The Reading Planning Commission on Oct. 28 approved a staff recommendation to reduce the construction escrow for the Reading School District High School STEM Academy (801 North Ninth Street) and authorized the chairman to execute the municipal improvements agreement and the stormwater management maintenance agreement.

Jerome, planning staff, told the commission the two most recent site inspections (Oct. 9 and Oct. 17) showed roughly 80% of exterior concrete work (curbs, sidewalks, ramps) complete. Staff reported remaining items: about 120 linear feet of curb and some uneven sidewalk segments, a clogged sidewalk inlet, and outstanding site improvements including a stormwater management maintenance agreement and a recorded land‑development plan.

The project originally carried a $2,100,000 escrow. In May 2025 the escrow was reduced to $1,311,000 (about 62% of then‑reported construction cost). The applicant requested an additional $394,100 reduction; staff recommended an immediate reduction of $315,280 while a follow‑up inspection is scheduled.

Commissioner discussion focused on executing the existing improvement agreement rather than creating a new maintenance bond. The body voted to: 1) approve the recommended escrow reduction of $315,280; and 2) authorize the chairman of the planning commission to execute the municipal improvements agreement and the stormwater management maintenance agreement consistent with the Falk Valley Associates review letter dated Oct. 25, 2025. Staff said inspection and administration fees paid by the district will be applied prior to final accounting, and a final site inspection will follow pending weather conditions.

No individual roll‑call names were recorded in the audio; the motion passed by voice vote among commissioners present.