Government Greater Gardner MA Local News
Government Around Greater Gardner MA
- Zlotnik 12-20-24 (12/20/2024)
In an interview with Gardner Magazine, State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik once again expressed his desire to lower the sale tax and get rid of the inventory tax. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Jonathan Zlotnik 12-20-24 Jonathan Zlotnik on the Year Ahead
We spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about “The Year Ahead.” Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Jonathan Zlotnik 12-20-24 Representative Zlotnik spoke about getting ready for the next fiscal year budget cycle. Zlotnik also spoke about his opposition to certain taxes which impact his constituents, “Yeah, so my record on this I think is pretty clear. I’ve voted against raising the income tax. I’ve voted to lower the sales tax. I, of course, voted for the tax cut package that was passed this last session, but I also voted for a tax cut package. The previous session that didn’t pass, I think in general what the state should be looking to do, especially as our economy continues to grow, is use that new growth to offset and be able to do more of that kind of targeted relief. Two of the things that I’ve prioritized that I think would help this part of the state and have continuously supported over the last decade is rolling back the sales tax and eliminating the inventory tax for manufacturers. The sales tax, I think, is obvious, especially because of our proximity to New Hampshire, which does not have a sales tax. I think our region is especially impacted by that. But before, for most of my life, the sales tax was 5%, and then just before I joined the legislature, it was raised to the 6.25% where it remains. At the same time, we have rolled back the general state income tax, but I think that we should be looking to do the same with the sales tax as well.“
Zlotnik spoke about certain projects of this year and of continuing a lot of the work in the new year. Jonathan Zlotnik also spoke about the importance of bipartisanship and the importance of cooperation.
- Update 12-20-24 (12/20/2024)
Gardner Mayor Nicholson in last weekly update of 2024
Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 12-20-24 Thanks: Library Staff and Gardner PD for coordinating Santa at the Library —- Staff at City Hall who participated Spirit Week and decorations —- E.L. Harvey, the trash collection company, for donating 20 bikes, half went to Gardner CAC and the other half to Alyssa’s Place.
Reminder: People who have live trees – make sure they stay watered. Dry trees are a fire hazard.
Non-Profits highlighted: Growing Places which is in the Waterford Community Center (See article on lease signing) and the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center. (See separate article, CLICK HERE)
- Changes 12-17-24 (12/17/2024)
This is the complete Press Release of Mayor Nicholson on 12-17-24. See separate article re George Tyros report to the City Council, CLICK HERE.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson Makes Changes in Light of Maki Park Issue
In a Press Release of December 17, 2024, Mayor Michael Nicholson stated the following:
I would like to thank Councilor Tyros and the City Council for their thorough review of the processes related to the Maki Park Project. I was disappointed and surprised when the issues arose with relation to this project, and I believe the review that was conducted brought to light various breakdowns in departmental communications that need to be addressed in order to ensure our departments and employees are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. Put simply, there are policies and procedures that need to change. In a modern working environment, it is important to give individual departments a certain degree of autonomy to do the work they were hired to do. We hire our staff based on the education, training, and experience they bring to the table without being micromanaged in the projects they undertake. However, when issues arise and significant errors occur, such as in this instance, it is my job as mayor to ensure that these issues get corrected to prevent this from happening again- both in the immediate short term and in the longer term.
To that end I have made, or will soon be taking the following actions.- I have appointed Katharine Jablonski, my executive aide, to the CDBG Steering Committee. This will give my office direct oversight of the CDBG program allowing me to keep a closer eye on their projects.
- The CDBG Steering Committee will meet monthly.
- I am changing the departmental report policy. When I took office, I instituted a policy whereby City department would submit to my office bi-annual (6-month) reports of current and pending projects. Going forward, this will be done quarterly.
- Full department head meetings will also be increased to quarterly to coincide with quarterly reports. This will synchronize communication and updates between departments so department heads are aware of work being done elsewhere in the City that may impact their department, or that their department should have a role in.
- I will require and conduct weekly staff meetings for the Department of Community Development and Planning until all current and pending projects reach completion.
Our role in local government is to work together to ensure that we work together to move the City forward and provide our residents with the quality services they deserve. This is an example of how that collaboration works. I appreciate the work of Councilor Tyros in bringing these issues to light, but also in working to come up with a plan to make sure things simply get better.
As I continue to review this situation, and the Department of Community Development and Planning in general, I will submit a full proposal to the City Council for longer term responses to these issues in early 2025 to include operational adjustments, ordinance proposals, and updated internal procedures.
Michael J. Nicholson, Mayor of the City of Gardner.
- Council 12-16-24 (12/17/2024)
Varied Topics at City Council Meeting of December 16, 2024
Listen to the entire City Council meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 12-16-24 The Gardner City Council approved $800k from sewer retained earnings to sewer leachate project and $150k from water retained earnings for the valves project. City has 1000 water valves and this is the first phase of multi-year project in a proactive approach to prevent future breakage issues
Councilor George Tyros reported on Maki Park. See separate article, CLICK HERE. Item was referred to the Finance Committee for possible further action.
Councilor Calvin Brooks made 3 different amendments to Administrative legislation. All were defeated on divided votes.
During Councilor remarks, Councilor Dana Heath asked the Mayor when Chipotle was opening and the Mayor responded, “Chipotle’s open day is Friday.”
- Maki Park 12-16-24 (12/17/2024)
Councilor Tyros Finds Fault with Development and Planning Department in Report to Council
Councilor Tyros concluded an almost 3 month investigation into why Maki Park ended up not being ADA compliant. In a short, special meeting of the Gardner City Council on September 9, 2024, Councilor Tyros stated, “Is this an unsalvageable problem? Of course not. But state and city resources were spent, and it’s now apparent that the final product is not what was originally presented to the council. We were also not talking about aesthetic choices or minor tweaks. We’re talking about differences that go against the core basis this project was submitted and the information we used to make our decision to support it.” The Council appointed Tyros to investigate the matter Original article, special meeting, CLICK HERE.
At the December 16, 2024 meeting of the Gardner City Council, George Tyros presented his findings. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Next Steps: Finance Committee will take up the matter.
Key Statements in the George Tyros Presentation to the Gardner City Council 12-16-24
George Tyros stated, “The design of the park changed from initial concept to bid award. The conceptual layout created by Ty and Bond and presented to the City Council in June of 2022 showed three terraces with individual ramp accesses to each level. The Mayor’s letter supporting the project cited, quote, the terraces would correct grading issues, bring the slopes to a level that is compliant with ADA standards, and allow us to utilize the area in a productive manner. However, in May of 2023, the bid set drawings utilized during the public bidding process for the project clearly showed ramp entrances to the bottom and top terraces with stairs connecting each to the middle. The second key finding was that the Department of Community Development and Planning did not apply for or obtain a building permit for Maki Park prior to its completion. This issue was confirmed by both the Building Commissioner and Director of Community Development and Planning. In the notice of violation by the Building Commissioner, he stated, quote, Mackey Park does not meet the accessibility requirements as outlined in section 19 of 529 CMR, Massachusetts Accessibility Code, as the middle tier of the park is not accessible to persons with disabilities.”
