Gardner MA
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- Bombaci 3-18-24
Progress in Downtown Gardner – Interview with Jon Bombaci on March 18, 2024
We had the honor of speaking with Jon Bombaci of Candor Realty on March 18, 2024. The reason was some big news happening in the Bull Nose Building at 25 Main Street, the arrival this summer or fall of a brand new Coffee Shop, Restaurant, and Bakery. It will be the third location for Brilla who currently operate in Holden and Northborough. The spot will be about 3500 – 4000 square feet upon completion is planned to be by October or sooner. Listen to the complete interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Bombaci stated, “They’re a great, great established coffee shop, but they’re going to be launching a full-scale restaurant in the building, complete with a whole bunch of other things that they’re experimenting with down in their Holden location. So we’re excited…. so I think they’re going to go from breakfast all the way through dinner. They’re planning to serve alcohol. They’re planning to kind of be open for whatever it is you want, and having a changing menu from breakfast, lunch, to dinner. They’re already experimenting with this in Holden, and they found some success at it, and so we’re kind of looking forward to helping them launch full service, three meals a day type of a space.”
Other plans for the 25 Main Street building include setting aside 800 square feet for Candor Realty offices. The second and third floor are going to be apartments with a total of 14 units of mostly two bedroom units. Press Release from Candor Realty regarding Brilla.
The Garbose Building
Bombaci spoke about progress on the building. “ We’re working on a couple of leases, but should have announcement over a business moving into what is 8 Parker. That will kind of complete the ground floor. Upstairs, the framing is going on, but we’re kind of at a little bit of a stop where the buildings require a tremendous amount of electricity, which makes sense. And so the holdup at the moment is we’re working with National Grid on sourcing power.” The issue is that with using more electricity to heat and cool, National Grid needs to provide a new transformer. There’s actually a shortage of transformers nationwide which is holding up building. Aside from rough framing and inspections, they will wait “until we can get a firm timeline from National Grid on when we’ll be able to energize the building.” We found an excellent article from Builder on this Nationwide issue, CLICK HERE. Apparently, the shortage of transformers has even slowed down the completion of single family homes.
Other Buildings
82-84 Main Street, a vacant commercial building. “There’s two spaces there that we’re working on filling, and then there’s a basement with a walkout to the back, which is kind of cool.” 88 Main Street is where they have their current offices. Work was wrapped up in 2023 at 104 Parker Street where the Buffer Zone hair salon is.
Real Estate Forecast
Jon Bombaci was very honest in that it is hard to predict the direction of the Real Estate market, but “The real estate market in 2024 is ramping up…There’s a lot of people out looking at houses. The buyer demand is there. Rates haven’t come down yet. So that’s kind of kept people in check a little bit.”
Mission of the Company
Jon Bombaci spoke about his company: “Historically, what our focus is value-add multifamily. We like buying two to 50-unit type buildings, fixing some operational problems, increasing the building, make them safer, update them, make them more comfortable for everybody, and then either pass them off to our investors or refinance them and do those types of things. We have a full service team where we do in-house construction, we do in-house property management, and we’re getting to the point that we’re offering those services to other people. So we’ve historically only helped our clients, but now we’re kind of getting to the point that we can help people we don’t know. And so part of our goal is, you know, our mission is to help people reach financial independence to real estate.” Candor Realty website, CLICK HERE.
- Cyber Secure
Under Bob O’Keefe’s IT Leadership, Gardner, MA is setting another Gold Standard for Excellence, this time in how it handles Cyber Security and attempts to be ahead of the curve and ahead of the threats.
Publisher’s Note; With threats from hackers within the United States and concerns about possible cyber attacks from other countries such as China or Russia, being proactive now saves money later.
Gardner’s IT Director O’Keefe is Proactive Cyber Protector
Gardner Magazine recently visited Gardner MA IT Director Bob O’Keefe at Gardner City Hall. O’Keefe didn’t have much time to talk because they were in the middle of doing proactive security updates on City-owned computers. In the few short minutes we were there, another 4 machines were patched. O’Keefe explained that he occasionally gets calls from other communities regarding their security needs. And as Gardner is the model for doing it right (our words, not his) he is able to steer them in the right direction. O’Keefe’s goal when operating system updates come out is to update machines as soon as possible. This has kept the City’s data safe. We were amazed at how O’Keefe was able to tell just how many machines had already been secured. While other communities were just getting started, Gardner was already 85% done.
