Redevelopment Of Old Chronicle Building Prompts Traffic Change

READING, MA — A project to transform the former Reading Chronicle site into a mixed-use development is now underway.

According to a statement from the town, site work and construction began at 531 Main Street on Wednesday, prompting a traffic change in the area. The town will temporarily make Chapin Avenue a one-way street, citing limited visibility at the Main Street intersection due to construction, as well as a history of crashes in the area.

"Sign installation will be completed shortly and will dictate traffic to travel eastbound, away from Main street.," according to a statement from the town.

The project calls for the demolition of the Chronicle building and construction of seven two-bedroom residential units, with 600 square feet of commercial space, the Reading Post reported in February.

The design was scaled down after a lengthy review process by the Community Planning and Development Commission. It was originally proposed as a four-story building with a garage underneath, but was reduced to a height of 41 feet to be within zoning guidelines, the Post reported.