Conservation Commission Speaks About the Sludge Discussion at the Conservation Commission meeting of March 24, 2025 revolved around the problems at the Gardner Sludge Landfill. Chairman Greg Dumas asked questions of DPW Director Dane Arnold and City Engineer Rob Oliva regarding options at the site. Dumas stated that he wouldContinue Reading

Deep Dive with the Chair Man and Chair Lady – Landfilling Biosolids In this episode of our “Deep Dive” series, Gardner Magazine covers an EPA report on Landfilling Biosolids, featuring the Pros and Cons as laid out by the EPA. With all of the discussion and public comment on theContinue Reading

Members of the CDBG Committee include Chair Evan Cudmore who is the Assistant Director of Community Development, Council President George Tyros, Jason Stevens who is Director of Community Development, Micah Blondeau who is Director of Public Health, Thomas Zuppa who is Building Commissioner, Shawn Hayden who is CEO of GAAMHA,Continue Reading

Top: Land Application. Middle: Landfill Bottom: Incineration. For additional EPA technical resources, visit the website, CLICK HERE. Some Sludge Facts for Greater Gardner MA It just so happens that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has produced some very interesting Fact Sheets on the basics of sewage sludge and biosolids. 3Continue Reading

The Gardner Board of Health sent Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson a letter regarding concerns about the Gardner Landfill, CLICK HERE. Conservation Commission Discusses Problems with Sludge Landfill Residents Alan Rousseau and Paul DeMeo spoke about alleged ongoing issues at the Gardner Sludge Landfill. Members discussed the possibility of modifying itsContinue Reading

Gardner Magazine Releases “We’ve Got the Sludge” – A Funky Environmental Song Debate and comments regarding the proposed Sludge Landfill Expansion in Gardner Massachusetts continue on almost a daily basis at Gardner Committee meetings and even at the Templeton Select Board Meeting of March 12th. Supporters cite economics and theContinue Reading

Conservation Commission Meets Regarding Various Properties and Various Concerns The Sludge Landfill issue was discussed very briefly with Chair Greg Dumas allowing only “new” material from the public. Considerable time was spent on 36 Nicole Terrace. The Homeowner allegedly cut down trees on an adjacent property which he did notContinue Reading

Horse Racing Proposal Back – This Time in Leominster Baystate Racing LLC is proposing a Horse Racing Track at the former landfill on Mechanic Street in Leominster. According to Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella, entry to the facility would be made via the interstate highway and not via Mechanic Street. AContinue Reading

Upcoming Meeting to Give Citizens Input on the Proposed Sludge Landfill Expansion On February 10, 2025, there will be a meeting at Gardner City Hall’s Perry Auditorium from 6 to 8pm. In the notice for the public meeting, the City of Gardner outlines its purpose to provide an overview ofContinue Reading

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson mentions in the short interview that $11 million was spent to upgrade the water treatment plant a few years back and a recent grant of $4 million was obtained by DPW Business Manager Chris Coughlin to do upgrades to the sewer treatment system. The City ofContinue Reading

GAAMHA Contractor Quits, Blames Social Media Harassment According to GAAMHA President and CEO Shawn Hayden, a contractor working on septic system improvements at the 827 Green Street facility quit abruptly via email, sending a screenshot of a Social Media posting allegedly by Paul DeMeo and informing GAAMHA that they didContinue Reading

Before and After the Big Mowing at Gardner Elementary School Much of the grounds at Gardner Elementary School have been mowed. The top photo shows how the grounds looked in violation of City Ordinance and State Law which contemplates the potential risk to children and adults from insects, rodents, andContinue Reading

Update September 3, 2024 Mayor Michael Nicholson explained: “MEPA stated they got enough complaints from individuals stating the 8 day notice was too short of a time, even though the minimum legal requirement is 7 days, so they have ordered the meeting be reposted with a 14 day notice.” MeetingContinue Reading

Chair Greg Dumas stated, “I’ve asked a hundred times what retainers are left on that job and I get a zero response. They think I’m an idiot. If they take all their retainers out, shame on the city.” Gardner Conservation Commission Introduces Agent Justin Enright Justin Enright was introduced asContinue Reading

Environmentally Safe Weed Removal in Gardner MA Gardner City Hall has announced that the Department of Public Works “will be working to remove the weeds from the sidewalks in areas of the Downtown beginning this week. To be environmentally friendly and safe to our pets, the solution used is aContinue Reading

Councilors consistently referenced risks, concerns about items not addressed completely, and opposition of most constituents contacting them. Gardner City Council Votes Unanimously Against the Horse Racetrack Gardner City Council voted 11 to 0 against the Horse Racetrack proposal by BayState Racing LLC. The City Council discussed the matter before theContinue Reading

Paving Update Given During Public Service Committee Meeting The first half of the meeting on July 29, 2024 concerned citizen appeals of water/sewer bills. The Public Service Committee adjudicates the appeals and decides on the amounts of credit awarded. DPW Director Dane Arnold spoke about paving and other updates inContinue Reading

CDBG Grants Announced in Front of School Street School School Street School has been vacant for almost 40 years, has fallen in to disrepair, often has vandals and police calls. Gardner applied for a Community Development Block Grant to demolish the building and received it along with others to benefitContinue Reading

Conservation Commission Hears About Racetrack at Meeting of July 22, 2024 The public was reminded that the subject of the proposed Horse Racetrack at 827 Green Street in Gardner was not on the agenda of the July 22nd meeting, but nevertheless the public was able to voice various opinions towardsContinue Reading