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City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 7/20/26 | City of Reading, PA
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Capital Improvement Fund Budget Amended for Acquisition of Center Avenue Property
City Council reviewed Bill 60-2026, an administrative measure to amend the Capital Improvement Fund budget. The bill authorizes an increase in the expense account for building and building improvements by approximately $512,825. These funds are designated for the purchase of the property at 24 Center Avenue, including associated closing costs. This action is part of the process to finalize the acquisition of the property.
One-Year Moratorium Extension on Parking Violations Approved for Traffic Calming Initiatives
City Council considered Bill 59-2026, proposing a one-year extension of a temporary moratorium on parking violation notices for several intersections and street segments. This extension is intended to allow time for traffic engineering processes and grant applications necessary to implement traffic calming measures on Hampton Boulevard and North Vist Street. The council also discussed the need for improved education and communication with parking authority employees regarding signage and the purpose of the moratorium to prevent continued issuance of tickets.
Parking Restrictions Adjusted on Penn Street for Arena Pickup Zones
City Council considered Bill 58-2026, which aims to adjust parking regulations on the south side of the 700 block of Penn Street. The proposed change involves restricting parking along this block, with the exception of two designated 10-minute pickup zone spaces to be located at the main entrance of the arena at 7th and Penn. This adjustment was presented as a straightforward measure recommended by the city engineer and public works to facilitate quick pickups for both the hotel and the arena.
City Council Reviews Comprehensive Historic Preservation Evaluation and Recommendations
The city council reviewed and discussed a draft evaluation report for its Certified Local Government (CLG) program, focusing on recommendations for updating historic preservation ordinances, improving accessibility of information, and enhancing staffing and review processes. The evaluation, conducted by Megan McNish of the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, identified needs for ordinance rewrites, translation of materials into Spanish, integration into digital permitting, and development of design guidelines, with proposed timelines ranging from immediate to long-term. Various council members and city staff provided input on the feasibility, funding, and implementation of these recommendations, particularly concerning staffing, grant opportunities, and the interim operational status of the historic preservation review board.
Progress and Concerns Raised Regarding Proposed Homeless Shelter Project
Councilmember Rafael expressed concern regarding the status of a proposed shelter at Lehigh Street and School Avenue, citing daily inquiries from constituents about its progress and expressing distress over the suffering of individuals experiencing homelessness, especially during inclement weather. City staff provided an update indicating that PennDOT has approved the project moving closer to a laundromat area and is working with property owners on site improvements. A timeframe for PennDOT's approval is pending, and a collaborative effort to draft a letter requesting expedited approval was proposed.
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