects including recycling bins and solar design

EAC hears update on Exide Superfund site; CAG meeting set for Feb. 13

Reading EAC elects new chair and vice chair; approves November minutes

EAC approves beekeeping zoning amendment, sends measure to City Council