[{"_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",6121383,"mediaKeyId","2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5","parentId",2702951,"title","Commission forwards beekeeping ordinance to City Council, asks staff to prepare signage and outreach materials","audioSeconds",525,"startMs",3858000,"endMs",4383000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5&start=3858&end=4383","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5/thumbnail_3858000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6121383/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/Commission-forwards-beekeeping-ordinance-to-City-Council-asks-staff-to-prepare-signage-and-outreach-materials","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121383-ff66708e4a6d22f95dc2b76095982526/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140554&Signature=HJ088uYkXtSy8fcSbaKiEMmOjRkx8~IIRbWm2in6u4GW2ejm-Ep6OZqU78bASpQeMU3A9N43CZcQJQv6~gvcwHBFVAUOYv~lc-tdxeqt0D1iMPYxIheFY7onozYOekIo4PgcVIX75SsIUWYrCl~L7Kmr3SvlFGR~asl~BsNGtZ7yNHwXB7Gk7Ortpb86bJlHtNEH~0vEGH1btkB0ewpgPP1dVO3QJQdMAUyPSVHeh8mycrVm5vaaRIq--NXHM5cUswI8Ggx42DbVN89Za4YJpksKtNpUQnROevUQ~rbDUxjgnm1~-csHphJEjrP32GkukzwzDYtTeSMwNcxzEjqVxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Reading, PA","date","2025-03-18T11:54:41Z","article","The Reading Planning Commission on Feb. 25 recommended that City Council consider an ordinance establishing standards for beekeeping in the city. The draft measure was prepared by the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and has been reviewed by Berks County planners, who returned no further comments after the EAC revised wording for clarity.

Peter, a member and former chair of the EAC, and Jim Cole, an EAC member and lead drafter, explained that most edits were wording clarifications suggested by the county planner and that the EAC has prepared a response memo. The ordinance requires that permitted keepers post a notice visible to surrounding properties; commissioners and EAC members discussed preparing a simple sign or one‑page guidance sheet that the EAC or Public Works could provide to permittees.

Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with Public Works (Bethany was identified as the contact) to develop a template sign and a short informational handout that could be issued with a permit. With that outreach plan in mind the commission moved and unanimously approved a recommendation to City Council to consider the ordinance.

Votes at a glance
- Beekeeping ordinance (EAC draft): motion to recommend to City Council — outcome: recommend to Council (unanimous).

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting Minutes for February 25, 2025.","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the Environmental Advisory Council’s (EAC) beekeeping ordinance to City Council and asked staff to coordinate simple signage or informational materials to accompany permits.","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},6121387,"Commission reaffirms Reading School District plan; staff to obtain letter of credit and finish signatures",96,3659000,3755000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5&start=3659&end=3755","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5/thumbnail_3659000.jpg","/articles/6121387/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/Commission-reaffirms-Reading-School-District-plan-staff-to-obtain-letter-of-credit-and-finish-signatures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121387-95761f7115c57a95e5124764149487ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140554&Signature=c2dFRHRDK62knI~o820a~dXXMyFC3a9lNnQaDSLtsXzSzaG-Ym80Uv0ClZ8pLI-EZVPpBJLd4M3oMzT2rowoVO1JHW-TtFVqRzDZUNVg9gF6N02vbapg~6ImN1sa2oCYCYQhLTv43dS5cfTvkp70pzSJQcAV-jjMpkA0XRtRpKc3RMnIs9IYeT0Xq9CltMIYEiwBBe~s1O6XQ9DX31lxlQ1-CU7OsI3FWLhff4BwK-EqfNEGsomsc-MrD4iFLnd~mv8AXjjO9Br-wcgotnz8lW4Y8CBqYtl9RYzbMsxYWnbAa13O-4PurWXjL7qJTY-4V1VLKXHTZsIZfFQbLFgm1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Reading Planning Commission on Feb. 25 reaffirmed the Reading School District’s plan for the Thomas Ford / Reading Knight Accelerated Academy (hydroponics center referenced in the filing) and instructed staff to coordinate signature execution and submission of the required letter of credit so recorded plans and permits can be released.

