Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson announced at this meeting that he is insisting that future meetings of the Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee and meetings of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority be recorded to provide transparency to the public.
Publisher’s Note: Highly recommend you listen to this meeting as Director Stevens provides detailed information and answers important questions. Director Stevens has been on the job for just 1 month.
Director Jason Stevens Provides Detailed Report to Economic and Community Development Committee
On February 18, 2025, the committee met for the first time and heard from Community Development and Planning Director Jason Stevens. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
According to Stevens, based on email exchanges he analyzed, previous Director Trevor Beauregard was not forthcoming with information he should have communicated to the Mayor and the City Council. While the Maki Park Project was not discussed in detail, errors in that project and an investigative report on it by Councilor George Tyros precipitated the desire for more Council oversight and the creation of the committee. Much of Stevens report was an explanation of issues with CDBG grants not handled properly by the Department and an issue regarding fill material at the Rear Main Street Project which will cost the City money to correct. Construction timelines will be delayed as a result. Stevens detailed his plans going forward.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson added further information. Both Stevens and the Mayor responded to questions. Stevens explained how he has a handle on the various situations going forward and detailed plans on how he will make sure members of the department are trained appropriately so they know how to handle matters properly.