Publisher’s note: The first case is an example of a difficulty faced by a multi-unit property owner losing grandfather status which the Hardern-Nicholson proposal for zoning change was designed to alleviate. Two Cases, Two Different Situations at ZBA Meeting The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of December 16, 2025Continue Reading

This article focuses on the common license renewal hurdles and how to overcome them with advance planning. The infographic below can serve as a helpful guide. Late and Incomplete Renewal Applications Focus of License Commission Meeting The Gardner License Commission met on December 16, 2025 with the proceedings focused primarilyContinue Reading

The Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee met on December 12th and focused on updates for numerous municipal projects. Those projects are seen in the infographic below. Many Project Updates at Development Committee Rounds out Busy 2025 Listen to the lengthy meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY. The Gardner EconomicContinue Reading

Winter Maintenance and Planning for New Facility on Agenda at Golf Commission Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. In the Meeting: An update on a building feasibility study for a new restaurant with architects. The commission addresses golf course maintenance efforts, specifically focusing on winterizing equipmentContinue Reading

Another Super Exciting Board of Assessors Meeting in Gardner MA Always exciting, the Gardner Board of Assessors met on Thursday, December 11th. The business-like 2 minute meeting focused on procedural matters including the acceptance of meeting minutes, the denial of a motor vehicle excise abatement due to timing issues relatingContinue Reading

Huge Undiscovered Leak, Cost of Irrigation During Drought and Project Updates Subject of Public Service Committee Meeting Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Representatives from a childcare program came in to appeal a significantly high water bill despite plumbers finding no leak, leading to a discussionContinue Reading

Anne Hurst re Maki Park :” ..it might meet requirements, but it’s still not right.” as Disability Commission Meets The Gardner Disability Commission met on December 10, 2025 and Chair Anne Hurst and other members expressed multiple frustrations with the status of the project, while also acknowledging and expressing appreciationContinue Reading

The sound you hear during the Public Safety meeting is the ongoing work being done at the front Portico of City Hall. We have an extensive infographic below. Department Updates: Fire, Police, and Health During Public Safety Committee Meeting. The Gardner Public Safety Committee met on December 11, 2025. ChiefContinue Reading

Planning Board Focuses on Various Sites During Meeting City of Gardner Planning Board meeting on December 9, 2025, detailed several important municipal topics. Key agenda items included addressing a withdrawn site plan application for a Mount Wachusett Community College project, which was withdrawn after modifications lowered the required number ofContinue Reading

City Council Addresses Critical Legislative, Administrative, and Infrastructure Matters Complete Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Public hearings were held to advance two related National Grid utility projects, installing underground conduits and transformers as part of the broader Rear Main StreetContinue Reading

Council on Aging Reviews Community Impact plus Financial and Operational Health The Gardner Council on Aging met on December 1, 2025. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The December 1, 2025, Gardner Council on Aging Board Meeting, detailed both the administrative status of the Senior Center andContinue Reading

Gardner CAC, MVOC, and Pool Pavilion Project to Benefit from Reallocated CDBG Funds At its November meeting, the Gardner Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee met regarding the transfer of $158k in unused funds from completed demolition and improvement projects to the Gardner Community Action Committee and the Massachusetts VeteransContinue Reading

Planning Board Holds 2 Minute Meeting and Gets the Job Done The Gardner Planning Board held a 2 minute meeting on November 25, 2025. Listen to the exciting meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The meeting focused on reviewing a proposed change to the city’s zoning ordinances concerning Accessory DwellingContinue Reading

Financial Orders, Municipal Discussions, and Complex Legal Considerations Focus of Finance Committee Meeting The Gardner Finance Committee met on November 25, 2025. 197 page packet, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Key orders recommended for approval by the full City Council included the appropriationContinue Reading

Auditor Search Committee meets following John Richard’s Resignation As John Richard resigned from the position as City Auditor for the City of Gardner, a special search committee was formed. Listen to their first meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Special Search Committee meeting for the Gardner City Auditor wasContinue Reading

Environmental Challenges and Modernization Topics at Conservation Commission Listen to the entire meeting of November 24, 2025 on any device, CLICK PLAY. Discussions revolved around several environmental and administrative issues. Key points include a citizen’s request to keep an enforcement order open and continue monitoring the Gardner Sludge Landfill, citingContinue Reading

Gardner Board of Health Addresses Various Municipal and Departmental Concerns At the Gardner Board of Health meeting of November 24, 2025, the 5 members discussed various immediate concerns. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Key discussions include a detailed report on the Health Department’s operational status,Continue Reading

The Maki Park Project is anticipated to be formally closed out at the 2nd City Council meeting of December. Maki Park Subject of Economic Development Committee Meeting The Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee met on November 21, 2025. Listen to the complete meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. DirectorContinue Reading

Public Welfare Committee Hears about Gardner Recreation from Dan Forte and about the Gardner Airport from Isabelle Davis The Gardner Public Welfare Committee met on November 18, 2025 with Councilors Judy Mack, David Thibeault-Munoz, and Dana Heath assembled to hear updates. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY. Recreation Director DanContinue Reading

View the entire agenda and packet on pdf, CLICK HERE. Gardner MA City Council Met on November 17, 2025 Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Housing Ordinance passed. Request to utilize just over 200 grand for road paving was approved. Gardner Mayor Nicholson gave aContinue Reading

Gardner Ad Hoc Committee sends recommendations to City Council Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Gardner Ad Hoc Compensation Proposal Committee met on November 17, 2025. Gardner Mayor Nicholson chaired the meeting which reviewed the comprehensive packet distributed to members including a list of positionsContinue Reading