Development Department Had Policy of Not Following Requirements
“Building Commissioner, in a span of a few hours, was able to articulate the issues and violations with this project. The trouble is, the Building Commissioner wasn’t brought into the project until complaints were made by the public after its completion. This happened in this order because, despite there being a requirement to do so, the Department of Community Development and Planning did not apply for a building permit for this project. The Director informed me that his department had never applied for a building permit for any project they had done of a similar scope. This appears to have been a long-standing practice in his department since before this administration. This approach to internal policies is what I see as the first domino.”
Department Member Didn’t Know Where Maki Park Was
“In another instance, the member of the department responsible for the project inquired with the engineering firm where Maki Park site was located. Let that sink in. Nearly two years after the council appropriated funds for this project, the department was asking outside engineers for the specific location of the project, which is visible from this building. In general, it seemed like there was not a lot of policies or standard operating procedures guiding this project.“
Levels of Cooperation Varied
“Overall, I think this investigation went smoothly, but as you can probably tell by reading this report, there were varying levels of cooperation and resistance. But one point I want to make sure is clear, the Mayor was very cooperative and stepped in where necessary to support my work.”
Recommendations Going Forward
“My first recommendation is the creation of an economic development subcommittee. The council should consider establishing a new subcommittee to cover economic development. It would also allow the committee more focused attention on the topic and the department, enabling better and stronger council oversight….. The second is progress reports. The council should stipulate as a condition when large appropriations like this are made, that regular and thorough progress reports are made until the project or goal is accomplished….Finally is a new ordinance proposal that earlier today I submitted to the city clerk, a proposal for the finance committee to review. That proposal is that this community development block grant steering committee shall meet monthly, and I would suggest for a period of 18 months.”
Our previous articles: Construction fencing going up in May 2024 — Lack of ADA Compliance August 2024 —- Mayor placed fault on design engineers August 2024 — Mayor spoke about fixes September 2024 —- City Council meeting September 2024
- Kumar 12-15-24 (12/15/2024)
Gardner’s Assessor Christine Kumar is part of the great Finance Team in the City of Gardner. Mayor Michael Nicholson and various City Councilors frequently compliment the team on its transparency, efficiency, and competence. Gardner does very well on objective State and Federal audits.
Gardner has an online checkbook which anyone can view at anytime, CLICK HERE. Search for anything. The books are open to you.
Assessor Christine Kumar at Work in the Chair City
Gardner’s Assessor Christine Kumar allowed us to take a good picture as we use a screenshot from the Board of Assessors meetings. Christine Kumar stated, “We have a great Finance Team here.” Kumar prides herself on being very understanding. The meetings may be short but the tasks are important to the City. Here’s a link to the Assessor’s page.Just what does an assessor do? Classify and determine “full and fair cash value” of all real and personal property according to Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 59), Review and act upon all real and personal property abatement applications, Process all motor vehicle abatement requests, Review and process all exemption applications for qualifying elderly, widowed, blind, or disabled veteran citizens, Review all applications for accuracy regarding tax incentives for land used for recreational, forestry, or agricultural purposes, Implement a revaluation of the Town’s real and personal property every 5 years. Gardner Magazine publishes the Board of Assessors meetings which are frequently about 5 minutes long. Meetings frequently go in to Executive Session to discuss certain items and applications privately. It’s easy to look up any property record card CLICK HERE
- Maki Park Investigation (12/14/2024)
Gardner City Council to Hear Results of Maki Park Investigation
Gardner City Councilor George Tyros was tasked by the City Council with investigating the Maki Park Project. Once built, it was immediately apparent that Maki Park was not ADA compliant. The City Council will hear a presentation by Tyros at its Monday, December 16th meeting. View the complete report, CLICK HERE.
Key Findings in Report
Conceptual layout presented to the City Council in June 2022 showed 3 terraces with individual ramp entrances to each level. However, Director of Planning and Development Trevor Beauregard could not explain to George Tyros why drawings changed and why those used during the bidding process did not reflect ADA compliance. In addition, Department of Community Planning and Development did not apply for or obtain a required building permit for construction of Maki Park. The complete report goes in to much more detail, CLICK HERE. —— For the complete agenda and packet for the December 16th City Council meeting, CLICK HERE.
- Listens 12-14-24 (12/14/2024)
Publisher’s Note: It gives me great joy to report on the good people of Gardner whether it’s elected officials, business owners, non-profit leaders, or individuals. The 3 councilors mentioned here are part of a group of 11 really good people. Send any article ideas to News@GardnerMagazine.com. The local hero may be the person standing right next to you.
Gardner Public Service Committee Compassion Strikes a Chord with our ReadersThe Gardner Public Service Committee is composed of City Councilors: Chair Paul Tassone, George Tyros, and David Thibeault-Munoz, Gardner Magazine reported on an example of compassion shown to someone who spoke to the Public Service Committee about a water bill. Here’s the original article with the AUDIO. The AUDIO of that interaction has had 5,478 listens in December 2024 up to December 13th. Add the listens in November of 1656 and the total is 7134. The kindness shown in that interaction apparently struck a chord with our readers.
The next most popular AUDIO items this month so far have been the Gardner City Council meeting of November 18th with 3,019 listens and the Nicholson “Road Ahead” interview with 2,914 listens. (1604 listens in November, total 4518) Rounding out the top 10: the entire Public Service Committee meeting – 2,901, ZBA meeting 2,857, First Responder Odyssey 26 min. song – 2,614, City Council Informal Meeting 2,613, Nov Finance Committee Meeting – 1,943, Nov. Public Welfare meeting – 1906, Planning Board Nov. – 1899, and School Committee Nov. – 1802. The GAAMHA Christmas Tree song – 1760, Mike the Champion Dream-Pop- 1674, Officially Christmas in Gardner 1558, Trump Dance only 430. Songs page. These stats are for December listens only up to 12-13-24.
- Update 12-13-24 (12/13/2024)
Decorations at Gardner City Hall A Holiday Season Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
Listen to the December 13, 2024 update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 12-13-24 EVENTS – Saturday December 14th: Good Earth Farm and Garden Center on West Broadway hosts Santa Claus from 10am to 2pm. —- Sun. December 15th: Winter Carnival with Elsa and Anna at the Black Dove Art Studio from 3pm to 5pm. — Tues. Dec. 17th is Senior Center Christmas Caroling Sing Along from 1:30 to 3pm. —- Weds. December 18th: Library has Pajama Story Time with Santa Claus at 6pm —- Weds. December 18th: Gardner High School Winter Concert being held at the gym at 7pm. —- December 19th: Annual Christmas Lights Tour on horse-drawn carriage from 4pm to 6pm, ride is FREE and leaves from Gardner City Hall.
