Reading City Council has approved new regulations for vacant properties and backyard beekeeping, along with more than $3 million in contracts for paving, trail improvements and specialized equipment.
Among the measures receiving final approval were companion ordinances overhauling the city’s vacant and abandoned property program.
The first creates a new chapter of the city code covering vacant, non-code-compliant properties and requires qualifying properties to be registered every six months. The second establishes a sliding fee schedule ranging from $200 to $5,000.
Reading proposes expanded vacant property registry to target blight
Councilman O. Christopher Miller stressed that the regulations are aimed at properties that remain vacant for extended periods, not homes temporarily empty because they are being renovated or are between sale and settlement.
“This is for properties that are vacant a year, two years, 10 years,” Miller said. “There’s a difference.”
Council also approved zoning regulations allowing honeybee apiaries as a by-right accessory use in all zoning districts when they comply with the Pennsylvania Bee Law and city requirements.
Reading considers rules for honeybee apiaries
Miller said beekeeping already exists in Reading and the regulations have been under development for several years.
“It’s good to see it finally come to fruition,” he said.
Councilman Rafael Nunez, who said his first career was in agricultural science, also supported the measure, saying honeybees contribute to nature, the city and its residents.
Council separately approved requiring zoning permits for both major and minor home occupations, with a $150 fee. Councilman Jaime Baez Jr. attempted to reduce the fee to $100, but his amendment failed for lack of a second.
Also approved was a $75,000 budget amendment recognizing money from the Comcast franchise agreement for BCTV equipment and upgrades. Council President Donna Reed said the improvements will enhance BCTV’s operations, including an education channel associated with the Reading School District.
Through its consent agenda, council approved an $80,570 remote-operated robotic mower for vegetation management on Mount Penn Preserve and Neversink Mountain. The equipment is intended to make maintaining steep slopes and dense brush safer and more efficient.
Council also awarded a $949,495 contract to H&P Construction Ltd. for the 18W Trail Project along East Wyomissing and Hancock boulevards. The work includes curb and pavement reconstruction, bicycle path markings, sidewalks and curb ramps.
A $2.13 million contract with Allan Myers Inc. was approved for the city’s 2026 paving program, with work expected to be completed by Oct. 31.
Council authorized applications for $3.5 million in federal lead-hazard reduction funding and $3 million for the Healthy Homes Production program. The city reported that its existing lead-remediation programs have addressed 184 homes using federal and state funding.
Another application seeks $1 million through the state Main Street Matters program for the second phase of development at 450 Penn St. The grant requires a $100,000 match, expected to come primarily through waived permit fees.
Council also accepted a $15,000 state grant for emergency medical services and shifted $40,000 within the Building Trades budget from contracted services to temporary wages.
Two new ordinances were introduced. One would recognize a $183,600 state grant, with a $26,400 city match, for the final phase of the Reading Skate Park on Canal Street. The other would restrict truck traffic on portions of Pansy Street, River Road and Bingaman Street and increase the fine for violations from $25 to $150.
Council also appointed Alexander Roche to the Reading Housing Authority and reappointed James Schlegel to the FirstEnergy Stadium Commission.
Reed welcomed Roche, commending him for coming forward to serve. She also welcomed Schlegel’s return, noting the value of his institutional knowledge.