For more information from the Massachusetts Legislature official site, CLICK HERE.
The History of Changing Waterford to General Municipal Use
The City of Gardner was formally authorized in July 2024 to move forward with its Waterford Community Center plans when the Governor signed a bill submitted in April by State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. See printable copy, CLICK HERE. Very specifically, the land was authorized to be used for general municipal purposes instead of use as a public school. The bill was referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government in April, got reported favorably by that committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy, and Scheduling in May, enacted by the House on July 17th, by the Senate on July 18th, and signed by Governor Healey on July 25th. A lengthy and completely transparent process handled in a completely lawful manner. The formal authorization allows the City of Gardner to move forward on leases with tenants.
There have been some posts on a rogue Gardner Facebook group by a former Gardner City Councilor which are completely inaccurate and factually wrong as is proven by our article which reports the facts.