READING., Pa. – During its committee-of-the-whole meeting on Monday night, Reading City Council discussed a proposed ordinance that was introduced to extend a lease agreement with the Reading Parking Authority.
The lease is for the parking lot at 213 South 11th Street, for a 15-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
During the discussion, council determined the authority does not currently have a use for the lot and has never presented a long-term plan for the property.
Councilman Jaime Baez asked what the upkeep and the maintenance in the lot entails as it is a flat surface with gravel.
“I don’t know how comfortable I personally feel in my district about this parking lot,” Baez said. “I have residents asking all the time when it’s going to be paved and when it’s going to be open. Nothing’s being done with it, and 15 years is a long time. From my understanding from residents, it’s not open right now.”
The lot extends an entire block to Wunder Street.
Managing Director Jack Gombach suggested council have a conversation with the authority concerning its capital plan.
Some council members questioned whether the city-owned lot could be used for development for much-needed affordable housing in the city.
Council President Donna Reed said it is her recommendation that during the regular voting meeting next week, council should move to table the lease agreement until more information can be obtained.
In another matter, Reed said next week’s meeting will be the annual organization meeting and council will need to appoint a vice-president, as that is done every two years.
Councilman Chris Miller said he will nominate Vanessa Campos for the position, and current vice-president Melissa Ventura said she wants to nominate Baez.
Both Campos and Baez said they would be willing to serve as vice-president.
The other three members of council did not discuss who they would want to see in the number two position on council.