Aristides, an applicant representative, said the draft agreements reviewed by the district’s attorney were returned to city staff on Dec. 11 and that the contractors are ready to begin work within weeks; contractors’ permit applications are reportedly pending final plan approval and recorded agreements. Staff confirmed the city had approved the cost estimate and that the estimate includes an inspection fee typically represented as 10% of the improvements estimate; that inspection amount is expected to be covered through the improvements agreement and the city inspection arrangement.

Commissioners moved and approved reaffirmation of the Reading School District plan; staff instructed the district contact and project manager to provide the signed agreements and the letter of credit for the approved amount. Once staff receives executed agreements and the letter of credit, the commissioner signatures and plan recording can proceed and permit releases can follow.

Votes at a glance
- Reading School District plan (reaffirmation for Thomas Ford / Reading Knight Accelerated Academy / hydroponics center): outcome: reaffirmed (voice vote).","The commission reaffirmed the Reading School District’s plan (Reading Knight/Thomas Ford project), clearing the way for plan signatures once the district provides the required letter of credit and signed documents; staff noted a 10% city inspection line item in the cost estimate.",{"_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},6121392,"Burn Street car‑wash project moves toward final agreements; applicant must replenish escrow",148,2916000,3064000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5&start=2916&end=3064","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5/thumbnail_2916000.jpg","/articles/6121392/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/Burn-Street-carwash-project-moves-toward-final-agreements-applicant-must-replenish-escrow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121392-97821081bc62aa539708f164f68a9c2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140554&Signature=HzH~mrLi-hO8JPd7ZYbE6cFOtEamvRGB1YoVcReWsNSv3gCBU5p4uEx66E1wBhqsiY0dSCPWjcGVupLVv4UVC0VxzGeyuo2D~EepIJDsaNP3mXGrlPeUd932L8vw9iFYbEJbDInCQQmL3yuiSPqQsAj-WjLnGC3pG~lUyzsWm0eVqCpjzLCuG3kCy8tvw9B2q60uuTGOrITNk70ri76OB5N6uiuuFD32Hf-aFXfmVnG1zrlZhCedlPxJAUx7ULTQjc2hiqt4tL2Jvy9I7wgwylgjSWyutaRv1cm0QP5X4SDIHqhDhZLQTmBePoroVG6PZIWd-VvATf4tVuM54kntdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City and planning staff on Feb. 25 said the Burn Street car‑wash project is nearing final administrative sign‑off but noted two outstanding items: final revisions to the stormwater and municipal improvements agreements and a negative planning escrow balance that must be corrected before the city will release recorded plans or issue permits.

Planning staff said the project’s draft stormwater and municipal improvements agreements were out for legal review; the applicant’s attorney has been asked to incorporate city comments. Emily, planning staff, said one minor administrative update was required because the city changed how it escrows funds for 10‑year stormwater inspections; the applicant’s attorney will receive an updated form.

Project representative John Roland confirmed the contractor is preparing to begin work and that permitting has been delayed because the final recorded plan and agreements were not yet in hand. Staff told the applicant the planning escrow account had an outstanding negative balance (approximately $1,100) and that the department requires an additional $6,000 deposit to bring the account current and to reestablish escrow for ongoing review and inspection charges. Staff said the $6,000 would cover current outstanding invoices and some near‑term anticipated fees; any remaining balance will be refunded to the applicant.

Staff advised that the agreements could be signed and circulated for execution, but recorded plans and final permit releases will not occur until the escrow is replenished. Participants also confirmed the NPDES/NPDS permit the project relies on has been extended; staff asked the applicant to forward the extension letter for the project record.

Votes at a glance
- No formal vote recorded; staff and applicant agreed to exchange revised agreements and for the applicant to provide the escrow funds required for continued plan processing.

