Administrative Disputes, Projects, Agreements, Finances, and Maintenance Topics of Airport Commission
The Gardner Airport Commission met on May 6, 2026. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
- Governance Crisis: Evidence was presented suggesting that two sitting commissioners have been voting without valid appointments since March 2025, potentially rendering a year’s worth of Commission actions illegal.
- Project Status: Federal environmental reviews for airport improvements are nearing completion, and a 100% state-funded Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) is being initiated to streamline future maintenance and permitting.
- Contractual Disputes: Negotiations with the Boston RC Jet Club have stalled over “bailout” clauses and payment structures, with commissioners expressing frustration over the club’s perceived lack of commitment.
- Operational Health: Fuel sales for April 2026 resulted in a net return of $2,664.44 to the city, while essential equipment maintenance (mowers and hangar doors) was completed to prepare for the summer season.
The Gardner Magazine Wildlife Cartoon is presented here due to some very real wildlife sightings on or near the airfield. The Gardner Airport Commission emphasized the need for continued monitoring due to the following:
- Bear: Spotted via camera near the fuel farm at 9:00 PM.
- Bobcat: Sighted on the south end of the field.
- Snapping Turtle: A “giant” turtle was removed from the runway.
Wildlife commonly spotted at municipal airports around the country includes birds—specifically gulls, geese, starlings, and raptors like hawks and owls—along with mammals such as deer, coyotes, rabbits, and foxes. These animals are attracted to the expansive open, grassy spaces and, in some cases, coastal locations that resemble habitats
