Gardner MA Public Welfare Committee Hears About COA Members, Property Uses, and Cannabis Limit
Now chaired by Judy Mack, with member Dana Heath present, and member James Boone absent, the Gardner Public Welfare Committee heard from Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. First up was a change to eliminate Golden Age and AARP permanent automatic seats with the Council on Aging so that all members go through same vetting process. Committee voted to recommend this to the City Council. Play AUDIO on any device.
The Committee is referring to the Planning Board a request from Mayor Nicholson to amend zoning from rural residential to commercial 2 for 12 parcels of land going from Green Street towards Winchendon line on Route 140, to avoid safety issues which could occur should hundreds of homes be built on the parcels. Regarding the Mayor asking the City to add Sports Betting to the Zoning Table of uses, Councilor Mack stated, “I appreciate you being proactive on this”. City Council will now vote on the matter which would allow the City to regulate just where in the City Sports Betting can take place.
A proposal to increase the number of possible Cannabis establishments in Gardner to 4 was sent to the Planning Board for review.
Next meeting with be March 9, 2023 at the Golf Course to see some newly acquired equipment. Other upcoming meetings will deal with various budgets.