Food/Clothing/Toy Drive in Gardner City Hall Rotunda going on now to benefit the Gardner CAC. Please bring in donations by December 23rd.
Looking Ahead: House of Peace and Education hosts a night of games on Friday, January 3rd from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
- Templeton 12-5-24 (12/6/2024)
Templeton Citizens Act on 3 articles – Waste Plastics – Senior Center Project – Solid Waste
The Town of Templeton held a Special Town Meeting on December 5, 2024 that was attended by hundreds of residents. Concerns over possible Waste Plastics Incineration were discussed during the first part of the meeting. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Town Meeting 12-5-24 View the Special Town Meeting Warrant, CLICK HERE.
Meeting Results: Article 1: Enact a 1 year Moratorium on Waste Plastics Incineration within Templeton – YES, passed unanimously. Article 2: Transfer $175,000 from Capital Stabilization Account for Senior Center Project – YES, APPROVED. Article 3: Bylaw Amendment to Solid Waste Management – YES, and will take effect after approval from Massachusetts Attorney General’s office.
- Council 12-2-24 (12/3/2024)
Publisher’s Note: In this meeting, taxpayers learn about a loan paid off in full 3 years early, a crane which lasted 53 years, lease agreements coming to fruition at Waterford, a Mayor spending the time to update ordinances, a Council President spending the time to update Council rules, and confirmation that Gardner’s beloved Rachael Roberts will be around another couple years at least. A day to be proud of the Chair City.
Agendas and Packet: Finance City Council
City Finances, Ordinances, and Rules Subject of Finance Committee and City Council Meeting
The Finance Committee of the Gardner City Council met prior to the regular December 2, 2024 meeting. Good news from Mayor Nicholson: More FREE cash available. Lease agreement ready with Growing Places at Waterford Community Center. Lease agreement ready with Gardner CAC for Waterford Community Center. Parking meter fees proposed to be waived for month of December.
Fiscal Responsibility Showcased
Great Fiscal news: Mayor proactively asking City Council to completely pay off the remaining $356k principal of original $550k loan for Waterford and proactively asking City Council to set up a revolving account for Waterford to easily track money in and out.
Bad news from DPW: They need $100k for a new $129k crane. However, the current one is 53 years old so the City of Gardner got it’s money’s worth. Dane Arnold explains further and states DPW found $29 k from another account to go towards the tab.Listen to the Finance Committee Meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Finance Committee 12-2-24 The Finance Committee recommended approval by the full City Council.
Gardner City Council met and approved the Finance Committee recommendations. So, parking at the meters is FREE in Downtown for the month of December. Waterford loan is to be paid off 3 years early. Dane Arnold DPW gets its badly needed crane. Updated ordinances which the Mayor spent so much time revising and revising again were approved. Updated rules of the City Council credited to hard work by Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas were approved. (City Councilors had helped too on both) Listen to the City Council meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY
City Council 12-2-24
Other good news: Mayor Nicholson communicated that Gardner favorite Rachel Roberts has been appointed again to serve as Executive Secretary until January 1, 2026
- The Grants (11/26/2024)
How Gardner Turned $1 into $266.67 – 75,000 Times
It was a simple request at the time and eventually $75,000 was spent on a 3rd party grant writer to supplement in-house efforts. A few were skeptical and then the unthinkable happened. Gardner got back $20 million in grant funds, some 266 times the investment.
Now the City is ready for Round 2, equipped with up to $100,000 to do it again. Last time the pitch was, just one successful grant will more than cover it. This time the pitch was, look at the results.
We recently spoke with Gardner Mayor Nicholson about the subject. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Nicholson on Grants The City of Gardner has an almost $80 million annual budget. Saving $20 million through grants in an amount which represents about 1/4 of the property tax bill of each Gardner property owner is a significant amount.
Publisher’s Note: A Rogue Social Media Knucklehead actually suggested that the City of Gardner should be investigated for wrongdoing by the U.S. Justice Department for approving the $100,000. We suggest the following: If the knucklehead doesn’t appreciate saving thousands in potential taxes, then he could easily write a check to the City of Gardner in whatever amount of donation to relieve guilt. Otherwise we say, sit back and be thankful you have local officials who are looking out for the taxpayers every single day and managed to save them $20,000,000 with just one good decision. Millions more in grants have been written in-house by elected officials and City employees for both municipal needs and School Department needs. An effort to be congratulated…. We send applause.
- Compassionate Call (11/26/2024)
Compassionate Call 11-22-24 We also have AUDIO of the entire meeting available here. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Public Service Committee Balances Consistency with Compassion with distraught Property Owner
The Gardner Public Service Committee has the responsibility of ruling on water and sewer abatement requests. Out- of- town Property Owner Terri owns a 4 unit property on Chelsea Street and got an unexpected large water bill due to usage from a leaking toilet. Bill was $3000 . The members of the committee listened to Terri who attended via a telephone call. Dane Arnold informed the committee that usually the only resolution would be a payment plan. Other councilors informed that the committee had to be consistent. The interaction was difficult and the committee members handled the issue with compassion and came up with a creative solution. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Compassionate Call 11-22-24 Typical bill has been 550-900. This bill was $3000. Tenant notified landlord and landlord had plumber fix the leak. Normally, no abatement is available because the water was still used. Caller was very emotional, stating that she was having trouble paying the mortgage as some tenants have not been paying her the rent. It was explained to the caller that the City can’t control the tenant piece. However, the committee ended up taking off $500 out of compassion and then allowing the remainder of $2500 to be paid over 12 months at $208 per month, starting in January. Interest was also waived. A case of consistency balanced with care and compassion.
- City Council 11-18-24 (11/20/2024)
Gardner City Council Meets in Both Informal and Formal Sessions on November 18, 2024
Informal Meeting: Regarding Administrative Legislation and Rules of the City Council . Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Informal City Council 11-20-24 Formal Meeting: Regarding Various Matters. Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 11-18-24 The City Council approved a request from Mayor Nicholson for a $100,000 appropriation from FREE CASH for 3rd party grant writing. More than $20 million has been awarded with an expenditure of about $75,000.
The item regarding $45,000 for a recount was taken off the agenda as paperwork was not submitted by candidate Bruce Chester. Councilor Hardern stated, “I’m relieved the taxpayers will not have to shoulder this cost. ..I can understand the frustration that comes from campaigning and running for office for 5 years and not winning. However, it’s on all of us who run for office to be responsible with recounts, especially given the cost to the public. Part of what comes from running for office is being prepared to accept how the people vote.”
Councilor Tyros stated, “You know, this election was not determined by a handful of votes but by hundreds of votes and I was very disappointed to see some of the commentary in our community about, you know, there being questions around the integrity of this election.” Councilor Tyros later spoke about the cost to the taxpayers when the 13 Open Meeting Law complaints were filed by Paul DeMeo and not one of the complainants followed up with the AG’s office.
Cost of parking at meters in Gardner will be 50 cents per half hour. According to Mayor Nicholson, enforcement begins in January 2025.
