Money spent on the Waterford Community Center so far exceeds $1.3 million. A bill signed by the Governor this summer means long-term lease agreements can now be signed with prospective tenants. If interested, check with the City of Gardner as to the process.
Bringing a Dream to Reality – the Promise of Waterford Community Center in Gardner
From the announcement in summer 2022 to getting to the current official name “Waterford Community Center”, Gardner Mayor Nicholson has stuck with the project through its ups and downs, challenges, and legal hurdles. Now with an investment so far in State, Federal, and City funds of over $1.3 million as shown on the spreadsheet in this article, the City of Gardner has been formally authorized by Governor Healey’s signature to move forward on tenant leases. Gardner Magazine spoke with Gardner Mayor Nicholson about the Waterford Community Center. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Not shown on the spreadsheet is the future expenditure to be made by a solar company who will be taking on the estimated $450,000 cost of a new roof. Other continued work is expected. The Gardner CAC is expected to move in sometime in the coming months. Growing Places has been operating at the site with a license agreement and is expected to be a long-term tenant. The Gardner Senior Center also plans a move to the building. GAAMHA was among those initially interested.
550k loan approved by City Council has been spent as indicated on left for a total of $539, 221.22 (included in larger spreadsheet above)
Projected lease agreements of about $500,000 per year are expected to more than cover the costs associated with the continued operation of the building. Mayor Nicholson anticipates the principal of the $550k loan to be paid off within 5 years. An official long-term name still has to be chosen. It may be “Gardner Community Center” or it may be another name. And now, rather than another abandoned building, Gardner City officials came through for the taxpayers and with funding from various sources to have a building worth more than 20-30 times the investment. Gardner Magazine will keep you informed as more developments are known about this exciting addition to Gardner.