City Council Gardner MA

Conservation Commission Reviews Wetlands Protection Act Compliance for Various Local Projects

The Gardner Conservation Commission met on November 10, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Commission held several public hearings and administrative updates. The primary focus of the meeting is the review of Wetlands Protection Act compliance for various local projects, including a request to build a carport at 31 Travers Street that faces significant opposition due to its proximity to a brook and within a no-build zone. Two other notices of intent are discussed: one for drainage improvements at Dunn State Park and another for a building addition and parking lot at Mount Wachusett Community College, both of which receive favorable reviews for improving environmental conditions. The commission also addresses a proposal for a multi-purpose barn at 827 Green Street for a treatment facility, which is continued pending a state file number, and concludes with updates on a culvert replacement and meeting scheduling.

PRESS RELEASE on PDF, CLICK HERE.

GARDNER COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE: Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.

Gardner City Council and The Senior Center/AARP Join Forces for Community Food Drive

Gardner City Councilors Judy Mack and Dana Heath as well as Gardner Senior Center Director Mike Ellis have joined forces to hold a Community Food Drive to benefit the Gardner CAC Food Pantry on Saturday November 15th from 9am to 11:30am at Price Chopper, Walmart, and Hannaford. In addition, Hannaford on Sunday November 16th from 9am to 11:30am.

Items Needed:

Canned Fruit	Canned Vegetables	Granola Bars
Peanut Butter	Baking Mixes	Fruit Snacks
Cookies	Ramen packs or cups	Juice Boxes
Crackers including Gluten free	Pasta – all types and Canned Spaghetti Sauce	Rice
Applesauce	Canned Pasta	Spices / Cooking Oils
Jelly	Instant Mashed Potatoes	Cranberry Sauce
Pudding Cups	Gravy Mixes	Canned Soups

Environmental Review, Capital Improvements, and Finances – a Gardner Airport Update

The members of the Gardner Airport Commission met on November 5, 2025 and discussed several ongoing and upcoming projects at the airport. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Key topics included the status of the wildlife hazard site visit and its associated payments, the environmental review process for tree clearing easements and fence installation, and the Obstruction Study report review by Mass DOT and the FAA. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), specifically the funding and logistics for acquiring navigation easements to clear trees, highlighting the current 95% federal funding opportunity for fiscal year 2026. Finally, the meeting includes an update on airport finances, detailing attempts to secure leftover runway project funds and independent fee monies, as well as routine operational updates like fuel sales and equipment status.

Planning Board Meets on Private Gardner Projects

The Gardner Planning Board met on November 4, 2025 to address several key development projects and proposed ordinance amendments. The board first discusses the continuation of a public hearing for a Mount Wachusett Community College building addition due to recently submitted definitive site plans that require more review time. Following this, a representative presents a preliminary site plan for a new barn, offices, and classrooms at 827 Green Street to be used for animal-assisted therapy, focusing heavily on challenges related to storm water management, high groundwater, and a proposed septic system. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Finally, the board reviews two proposed zoning ordinances: one to allow cottage kitchens in residential areas and another to promote housing growth and production by reducing parking requirements, expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) flexibility, and creating a housing priority overlay district.

Councilor Judy Mack spoke of the food crisis in the community and announced that the Gardner City Council would be having a food drive. Gardner Magazine will provide more details when available, but this is what the Councilor said: Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Two Meetings of Gardner MA City Council on November 3, 2025

1st: The joint public hearing between the Gardner City Council and Planning Board regarding proposed amendments to the city’s zoning code:

The first concerned an ordinance to allow the operation and use of cottage kitchens (home-based commercial kitchens) in residential districts, with Mayor Mike Nicholson advocating for the change to support small businesses.

The second, more extensive discussion focused on a comprehensive ordinance designed to promote housing growth and production in the city by addressing a housing supply and demand crisis through measures such as permitting small homes (tiny homes) and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), expediting permitting, creating a starter home overlay, and easing residential parking requirements. Testimony was heard both in favor of and in opposition to the proposed zoning changes, with the primary opposition and council concerns revolving around the limited scope of the proposed multi-family overlay district and the impact of the reduced parking requirements on existing neighborhoods.