- Nicholson Interview 11-20-24 (11/20/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on the Road Ahead
A Discussion with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on the Road Ahead in Gardner. We discuss various topics including the recent recount issue, various City projects, and the Road Ahead with all. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Road Ahead – Nicholson Interview 11-20-24 Re the potential recount: Even though Bruce Chester requested an incorrect form, City Clerk Titi Siriphan reached out to the State and then to Bruce Chester to make sure he got the correct form. Clerk’s office was staffed until 5:15pm on day of deadline to give Chester every chance. However, he did not turn in the forms. Interview contains complete explanation from the Mayor.
Re Paul DeMeo: Interview addresses some of the nonsense perpetrated against the City and some very good people.
Project Updates: We go over many of the projects as to status, speak about grants, and talk about possible uses for the roughly unspent $8million from the new Elementary School loan and the inherent restrictions. Note that Director Trevor Beauregard is leaving the City in December.
The Road Ahead – And literally at the end of the interview, Mayor Nicholson was on the road to meet with an investor interested in Gardner. Gardner Magazine will update you if there’s more good news to share down the road.
- The Clerk (11/20/2024)
City Clerk staff actually waited until 5:15pm on deadline day to give Bruce Chester every possible opportunity.
City Clerk Titi Siriphan Unjustly Attacked – Actual Email Shows Effort to Be Fair
Candidate Bruce Chester came in to the City Clerk’s office for recount forms and was given the usual District-wide forms customarily used when vote tallies are within ½ of one percent. As it turns out in this case, a different form needed to be used which was later made available to Chester. City Clerk’s office was staffed until 5:15pm on date of deadline. Documents were even left at police station with access 24 hours per day. Chester did not submit by deadline, so no recount is taking place. Cost would have been $45,000 to the City due to statutory requirements of how ballots must be handled in a recount.
So what happened? Paul DeMeo unleashed a nasty attack in an email. SEE IMAGE. Bruce Chester disavowed DeMeo in an email. SEE IMAGE. And of course, here’s the email in which it is very clear Clerk Siriphan made the correct forms easily available to Candidate Chester. SEE IMAGE.
Note: Bruce Chester is still on Social Media even today complaining about Gardner Magazine’s reporting prior to the election. We stand by our articles as they accurately reflected actual AUDIO of what Chester said and accurately showed actual State documents re various campaign issues.
- Westminster Meeting (11/18/2024)
Reflection on Wyman’s Pond Westminter 
Westminster Town Hall Special Town Meeting Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6:30pm at the Westminster Elementary School at 9 Academy Hill Road, Westminster
Westminster: Special Town Meeting November 19th
Registered Voters in the town of Westminster will be attending a Special Town Meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6:30pm at the Westminster Elementary School.
Town Meeting Warrant pdf, CLICK HERE.
The first 6 articles are money articles. Article 7 would dissolve the Holmes Park Water District and place the water service under the jurisdiction of the town of Westminster – MA legislature would still to to also approve. Article 8 concerns notification to the town of a change in volume or character of pollutants to be discharged into the sewer system. Article 9 concerns whether the Town will approve Tax Increment Financing in an agreement between Westminster and Home Depot. TIF provides for real estate exemptions. Article 10 concerns TIF Financing between Westminster and Global Packaging. Article 11 asks the town to seek an additional liquor license allocation for Vincent’s Country Store at 109 Main Street – Legislature would need to approve. Article 12 is a Citizen’s Petition would would restrict the total of full liquor licenses in Westminster to 2 (two) until the population of the town exceeds 10,000 per the most recent Federal census. Current population is about 8400. Next Federal Census is in 2030. Growth was 12.3% from 2010 to 2020 but has since slowed to an annual rate of 2.3%.
- Finance 11-14-24 (11/15/2024)
Finance Committee has Honor of Hearing from Assistant Director Evan Cudmore
All were impressed as Assistant Director of Community Development and Planning Evan Cudmore updated the Gardner MA Finance Committee on various projects and grants. Mayor Nicholson also added some information, but Cudmore was thorough. Cudmore has been with the City about 8 months, but this is his first meeting appearance. See a complete list of Project Updates below. Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Finance Committee 11-14-24 The Gardner Tax Rate has been certified at $14.36. Auditor John Richard spoke and praised the Assessor. Gardner was the 39th community in the entire State of MA to set its tax rate. Mayor Nicholson spoke about how this will help in planning.
The Finance Committee is sending some FREE CASH recommendations to the entire City Council include monies to the Stabilization Fund, 10% to roads, 100k towards a 3rd party grant writer, and 95k for IT software and cloud backup. Nicholson said he would wait until about April to utilize additional FREE CASH to be cautious. This is a strategy the City of Gardner usually uses because until Winter is over, for example, the total cost of snow removal is unknown.
Updates Provided to the Finance Committee by Evan Cudmore on 11-14-24 Rear Main Street Phase 2 North: The $3.64 million project is under construction right now
Rear Main Street Phase 2 South: The $3.5 million housing works grant was recently awarded to the City.
Bike trail, nature trail construction is continuing. The layout of the trail and the sub-base material is complete. The crossings are installed, and the contractor is working on finalizing the agreements with New England Power. The pathway should be complete this year, and landscaping is to be complete in the spring.
Maki Park ADA Compliance Solutions: The Building Commissioner is reviewing 2 options for ADA compliance submitted by the City’s engineering firm. One option is $30,000, the other is $50,000. Funding may come from some CDBG projects which came in under budget.
Potential New Industrial Park: City’s Engineering firm of Hudson O’Neill is currently developing concept plans for a potential build-out of proposed site based on wetlands and topographic data. Once complete, market analysis will be developed, and the location of land is south of Route 140 from Route 101 to Mathew Street. City would have to purchase the land. Currently Gardner has the Gardner Industrial Park, the North Gardner Industrial Park, and the Suffolk Industrial Park. This would be adding a 4th one.
16 Lot Subdivision being considered by Planning Board. See separate article. Public hearing is continued to the next meeting on December 10th.
Greenwood Indoor Pool Building Demolition: Contractor has completed the site survey. The lake delineation testing and the hazardous materials testing is complete. Contractor is working on finishing the sketches for the plan and hopes to have that done by the end of the year. And then given the swim season in mind, demolition will be done probably late winter, early spring at most.
205-213 Main Street (Old Rome Building) Demolition across from Police Station: Bids were opened on November 13th. Awaiting Awarding of bid. Target time for demolition is mid to late December. Later, grant funding would be sought to improve the intersection itself.
Listen to the meeting for even more information.