","City staff said final municipal improvements and stormwater agreements are near completion for the Burn Street car‑wash project, but the applicant must replenish planning escrow before plans will be released for permitting.",{"_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},6121397,"Planning commission recommends Castlewood streets be dedicated to the city, subject to stormwater agreement details",911,1792000,2703000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5&start=1792&end=2703","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5/thumbnail_1792000.jpg","/articles/6121397/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/Planning-commission-recommends-Castlewood-streets-be-dedicated-to-the-city-subject-to-stormwater-agreement-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121397-9fa51b10f4a9c790fd3dc5b3b0ab0221/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140554&Signature=C2JCvw6yql9Dkbv5qjaZt9A8sGCxdIT1Vs05Yp2Ueb1nuLNmFKGv1JtcMY-xIieJSQwOijXspG5WAyzrZZX3vDW0g~aoyqk9vrO~NSxFXkHC~TVOp5bbvgkbTGzqbhBGVZyOYM9tY-cZ9JAHlkkXCKfWiHwNlC2RT8Sha4Lmwby5heg5qOyxyGrHMQjRGWpcmfy0v5c-HY3SZ25JhRgn51-c6vLGBry2aC7wO7LMJP1bc59llVnQEMEl79BXIqmhhPtr30-QbEFu10uvdGWaJsg~aI~vHyx9JzGQdnwzz3DgQNpvN1YSCrF4GFtkdvK9WIG9U9BTJvvKGd2EqlsogA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Reading Planning Commission on Feb. 25 voted to recommend that City Council accept dedication of internal streets in the Castlewood subdivision, following resolution of stormwater management agreement language and signature questions.

Public Works and planning staff said the survey and revised plan of record for the subdivision have been corrected to staff’s satisfaction. The primary remaining issue was the stormwater management agreement: staff and the developer’s attorney worked with the homeowners association (HOA) to prepare an agreement that allocates maintenance responsibility and provides for future enforcement. Public Works staff noted the city’s MS4 permit requires the city to manage stormwater for public roads and that the HOA’s agreement had to be structured so the long‑term maintenance obligations are clear.

Phil Urbina, speaking for the HOA, said the association is prepared to sign the agreement and to undertake maintenance obligations that may be recorded against individual properties; he said the HOA would step in and charge owners if individual homeowners fail to maintain required features. Public Works staff and municipal attorneys discussed who should sign the recorded documents and whether a city resolution amending or removing a recorded note on the original plan might be a simpler procedural route than a revised plan of record. Staff said there were minor survey corrections and a road name change that warranted the revised plan of record in any event.

The commission moved and unanimously approved a recommendation to City Council to dedicate the internal streets within the Castlewood subdivision (identified in discussion as Kings Way and Queens Court) to the City of Reading, subject to the revised plan of record and recording of the stormwater agreement and required signatures. Commissioners and staff asked the HOA and the city solicitor to coordinate with Attorney Steve Price to finalize signature and ordinance language so the council packet can be prepared.

Votes at a glance
- Recommendation to City Council to dedicate Castlewood internal streets (Kings Way and Queens Court): outcome: recommend dedication (unanimous).

