If you follow along on facebook you are probably aware that back in January I joined the board of the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda. The iconic structure has been closed to the public since COVID related closures back in 2020. A building and grounds assessment was conducted in 2023 which determined the building itself would need roughly $3 million in repairs, and the stone walls which hold the parking lot and structure on the mountain would need to be reinforced to the tune of $7 million. The entire project will cost about $10 million. The Foundation’s immediate task is to raise as much as we can to contribute to those needed repairs, as well as advocate for the structure.

Some of the interior work that needs to be done is complete overhaul of hvac, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as cosmetic updates.

The project has been open to bidders for a few months, but no bids were made due to some issues contractors had with the City’s Responsible Contractor Ordinance (RCO). RCO’s are generally a set of standards put forth to ensure quality work is done, and prevent any “lowest bidder” shoddy business. I can not speak specifically to this RCO or what the issue was with it for the contractors.

Last night I had the opportunity to address Reading’s City Council about their vote in approving to waive the RCO requirements so bids from contractors that do not necessarily meet all the RCO requirements could be considered and awarded. It was imperative to do so, because the city risks losing $3 million in ARPA funds that were designated for Pagoda restoration if the contracts are not awarded by the end of 2024.

City council voted unanimously to approve to waive the RCO requirements – and hopefully this project can get off the ground before 2025. Below you can watch my brief address to city council, followed by a few of my fellow board members.