- Public Welfare 11-14-24 (11/15/2024)
Committee Hears Reports from Library, Golf Course, and Cable TV
The Gardner Public Welfare Committee met on November 14, 2024 and heard updates from directors of the following areas: Library, Golf, and Cable. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Public Welfare Committee 11-14-24 Outgoing Library Director Stephanie Young spoke for more than 20 minutes regarding the various programs and matters involving the library, noting that participants in programs has increased from hundreds to the thousands in the past year. —- The Golf Course has increased to almost 800 members this year and the finances look good. — Tim Josti of GETV spoke about the various programs being recorded for the City and some upgrades he would like to make both in services and personnel hours. All 3 updates were very positive and deserve a listen.
- Planning Board 11-14-24 (11/14/2024)
Gardner Planning Board Reviews Proposed new Compass Lane subdivision on Templeton Line
The Board Viewed plans and heard a presentation from Mr. Fletcher from PrivateOversight, LLC. 16 Duplexes are now proposed for a total of 32 units on a 900 foot cul-de-sac roadway and a new traffic plan was presented to correspond with the number of units. 6.6 acres would be developed and 10.1 acres being left undeveloped.
Phase 1 consists of temporary sediment basins. Then roadway construction can begin. Permanent basins can then be constructed. And Phase 3 will consist of constructing the various units, 1 at a time. However, following the presentation, a public hearing was held. There were some questions and concerns from the public in attendance. An interesting fact was brought out by one of the Templeton residents who asked questions and the PrivateOversight, LLC representative also confirmed that Templeton had not yet been approached even though the entrance to the project would be through Templeton. Mr. Fletcher advised that the plan was to contact Templeton once the Gardner side of the project was further along. View the complete agenda, CLICK HERE.
Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Based on concerns, the Gardner Planning Board ordered a 3rd party site plan review of items such as traffic and storm water. The public hearing was continued to the next meeting.
This meeting is a great example of showing the complexities involved in this endeavor as many of the plans are shown. For those wishing to see more plan specifics, we recommend viewing the video from youtube, CLICK HERE.
- Hotline 11-9-24 (11/9/2024)
WGAW has “Hot” Hotline Radio Show on Saturday November 9, 2024
Hot Announcements with Mayor Michael Nicholson on Gardner CAC Lease, RFP’s on Community Center Leases, Waiting on GES Audit and $8 million remaining from School loan, and Veterans Day. Hot Warnings about Fire from EMD Paul Topolski and Hot News about the Gardner PD Kitchen. Scott Huntoon on the Hot Excitement about the Popular Festival of Trees at the Gardner Museum. ABC on Hot Election Results and Hot Stock Market. Hot Interview and Hot Topics with Congressional Candidate Cornelius Shea. Hot ABC Election Analysis. Hot AI Song Report and original Chair City Christmas Tunes with Werner Poegel.
Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Hotline Radio 11-9-24
- Waterford Lease Signed (11/9/2024)
Waterford Community Center Lease Signed with Gardner CAC
On November 8 2024, Gardner Mayor Nicholson and Julie Meehan, CAC Director signed a lease for use of a portion of the Waterford Community Center. It is a grant lease with no monthly payment due in consideration for what the Gardner Community Action Committee provides in services to the community. The Grant Lease was authorized recently by a vote of the Gardner City Council. Until actually occupying Waterford, the CAC will continue providing services out of its Pleasant Street location. Listen to the lease signing ceremony and various statements on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Waterford CAC Lease Signing The City of Gardner is expected to announce additional tenants in the coming months. Earlier in the year, Governor Healey signed a bill passed unanimously by the Legislature authorizing the site for general municipal use. It was previously called the Waterford Street School. According to previous statements of Mayor Michael Nicholson, while Waterford Community Center is the current official name, the final name has yet to be decided.
- Election Editorial (11/7/2024)
Actual guidance on recounts from the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s office, CLICK HERE for the 16 page guide. As the margin was about 4 percent. it appears this election would not be eligible for a recount as difference must be not more than 1/2 percent.
Editorial: Election Results Should be no Surprise and Should Teach Lessons
Election Day was this week. Some were surprised by the results. They shouldn’t have been. On the National level, the result reflected that the majority of America was not happy with the current administration in Washington because of various problems including border policy , inflation, crime, and foreign policy. Under normal circumstances if Donald Trump did not have some high negatives because of his sometimes offensive approach, the win could have been larger, more like when Ronald Reagan won 49 states. For example, Trump almost won the state of New Jersey, turning a double digit Biden lead in 2020 into a just a 5 point Harris lead in 2024. Trump did win the National popular vote, mainly because of his strategy of asking for votes everywhere. I’m hoping he’ll take this second chance and do well with it.
On the local level: Voters were faced with the choice of long-time State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik who has a perfect voting attendance record and a long list of achievements including specific help for veterans, but failed to adequately campaign, AND, Bruce Chester, a man who has run 3 times for the job, but has faced rebuke because of his alleged unethical handling of campaign finances and obvious lack of knowledge.
On Jonathan Zlotnik
A classic case of a good candidate not campaigning or taking the time to update Social Media to document his achievements. Had he done that, his vote tally would have been higher. Representative Zlotnik did do interviews with Gardner Magazine and WGAW and chronicled his achievements. A Rogue Gardner Facebook Group published many false items about Zlotnik which continued with simply made up falsities after Zlotnik won.
Zlotnik needs to campaign in his next election and post more items documenting his work. He almost lost because he didn’t do that. And it should be easy as he has a long list of successes and a history of benefiting his district. For example, Zlotnik has worked with the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center and has helped get more housing for veterans. Zlotnik helped get much needed funding for Heywood Hospital and numerous grants for Gardner and area communities. The irony is Zlotnik often works his tail off on behalf of the public rather than wasting time on Social Media. Well, maybe take 5 minutes each day. Just a thought.
On Bruce Chester
A classic case of a deeply flawed candidate who took the time to campaign and used Social Media to a certain extent. Despite running for the office 3 times, Chester could not answer very simple questions about legislation during a WGAW interview. Voters reached out to us both anonymously and by name prior to the election. We investigated and Gardner Magazine prepared a complete report using Bruce Chester’s own words to reveal very real concerns and we also published State documents revealing the ethics issues.
While Chester claims to teach ethics, according to the state of MA, Chester exudes the exact opposite given his ongoing scrutiny and multiple troubling audits by the Office of Campaign Finance. In my opinion, Bruce Chester was by far the weaker candidate. And now, rather than gracefully accepting his loss by about 4 points, some of his more radical supporters are claiming Gardner election fraud, thus attacking the character of the dozens of good people who make elections work in the Chair City. As recounts very rarely change the vote total dramatically, it simply seems like the actions of a sore loser.
- Trump Elected (11/6/2024)
Trump Political Comeback Complete – Elected 47th President of the United States
At around 2am on November 6, 2024 Donald J. Trump became President-Elect of the United States. Only one President before him, Grover Cleveland, has won the White House in a non-consecutive term. At 78 years old, Trump will be the oldest U.S. President when he leaves office, but his stamina leading up to Election Day was greater than many men much younger, often having multiple campaign rallies in the same day. In his victory speech, he said he has done his last rally, but goes on now to do something more important.
