Top Five Stories Last Week

In case you missed the top stories this past week, here is a list of five articles that topped the charts.

1. . An electronic billboard on West Street, adjacent to Interstate 93. This article on the warrant for Monday’s special Town Meeting generated significant heat at Tuesday’s selectmen’s meeting.

About 20 people urged the selectmen to reject a proposed zoning change to allow an electronic billboard on land owned by the Mobil station. The “hosting” fee the town could receive – between $25,000 and $50,000 a year, according to the article background - is insignificant, speakers said, compared with the anticipated loss of home values in the area because of a billboard.

2. Lawmakers Propose Comprehensive Reforms To Sex Offender Registry. Local lawmakers told the Boston-area media Wednesday that they have filed comprehensive legislation aimed at improving the ways information about sex offenders is shared between law enforcement, state agencies, and the public.

3. Assistant David Williams Replaces Longtime RMHS Track Coach. Reading Memorial High School Assistant Track Coach David Williams is the new head coach for the girls' team. Williams is filling the shoes of longtime head coach Ken Feit. Feit left his position after more than 30 years, but Williams had been by his side for 15.

4. North Reading Plaza Sold for $11.6 Million. According to a Boston.com article, North Reading Plaza was sold by Great Island Development to RK Centers for $11.6 million. Cushman & Wakefield represented Great Island Development in the deal, the article said.

5. Reading Library Project Cost Estimate Up Some $5 Million. A $5 million higher estimate for the Reading Public Library renovation and expansion project was one of the top items discussed at Tuesday's selectmen meeting.