On Monday, March 18, 2024, there is a request going before the City Council for just over $77k for a cloud storage appliance and about 3 years of support, as well as a few other related Cyber Security items. The equipment features 36 terrabytes of storage and can handle 10 gigabytes of bandwidth. The firm O’Keefe proposes using just built a new 10 million dollar facility in the last year. WCA Solutions was started in 1979 and employs 140 computer professionals at its location in Southwick, MA. The provider states it was rated recently by VarBusiness magazine as being a high level engineering firm in the largest 1% of all Solution Providers in North America. In the past, the Gardner City Council has approved these requests expeditiously. Bob O’Keefe has an office in Gardner City Hall and in the past year saw the City get a $200,000 fiber grant which allows for greater connectivity and security among City Buildings and Schools.
- Clearing Record
Listen to the explanation Council President Kazinskas gave on WGAW Hotline Radio on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
WGAW Hotline Radio is heard every Saturday from 12:10 to 2pm on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and live streamed to anywhere in the world. CLICK HERE for the 24/7 live stream.
Council President Kazinskas Clears Up Record – Marijuana Article Passed After All
In an interview heard on WGAW Hotline Radio on Saturday, March 16, 2024, Gardner MA City Council President Kazinskas announced she was correcting an error – Marijuana Quota Article only needed simple majority to pass for first printing, not 2/3 of Council as previously stated, so she’s clearing up the record and the item passed. At the previous City Council Meeting of March 4, 2024, she had announced that 8 votes out of 11 were required and that the measure did not pass because it received only 7 votes. The item will be on the agenda for 2nd Printing on Monday March 18th. Kazinskas says that will need 8 votes to be finalized. See complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
The Council President stated, “And then we also have one regarding the quota of marijuana establishments in the city. And I do want to take the time now to clear something up on that. There’s a process for these type of ordinance amendments and there is an initial printing. and then there is a second and final printing that these amendments have to go through. And at our previous meeting, I had announced for both of these that there’s a two-thirds vote that is required for them. And so the motion that was taken on both of these amendments was to go to first printing. And the sports betting ordinance amendment had received more than two-thirds vote so that passed the first printing. And then the marijuana establishment quota ordinance amendment had received seven votes, eight votes of the two-thirds vote. So I had announced that it did not go to first printing because it didn’t receive the two-thirds vote that’s required. “
“Well directly after the meeting, I’m speaking with the clerk, and we did go back and look at it where for initial printing, there actually no vote is required by the general laws of the commonwealth. And in Gardner, we require a vote for an initial printing, which is first printing. But it actually is only a majority vote for six votes. And in the case of that particular item, it would have passed because it received seven votes. So what’s important is that people may not be expecting this item to be on our agenda again at the next meeting because I had announced that it needed a two-thirds vote for that initial printing or first printing. But that’s actually incorrect. It actually doesn’t require a vote at all. But in Gardner, because our rules are a little bit more stringent, then that rule gets followed and it really only requires a majority vote, which is six votes. So I will be clearing that up at the meeting on Monday. I wanted to mention it because these have been on our agenda for a very long time. They’re important items. This is a zoning ordinance amendment, which has a state process that it follows. This is the very last kind of stage of it. And so, again, it’s important to people. We don’t do them very often … We haven’t had them in front of us very often. So that is the process. And I did notify the council about that. I will be clearing it up at the next meeting. And the second and final printing vote that will be taken on both of these items, that requires a two-thirds vote, and that is by state statute, which the city also has as well. So those final printings, which would pass them, require eight votes. So we’ll see what happens on Monday’s meeting, but I did want to take some time to acknowledge that.”
- Brilla Coffee
Construction is expected to begin shortly and approvals from the City have been obtained.
Mayor Nicholson stated he has worked directly with Mr. and Mrs. Vallejos for several years to bring them to Gardner, “When I was first sworn in as Mayor in July of 2020, I invited Alexis and Osiris to attend the ceremony and spoke when them about looking at downtown for a new storefront…”
Brilla Coffee to open Coffee Shop and Bakery at 25 Main Street in Gardner MA
In a Press Release sent out on Saturday, March 16, 2024, Gardner Mayor Nicholson stated, “They have a really strong business model and a great product, and I’m excited to welcome them here to the Chair City.” View Press Release, CLICK HERE.
Brilla Coffee currently has locations in Holden and Northborough, Massachusetts. Owners Alexis and Osiris Vallejos say “We are third generation farmers from Nicaragua, Coffee Roasters, and professional baristas which allows us to know and control our Coffee quality very well from the Farm to your Cup.”
Planned offerings include a full menu ranging from breakfast to dinner with meals and sandwiches and “more unique and healthy options such as granola bowls.” Pastries and desserts will be baked in-house at the new 25 Main Street, Gardner location.