The President-elect will have an easier time getting his cabinet choices confirmed as the United States Senate will have a Republican majority. As of 2am, the question of whether the House will have a GOP majority had yet to be decided. Listen to the Trump Victory Speech on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Trump Victory Speech 11-6-24
- Election Results 2024 (11/5/2024)
Final Electoral Map 2024
Gardner Magazine Reports the following as of 11:29am 11-12-24Trump Elected 47th President
Results will be periodically updated. Unofficial Results from all precincts in Gardner, CLICK HERE.
Electoral Votes for President: Trump 312, Harris 226
———————————————–
Vote for State Senator: Durant 55%, Dibb 45%
Vote for U.S. Senator: Warren Won, Keaton Lost
Vote for U.S. Congress: McGovern 71%, Shea 29%
Vote for U.S. Congress: Trahan unopposedVote for State Representative: Zlotnik: 10,682, Chester: 9798. By community –
Templeton Zlotnik 2094, Chester 2327
Winchendon Zlotnik 1643, Chester 1774
Ashburnham Zlotnik 2002, Chester 1608
Gardner 4943, Chester 4089U.S. Senate: Democratic 47, Republican 53
U.S. House: Democratic 209, Republican 219, 218 is needed for a majority. GOP has a majority, there are 10 more races to be called.Ballot Questions:
1. Authority to Audit Legislature: Yes 72%, No 28%
2. Eliminate MCAS Requirement: Yes 59%, No 41%
3. Unionization Transportation: Yes 54%, No 46%
4. Legalization Psychedelics: Yes 43%, No 57%
5. Minimum Wage Tipped Workers: Yes 37%, No 63%
- Council 11-4-24 (11/5/2024)
Gardner City Council Meets on Monday Before Election
Mayor Michael Nicholson gave a presentation relating to adopting a factor for real estate and personal property taxation. The slides from his presentation are contained in the complete 394 page agenda and packet. To make it easier for the public, the City Council Agenda is laid out like a table of contents. For example, the Mayor’s letter and presentation begins on page 11. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 11-4-24 The City Council once again set the residential tax rate factor at 1 which means all types of property in the City are once again taxed at the same rate.
City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas submitted a proposal relative to the rules of the City Council.
At the end of the meeting Councilor Brooks explained the voting procedures at polling places in Gardner. Councilor Mack reminded residents that there is an Open Fire Ban in place because of dry conditions.
- Chester Questions (11/3/2024)
Note from Publisher: With most stories we like to publish original source material whenever we can such as Press Releases, Agendas/Packets, and AUDIO. With a sensitive subject such as this, we included a considerable amount of material in an effort to demonstrate thoroughness and to provide our readers with first-hand information.
To look up the Chester campaign yourself, here is the link, CLICK HERE. It is also a valuable tool for looking up information on any candidate running for office in Massachusetts.
Additional Questions Emerge Regarding Candidate Bruce Chester
In a previous Gardner Magazine report, CLICK HERE, we profiled Bruce Chester taking the unusual step of researching and presenting his own words. Part of that report covered the scrutiny Chester has been under after needing to reimburse his Committee in staggered payments as ordered by the State Office of Campaign and Political Finance. See previous article, CLICK HERE. Since our last article, we have received information from both anonymous and known sources. This article only covers what we could substantiate.
Treasurer Signature Situation
Former Chester Campaign Treasurer Scott M. Graves sent a letter to the OCPF stating he ceased being treasurer in 2022. According to his letter, this was the 2nd time informing them of this change. CLICK FOR IMAGE. However, a report with Scott M. Graves signature was sent to the OCPF in 2023, months after it was possible if in fact the Scott M. Graves assertion is accurate. CLICK FOR IMAGE. SEE REPORT. Compare that signature with a previous report when he was treasurer, CLICK FOR IMAGE. SEE REPORT.
Various Audits and Issues
Chester’s campaign has been audited several times. According to the OCPF, Chester used campaign funds for personal use and was obligated to reimburse the campaign committee. The OCPF has on numerous occasions informed the Chester campaign of problems. AUDIT: Expenses September 2024, CLICK HERE — Letter revealing Audit opened new audit —-Letter re lack of response to request by OCPF, CLICK HERE. Chester Campaign Reimbursements, CLICK HERE. — List of new AUDIT issues, CLICK HERE
Campaign Contributions and Expenditures
Bruce Chester contributions COMPLETE REPORT and Bruce Chester expenditures COMPLETE REPORT. Jonathan Zlotnik contributions COMPLETE REPORT and Jonathan Zlotnik expenditures COMPLETE REPORT.
Claims of Various Chester Occupations
Bruce Chester claims to be any of a number of occupations according to a pdf of his his website, CLICK HERE. His website claims “Actor, Author, Comedian, Host, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Veteran, Entrepreneur and all around good mensch” One of his claims is that he has been performing standup comedy in the New England area for almost 20 years. This was news to us as it did not show up in any of our earlier research. A YouTube search revealed a short appearance on a Leominster Cable Access Show from 11 years ago in which he was introduced as a comedian but did not perform comedy. Here’s a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJrwWZL70eE
False and Inaccurate Posts re Jonathan Zlotnik
Zlotnik has been the subject of false and/or inaccurate attacks on a Rogue Gardner Facebook Group suggesting in some posts that he is in favor of taxes. In just one counter example, Jonathan Zlotnik is known to be spearheading an effort to eliminate the inventory tax for businesses in an effort to lower taxes. Under current law, it is hard for a company to take advantage of a lower price on a quantity of raw product needed in manufacturing because the excess inventory would be subject to tax. The Zlotnik bill would help in 2 ways. 1. Eliminate a tax Zlotnik feels is unfair. 2. Reduce the manufacturing cost for businessses. We refer you to our recent interview for more information on Zlotnik’s actual record, CLICK HERE.
- Update 11-1-24 (11/1/2024)
Gardner Mayor Nicholson with first update of November 2024 and last before Election
Gardner Mayor Nicholson opened with a description of various project announcements which we cover in separate articles on this page. The Mayor also went over polling locations in detail for the election on November 5th. Polls open 7am to 8pm. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 11-1-24 MART announced a new partnership with Woods Ambulance and their Swift Ride Woods Plus program to extend bus services in Gardner from where it right now ends at 6 p.m. all the way to midnight. You can take a evening bus ride for a cost of $10. You can get anywhere in the city up until midnight. (978) 400-9338. MART bus rides continue to be free for at least the next year.
Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. Set your clocks back Saturday night.
“Gardner Square 2 is pleased to announce its 23rd round of the annual Memorial Lights Drive. Donation is $10 per light.That helps cover the cost of all of the different Christmas lights in the different parks, Monument Park, Lafayette Square…”
- Announcement 10-28-24 (10/28/2024)
Gardner Magazine is publishing text of all comments in their entirety.
