Master Plan Adopted by Planning Board After a Year of Work
The Gardner Planning Board officially voted to adopt a new Master Plan at the May 12, 2026 meeting, replacing the previous document dated from 1974/1975. The plan was facilitated by the Barrett Planning Group and funded by a grant from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Development of the plan began in April 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The Master Plan was developed utilizing staff – board – and committee interviews, community surveys, public workshops, drop- in events, and public comments. The Master Plan is centered on a 20-year vision for the City of Gardner emphasizing a sense of community in maintaining the existing social fabric, natural resources -protecting open spaces and recreation areas, affordable housing in addressing the need for diverse housing options, and balancing growth with preservation such as revitalizing the Downtown Gardner area and encouraging new business while protecting Gardner’s historical architecture and “sense of place.”
The Master Plan identifies several challenges and opportunities that transcend specific departments:
- Economic Transition: Acknowledging the loss of the industrial core and the need to replace “missing pieces of previous employment opportunities.”
- Demographic Shifts: Addressing an aging population and a decrease in new families moving to the area.
- Sustainability and Resilience: Integrating modern environmental standards into city planning.
- Outside Funding: A continued reliance on state and federal grants for project implementation.
Other meeting topics and actions: Officials approved a site plan for a new convenience store and gas station at 677 Timpany Boulevard, (Walmart) contingent upon specific environmental and drainage requirements. . Additionally, the board appointed a representative to a regional transportation committee and announced the upcoming review of a five-year housing production plan.