- Update 3-15-24
Mayor Nicholson spoke of various City events and also had a big announcement: The City has been awarded a $920,000 grant by the Federal government to replace the James Street pump station. “that gets the water from the storage tanks on top of James Street and Reservoir Hill out into the north section of the City.” Last year, the City was awarded a $1 million grant to replace the City’s main water transmission line.
Publisher’s note: The plural of flyer is either “fliers” or “flyers”
With Event Fliers on Display and Sporting St. Patrick’s Day Attire, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City
In his March 15, 2024 Update, Mayor Nicholson spoke of various events, provided some reminders, updates, and announcements. Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY
The Fliers: AED Foundation- website – First Annual Everyone Wins Tournament Taking Place on March 23rd at Golf RX, 109 Main Street. $75 per person or $300 per team FLYER, CLICK HERE Purple Paws – 2nd Annual Event takes place on Saturday April 27th from 9:30am to noon at Pulaski Park – FLYER, CLICK HERE. Health and Wellness Fair– April 17th 5pm to 7pm at Gardner City Hall Perry Auditorium. FLYER, CLICK HERE. FREE MART transportation available at City Hall is a bus stop.
Reminders: Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony March 29th at 10am in front of Gardner City Hall —Keep America Beautiful Cleanup taking place on Saturday, May 4th. More Info —- During the first week of April, April 2nd through the 5th, the annual yard waste collection cycle starts. —- Pick up your dog waste, Mayor’s been getting calls about you. —- Gardner Food Truck Festival is Saturday July 13, 2024 from noon to 7pm. ARTICLE CLICK HERE —- VIPS Program is accepting applications – Gardner residents can work hours at City Hall and get a discount on property taxes. More info from city of Gardner, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Municipal Golf Course has its artificial grass driving range open. The Golf Course was discussed at a recent Public Welfare Committee Meeting, CLICK HERE.
For previous updates, please visit the Mayor’s Update AUDIO page. We list every update from 2022, 2023, and 2024 with a link to the individual article and the ability to play any update you choose. For the page, CLICK HERE.
- Safety 3-15-24
Public Safety Update on Police – Fire- Traffic – Building – Health in Gardner MA
The Committee met with various individuals of the following departments. Note that the recording started with Chief McAvene already in progress, so our AUDIO starts similarly. Access on any device. CLICK PLAY
Councilors Dana Heath, Karen Hardern, and Craig Cormier heard from various department heads.
Police Department – Police Chief Eric McAvene —- Building Department – Building Commissioner Tom Zuppa —- Public Health – Health Director Micah Blondeau —- Fire Department – Fire Chief Greg Lagoy —- Traffic Commission – Deputy Police Chief Nicholas Maroni
From Police Chief McAvene – The chief reported that the Police headquarters building is starting to have some wear and tear issues. “We replaced the post caps on the front of the building because they were cracking and separating and it must have been just a faulty cap piece when they put it in it was a precast. Didn’t have rebar in or something and as the water got in and froze it would just completely expand..” The police department has been successful in interacting with the community. Examples the Chief gave were the Senior Citizens Academy and another Junior Academy is planned for mid-July and that is grant-funded. Staffing is at 31, they are authorized for 33. “So these next two hires will bring us the full staff.”
From Building Commissioner Tom Zuppa – “We are still Trying to hire a second local inspector in order to provide the proper services and protection to the city.” Zuppa also spoke about City Hall maintenance being a hurdle including an outdated heating system, roofing, front facade columns, and front entry way. The Commissioner also noted that many more items related to building can be completed online and “We’re adding more as we move forward.”
From Health Director Micah Blondeau. 54 Vendors are signed up so far for the Health and Wellness Fair to be held on the 17th of April. A week later there is a Gardner High School Health Fair on April 24th. Other items include an AED Foundation fundraiser, Escape the Vape, Game Changers, and Heal Gardner. Blondeau also spoke about various challenges at the landfill including the pumping systems and erosion control. The Director also informed the Committee that “We finished grinding of the yard waste, the wood, and brush, and trees…. It was last done in 2020.” Blondeau is also hoping for a better structure for where the attendant sits and some real running water, “Currently there’s the only water out there is on spigot on the side of one of the sheds so they don’t have any place to wash their hands.” The restroom there is actually a porta-potty.
From Fire Chief Gregory Lagoy. The Fire Department is “Currently fully staffed, which is definitely good news.” The chief went over the specifics regarding equipment being put into service. “ On the fleet side of things, the new fire apparatus that was ordered with ARPA funds about two years ago, all three units are now well into production, the ambulance is scheduled for delivery here in early May, which we desperately need, and the new engine and heavy rescue, they’re both scheduled for delivery in July. After that, each one of those units will have to have final equipment mounting, radio installation, and then the firefighters will have to train on them and they’ll go in service.” The Chief also informed the Committee that temporary repairs to the roof have been completed and it is weather-tight at this point.