Announcement 10-28-24 
Phase 3 Zone Formal Phase 3 Announcement for Rear Main Street Project
Representative Jonathan Zlotnik announced the $3.5 million State Grant last week in a Press Release. On October 28th it was a big event with local leaders, officials, and business leaders all praising Zlotnik’s extraordinary effort in collaboration with others in the City. According to a separate statement by Director of Development and Planning Trevor Beauregard, “These funds will allow the City to complete the public sector infrastructure improvements to support the private sector housing project along Derby Drive, which is the last phase of a $20 plus million public / private partnership in the Rear Main Corridor” A formal announcement and comments on the project was held on Monday October 28, 2024. Given the magnitude of this project for Gardner, we are publishing the entire text of all the comments as well as the AUDIO which you can hear on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Announcement 10-28-24 
“Take this spot that’s been vacant and run down in the city for almost two decades now and bring new life back to an area here in Gardner.”
Mayor Nicholson stated, “Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us on this virtual grant announcement. Very exciting for us here in Gardner. If you’ve been watching the mayor’s updates or seeing the videos and the news that we’ve been putting out here in Gardner lately, you saw that last week we broke ground on phase two of Gardner’s Rear Main Street revitalization project. That included a 100-plus spot parking lot, event plaza, food truck court, water feature, and a lot more over on Rear Main Street and Derby Drive, just behind places that are familiar to us here in Gardner, like John’s Sports Shop, the Velvet Goose, Priscilla Candy, right by Levi Heywood Memorial Library. We’re here today to announce that we’re continuing that progress here in Gardner and announcing that Gardner has recently been awarded $3.5 million from the Commonwealth Housing Works grant program for us to continue that process so that we can go from that smokestack on Rear Main Street all the way to behind the Gardner Police Department, Cumberland Farms, Diamond Heart Art Studios, and finish that out there, too. We know it’ll be some type of residential structure with some more parking, some green spaces, and really take this spot that’s been vacant and run down in the city for almost two decades now and bring new life back to an area here in Gardner. So you’re going to hear from several people today who are going to be related to that project, have some type of involvement in that project, or will benefit directly from that. So I’d like to hand it off right now to our State Representative, Jonathan Zlotnick.”
“It’s great to be back on this site twice in two weeks to announce the next phase of this. And another big grant, you said $3.5 million, which I want to point out is one of the biggest awards the state made through the One Stop program this year, right here, making this important investment in Gardner.”
Jonathan Zlotnik stated, “Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It’s great to be back on this site twice in two weeks to announce the next phase of this. And another big grant, you said $3.5 million, which I want to point out is one of the biggest awards the state made through the One Stop program this year, right here, making this important investment in Gardner. And like the Mayor said, this is something that we’ve been at for many years, but this is an important piece towards the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Gardner. I don’t think I’m going on much of a limb to say that when this is done, with the units of housing that this is going to add, the event space, the parking, that this is really going to be transformative for the city of Gardner in better utilizing this space in what we call Rear Main Street along Derby Drive, which was put in by another state grant that we announced on this spot many years ago. So I’m very happy to have been a partner in this project for many years, through several rounds of grants. And that’s the important part. Everyone you’re going to hear speak from today, and some people who couldn’t join us today, a project as big as this over as many years as this has taken doesn’t get done and isn’t a success unless every single person along the way, when it comes their turn, does their job and does so successfully, whether that’s myself, the Mayor, the City Council, the City Council President, the GRA, and the private sector, as well as the City’s Economic Development Department. Everybody has to do their job to make something like this happen. So I’m very proud and happy to have played a part in that, and I look forward, just like we were on the other end, breaking ground over there, to be back here soon enough, breaking ground on this phase of the project. So thank you. And I’d like to introduce another important person in making this all possible, through her leadership of the City Council, the City Council President, Elizabeth Kasinskas.”
“I want to thank Rep Zlotnik for his huge role in this, as well as everyone who’s put a piece of it together, and also here joining me today, my fellow city councilors, Brad Heglin, Alek Dernalowicz, and Paul Tassone, and on behalf of the City Council, I just want to say how excited we are…”
Elizabeth Kazinskas stated, “Good afternoon, everyone, it is wonderful to be here today. Again, I echo a lot of what the Rep had said about being here, back in rear Main Street, second time in just a couple of weeks, to make another exciting announcement. The City Council’s piece of all of these types of grants, typically to do a matching piece of it, it’s been several years where rear Main Street continues to be developed, and this is pretty monumental, as it’s phase three of this three-phase project, that now, since we have the funding, we can move forward and complete it. What we do at the City Council level is we review funding that we need to match these kinds of grants, and it’s significantly less than usually what the overall state contribution is, but it’s a huge part when it comes to what we have in the city to give and to distribute. And so when we put our piece into it, and the city side, and then we get rewarded on the state side or federal side, at times, for these kinds of grants to continue this type of development, it just, again, shows that you have to go hand-in-hand, you have to do your part, and it becomes more desirable to award us this money because we do our part on the city side, and we work to do the things we need to do to develop it, but we would not be able to do this by any means in the amount of time that we have and the scope that we have if we didn’t have our state partners, and I want to thank Rep Zlotnik for his huge role in this, as well as everyone who’s put a piece of it together, and also here joining me today, my fellow city councilors, Brad Heglin, Alek Dernalowicz, and Paul Tassone, and on behalf of the City Council, I just want to say how excited we are to be here today to celebrate this and to see what’s moving forward at the next groundbreaking and the ribbon cuttings and all the celebration down the road, but as many years as this takes to develop, there’s even more years ahead of us, so the city’s going to be able to enjoy it, and it’s going to be something really special for Gardner. It is my pleasure to introduce a fellow city councilor, but also the chair of the GRA, Paul Tassone.”
Paul Tassone stated, “How exciting is this? $3.5 million for the revitalization of this downtown area, from the smokestack to City Hall to the Gateway. I was here when we first broke ground for the Gateway to downtown Gardner, the city. $3.5 million, and from a GRA perspective, we worked behind the scenes acquiring and working with the city to ensure that we could make this project viable, so on behalf of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority, I’d like to thank Rep Zlotnick and Mayor Nicholson for their due diligence to help us get this award for $3.5 million, so thank you very much, and now I will introduce Patti Bergstrom.”“How exciting is this?“
“Thank you Jon, and to all of the good people that help and work together to make this city as fabulous as it is, I’m really excited about this.”
Patti Bergstrom stated, “What a fabulous day in the city that we love. It is so exciting for me, who has been downtown for 37 years, to watch this project happening, because when I joined in 1987, the Rear Main Street was a project that was just talked about. We have all the elements that we need to make our downtown and our city even more successful and more fabulous. Housing is important down here, parking is very important, new businesses like Diamond Heart Studio, old businesses like the Paramount, John’s Sports Shop, Priscilla’s Candy, they’ve been here nine decades, six decades, eight decades, and I’ve been here almost four decades, and to have a fabulous mayor, a supportive city councilor, a state rep who makes our dreams come true, thank you Jon, and to all of the good people that help and work together to make this city as fabulous as it is, I’m really excited about this. Now, on a personal note, could I say that, I did announce my retirement last week, but I want you to know that even though I may be retiring, I am the self-appointed CFO of Gardner now, Chief Fun Officer, and I plan to use this event space and all that’s going on in our city to make it even more fabulous, so thank you. Oh, was I supposed to introduce? Sorry. The next speaker are Sean and Nancy Bray, who are also the newest downtown business, and we’re so excited to have them, and talk about fun. These people wrote the book on fun and are teaching us all.”