Complete Agenda and Packet CLICK HERE.

Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.

2nd: Regular City Council Meeting – The Council authorized the loan for the Gardner Middle School Roof Replacement Project. The $6.9 million dollar project will get up to 80% reimbursed by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The measure required a 2/3 vote to pass and did pass with 11 Yeas, (unanimously).

Complete Agenda and Packet CLICK HERE.

Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK HERE.

Board of Health Deals with Bed Bug Infestation at Local Complex

During the Board of Health Meeting of October 27, 2025, a severe bed bug infestation at a local apartment complex was discussed among the Board members, Acting Board of Health Director Angella DiPrima, and a tenant. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

A significant portion of the meeting addresses an ongoing, severe bed bug infestation at a local apartment complex, with public comments from a tenant highlighting issues like non-compliant residents, inadequate treatment, and a lack of communication from property management.

The board discusses several Health Department updates, including recent staff resignations which included former Director Micah Blondeau. Also discussed: new hires, progress on the landfill transfer station projects, and multiple ongoing issues with food establishments and housing violations, including a new case in housing court. The meeting concludes with discussions on public health emergency preparedness.

CDBG Steering Committee Meeting Focuses on Various Project Funding

Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The meeting focused on discussions and motions related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Key actions include transferring $102,447 in unused demolition funds from the 205-213 Main Street project to complete the Greenwood Pool demolition, which is nearing completion. A significant portion of the meeting addresses the proposed transfer of $618,200 from the cancelled School Street School Demolition Project to fund the construction of a new Greenwood Pool Pavilion, pending a revised cost estimate that complies with the Build America Buy America Act. The committee also reviewed potential future projects for unallocated CDBG funds, including an expansion of the St. Paul’s Community Garden and discussing the requirements for a potential multi-unit housing rehabilitation project. Finally, the committee received updates on the approval status of the FY2025 CDBG application and progress on the sale of the former 205-213 Main Street property.

Sludge, Sewer, Drainage and Excavation Subject of Conservation Commission Meeting.

The Gardner Conservation Commission met on October 27, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Members discuss various municipal and development issues, including ongoing enforcement orders related to the Gardner Sludge Landfill and properties at Nicole Terrace and Brookside Drive, with updates on monitoring and vegetation reestablishment. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a Request for Determination of Applicability for a new sewer line installation at a bus facility, necessitated by the existing flat sewer line frequently backing up, where the commission ultimately grants approval contingent on erosion control measures. Additionally, the commission addresses a Notice of Intent for drainage improvements and repaving at Dunn State Park, focusing on the need for an updated Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan before granting approval, and also discusses a property status update where excavation work deviated from the original engineered plans due to hitting ledge.

Golf Commission Takes First Step Towards $7 Million Project

At the Golf Commission Meeting of October 20, 2025, the commission approved a $33,000 feasibility study which is needed before seeking City Council approval for the overall $7 Million project. Gardner Mayor Nicholson and Councilor Judy Mack were also at the meeting. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The discussion centered on a proposed building feasibility study for a new facility, including the complex financing structure—an estimated $7 million project with an 80/20 funding split between the city’s general fund and the golf enterprise fund—and the legal necessity of conducting the $33,000 study before seeking City Council approval for the overall project. Other topics addressed include managing ongoing golf course maintenance challenges like severe water issues and aeration, the planned leasing of new equipment totaling about a quarter of a million dollars, and updates on the management of tournament and handicap committees within the golf department. The commission ultimately votes to proceed with the planning and fund the feasibility study, concluding with financial updates and setting the next meeting date.

Is it a Sign or Architectural Feature? – Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals

The Gardner Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 21, 2025. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

The Meeting focused on a variance request on behalf of Nouria, a convenience store brand. Nouria sought relief regarding the placement of a wall sign that was designed to protrude above an existing parapet wall on a building currently under renovation. The board members and the applicants debated the definition of a parapet wall, the concept of financial hardship required for a variance, and potential alternative architectural solutions that might allow the sign to conform to the ordinance without needing the variance. Ultimately, the board continued the case to the following month, advising the applicants to consult with the building commissioner to explore whether their proposed design could be classified as an architectural feature rather than a sign violation.