- Cactus Giveaway
A Unique promotion – Artist and Photographer Carolyn Kamuda to give away Cactii.
On Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 11am to 2pm, Carolyn Kamuda will be showcasing various works at her gallery at 400 Pleasant Street in Gardner. Just for stopping by you get a FREE Cactus plant. (One per person) Facebook Event listing, CLICK HERE.
This will also be an opportunity for the public to wish Kamuda well since her resignation from the Gardner City Council just 2 months ago due to health and family reasons. Previous article, CLICK HERE.
- Solutions 3-13-24
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson discusses real solutions to real problems. Many cities and towns are trying to emulate the Gardner Model of transparency, financial stability, and incoming grants which reduce taxpayer burdens. CLICK PLAY.
Real People. Real Problems. Real Solutions. The “Solutions” Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson.
On March 13, 2024 we spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about issues directly affecting Gardner residents. Listen to the “Solutions’ Interview on any device. CLICK PLAY
We spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson at his office in City Hall about issues directly affecting Gardner residents including transportation, housing, parking, grant funding helping Gardner, Maintaining City Buildings including Waterford and Helen Mae Sauter, the Waterford story including ADA accessibility and project status, goals for 2024, the Rickity Salt Shed, and various initiatives providing solutions to real problems. The Mayor is open to Gardner doing anything to help the homeless and we discuss.
Mayor Nicholson spoke of the upcoming budget and the internal procedures involved in coming up with a budget to present to the City Council.
The Grant Bonanza
The Gardner City Council had approved $60,000 for a 3rd party grant writer. The City has spent $25,000 of that. Total return so far, $2.7 million. As a result of this success, the Mayor will be submitting a proposal to the City Council for an additional grant writer to specialize in one area so both State and Federal grants can be covered, “the best bang for our buck.”
- Footsteps 2 Brilliance
Gardner Public Schools Posts About Pre-K to Third Grade Literacy Program
Gardner Public Schools posted about Footsteps 2 Brilliance posting, “is a great resource for our students and is absolutely FREE for families to use. The app helps students access literacy curriculum through games and reading materials that help make learning fun!” Parents can register their child at this link, click here to register:
The free literacy app is available in both English and Spanish and is directed to the pre-k to third grade group. The company’s trademark phrase is “Big Brains for Little People”.
Footsteps 2 Brilliance has a YouTube Channel with over 100 videos about the resource, some directed at parents, and some specifically for students. CLICK HERE.
The AUDIO of the Gardner School Committee meeting of March 11, 2024 contains the presentation of Gardner Elementary School Principal Earl Martin, CLICK HERE.
- School 3-11-24
School Committee Hears from Principal Earl Martin of Gardner Elementary School
At a meeting of March 11, 2024, the Gardner MA School Committee heard a presentation from Earl Martin, the Principal of Gardner Elementary School. MTSS refers to Multi-tiered systems of support. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
In the packet and agenda for the Gardner School Committee meeting for Monday, March 11, 2024, CLICK HERE for pdf, extensive information is provided on the Program of Studies and Curriculum and various policies.
Gardner Magazine has a companion article on the Mission of the Gardner Public Schools, CLICK HERE.
Around the Community of Gardner MA
Community Facts Go to News section
Gardner is a city in Worcester County with a population of just over 21 thousand people. It is home to Mount Wachusett Community College, Heywood Hospital, and Dunn State Park. Gardner became a city in 1923.
Schools
School District Office: (978) 632-1000
Elm Street: (978) 632-1673
Waterford Street: (978) 632-1605
Gardner Middle: (978) 632-1603
Gardner High: (978) 632-1600
Gardner Academy (978) 632-1606
Government
Mayor’s Office: (978) 632-1490
Police Department: (978) 632-5600
Fire Department: (978) 630-4051
City Clerk: (978) 630-4058
Organizations
Gardner Animal Control (978) 630-4950
Council on Aging: (978) 630-4067
Gardner CAC (978) 632-8700
Golf Course: (978) 632-9703
Gardner Museum (978) 632-3277
P.A.C.C. (978) 632-8875
Gardner Chamber (978) 632-1780
Interactive Map of Gardner MA
City of Gardner MA Photos More Gardner Photos Gardner Historical Photos
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Gardner Magazine Service Pages and Outside Links for Gardner MA
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