","After months of edits and negotiation with the homeowners association, the commission voted to recommend that City Council accept dedication of internal streets in the Castlewood subdivision, contingent on final signatures and resolution of remaining legal questions in the stormwater management agreement.",{"_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},6121402,"Commission tables South Ninth Street parking-facility plan pending site visit and revisions",1210,263000,1473000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5&start=263&end=1473","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2702951-7b37f9880943b3ed41aa27e1b00af3f5/thumbnail_263000.jpg","/articles/6121402/Reading/Berks-County/Pennsylvania/Commission-tables-South-Ninth-Street-parking-facility-plan-pending-site-visit-and-revisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121402-81019903bfe5e1dfc667d886214b2f53/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140554&Signature=DekqKUeftaYyUH8bZQ1hAUcSxLD6hE1HCmaNsRE32lnm-G189IGL7Y3a2SxX6PtZ37sbIx7q6U8pNPA~FPRJhkkc5Xv1tF4i60LE5ofxJBLGFkt7AIQKKP~a06pOE1NeLmFJ5OzEmNPBMGFOSXo8oPIThJOFjzdp581HSFofV70JyooDJWrkJp2HB79wOKBGEwcVafCoNINbgoY2-XsFDVK8SCfYySBvTxn2pFCzZUAsJiP0Ey25XVkX9DRiPNcHyAUk6y~s-bVvfvl-szpgx4L6qpmgSn1-glyYLT85JS8r5WjCXzcrSQkWMi8e9mZ1d7BE72b53QJv0dGT-PjwTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Reading Planning Commission on Feb. 25 tabled review of a preliminary/final land‑development plan for a proposed South Ninth Street parking facility and adjacent flex building, citing outstanding stormwater, paving and curb issues and the need for a site visit.

Planning staff described the project as a proposed development on a roughly 32,230‑square‑foot parcel bounded by South Ninth Street and East Laurel Street that would include approximately 6,400 square feet of “flex” building space, an automobile rental/display area and about 64 off‑street parking spaces. Jerome, a planning staff member, summarized the materials submitted and recommended additional notes and safeguards on the recorded plan to limit future uses that could become salvage or junk yards.

Commissioners and Public Works staff flagged several unresolved items: an abbreviated stormwater management plan that uses assumptions staff want verified; missing plan details requested in county comments; unclear site accessibility confirmation from Fire & Rescue; and the condition of curbs and sidewalks on South Street. Public Works staff Tim said the city plans to pave South Street this summer and noted that the curbing on the south side is “very poor, almost to nonexistent,” which could affect the contractor’s ability to pave without curb work first.

The developer’s representative, Dan, told the commission the owner envisions a speculative (“spec”) flex building of small units that may house low‑occupancy commercial tenants (for example, plumbers), and that water/sewer demand would be minimal at buildout unless specific tenants with higher demand locate there. Planning staff asked for a written narrative justifying the assumed water use and EDU estimate so it can screen the zoning permit and future reviews. Jerome also recommended a phased approach to the project and said a municipal improvements agreement and a stormwater maintenance agreement will be necessary.

Commissioners asked whether two side‑by‑side driveway aprons and temporary fencing for phased parking areas would be allowed; staff said temporary fencing and phased security conditions could be considered with appropriate financial security for longer phasing. Multiple participants encouraged a joint site visit to inspect curbing condition, the gravel surface, and the proposed catchbasin locations; staff said a site visit would likely lead to plan revisions to address the stormwater and curb issues.

The commission voted to table the item pending a site visit and submission of revised plans and responses to county and public‑works comments. Staff and the applicant were instructed to coordinate dates for a site meeting, to provide a narrative on assumed water use and employee counts for zoning and sewer planning, and to resolve standard stormwater maintenance and municipal improvements agreement language prior to returning.

The action preserves the commission’s ability to act within the 90‑day review period; staff said the statutory 90‑day clock began with the applicant’s filing and that an extension was not required at this time.

Votes at a glance
- South Ninth Street parking-facility plan (preliminary/final land‑development plan): Motion to table pending site visit and revised submittal — outcome: tabled.

","The Reading Planning Commission tabled a preliminary/final land-development plan for a proposed South Ninth Street flex building and parking facility after staff and public‑works reviews raised stormwater, paving and curb concerns; commissioners and staff recommended a site visit and phased improvements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission forwards beekeeping ordinance to City Council, asks staff to prepare signage and outreach materials

Commission reaffirms Reading School District plan; staff to obtain letter of credit and finish signatures

Burn Street car‑wash project moves toward final agreements; applicant must replenish escrow

Planning commission recommends Castlewood streets be dedicated to the city, subject to stormwater agreement details

Commission tables South Ninth Street parking-facility plan pending site visit and revisions