Sean and Nancy Bray stated, “ Hi. So we’re Sean and Nancy Bray. We own Diamond Hearts Art Studio, which is… Right there. The back of the studio will be to the back of this completed project. We are super excited to have so many more residents in Gardner, and so much more opportunity to have fun and new friends. When the mayor was asking us about, did we want to open our business in downtown Gardner, one of the things that sold us was he was talking about this exact project and how much vitality it was going to bring to the Main Street area, the behind Main Street area, and it sold us. We just got very excited. We can’t wait to meet all of our new neighbors. If Gardner is as welcoming to them as it has been to us, they’re going to love living in Gardner. Thank you. Mr. Mayor.”
“The housing crisis that’s facing Massachusetts is no stranger to us here in Gardner, so being able to work towards finding some type of a solution for that by the apartment building that’s going to be here and adding new residential space to Gardner. This, with phase two, almost doubling the amount of parking that we have in the downtown.”
Mayor Nicholson closed with these remarks, “ I think you’ve seen the excitement that’s here around this project, and it’s true that this has been happening for quite some time. Patty mentioned that in the 1980s this was an idea, but this used to be an old factory site. In 2006, this started to enter into our urban renewal plans. In 2015, we had the new road funding approved by MassWorks to purchase the property that was there. The road was built in 2018, and we had the ribbon-cutting for that ceremony actually in this park. I remember that because I was just hired in the mayor’s office in a staff position at the time, and that was one of the first things that I got assigned was making this a ribbon-cutting spot for the brand new road that was there. That, hopefully, later on the road, something happened, literally down the road. Here we are about to launch into the final phase of this project and getting this going. The housing crisis that’s facing Massachusetts is no stranger to us here in Gardner, so being able to work towards finding some type of a solution for that by the apartment building that’s going to be here and adding new residential space to Gardner. This, with phase two, almost doubling the amount of parking that we have in the downtown to face the concerns that several businesses who are looking out to the area who want to know, am I going to be able to survive here? Where are my customers going to park? Now we’ve got an answer to that question. While it may not be the final answer, we’re getting there because we continue to invest in our community, and we continue to move Gardner forward. I want to thank the people on my team, our community development director, Trevor Beauregard and his staff in our community development project, who unfortunately weren’t able to be here today due to other scheduling conflicts, the members of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority, Paul Tassone and Magnus Carlberg, who are here with us today, the City Council, State Representative Jonathan Zlotnick, who’s been an integral part in this project alone, let alone all the other projects happening around Gardner, and making sure that we continue to work as a team to really make us stronger for a better future for us here in Gardner. And that’s exactly what this project’s doing, and I look forward to seeing the benefits that this brings, and we’ll see you at the groundbreaking for this part of the project in the very near future. Thank you all very much for tuning in and joining. If you have any questions, you can contact my office at any time, and we look forward to getting this going. Thank you very much.”
- Hotline 10-26-24 (10/26/2024)
Officials and Candidates on WGAW Hotline Radio of October 26, 2024
Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.
WGAW Hotline Radio 10-26-24 Hour 1: Mayor Michael Nicholson on Good news and some events in Gardner —- Dawn Casavant of Heywood Healthcare 12th annual Healthy Harvest 5k Walk —– Jonathan Zlotnik on successful grant announcements and stable state budget local aid lottery revenue Expects housing to continue being on the legislative agenda as a top priority. Zlotnik also speaks on other legislative priorities.—-
Hour 2: City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas speaks on the collaboration which has led to the funding of the 3 phases of the Rear Main Street Project —– “When you do it and stick with it, you’re rewarded for it.”—- Werner Poegel with a report on Bruce Chester in His Own Words —- ABC Report on Fraud in the Election Cycle
- Zoning 10-22-24 (10/24/2024)
Pine Street Project Delay prompts Intensive questioning of Attorney Tree by new memberIn the first 54 minutes of over 1 hour meeting:
The Zoning Board of Appeals met with all 5 members on October 22, 2024 to discuss progress with parking at Pine Street. The overall project has been with the board for over a year. Resolution: Signed contract by the end of January with a contractor. Project completed by June 16th. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Initial Problem: A previous contractor put a wall in the wrong place, has to be taken down, and the proper wall built.
Board motion unanimously approved: Extension until January 31st to get signed contract with contractor. Current lot to have temporary pavement lining. To send communication re options at Heywood Apts. for parking. Project completion by June 16th. Chairman Raymond Lafond asked for an update via letter prior to the February meeting.
The other matter on the agenda was postponed to another date after speaking with the Realtor who was representing the homeowner.
Gardner Magazine announces our release of the Gardner Zoning Theme Songs. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner Zoning Main Theme Song Gardner Zoning Theme Song 2
- Finance 10-16-24 (10/18/2024)
How diligently are they working to get grants for the City? The Mayor stated, “There have been $158 million worth of applications currently pending for the city right now. We’re not going to get half of those, but at least we tried. Maybe we get half, maybe we get three-quarters, maybe we get one of those things. But in the end, we get something more than what we have right now.” Councilor Dernalowicz remarked, “We would have possibly applied for a fraction of that amount and got half of that. So it’s a big difference to get all those applications out there and having someone, whatever group it may be, lobbying for it as well. It’s fantastic.”
Serious Discussion and Light Moments at Finance Committee October Meeting
Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Finance 10-16-24 Serious items such as debt service and new growth were discussed by the Mayor and members. Mayor Nicholson spoke of the revenue from Meals Tax, indicating that during the year, “We’re projected to get around $250,000 meal tax in based on receipts the commonwealth has received from… their statewide sales tax that they do on meals.” However, for planning purposes, the Mayor is only counting on $125,000 of that just to be safe. Total free cash amount is $2.5 million which is right in line with the percentage recommended by the State of MA. Finances regarding the Waterford Community Center were also discussed.
Light moments arrived when the return on the 3rd party grant writers was discussed. It was smiles all around when the Mayor stated, “So for a $75,000 investment between what was first appropriated for CMRTC and what was first appropriated for the Keller Partners contract, to have, you know, spend $75,000, get $20 million back is quite the return on that investment. So I’d like to keep that going..”
These and other matters will be discussed at the City Council meeting on October 21, 2024. Complete 414 page Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE.
“IT’S FANTASTIC” – Councilor Dernalowicz
- Rear Phase 2 (10/18/2024)
Rendering – Rear Main Street Phase 2 – CLICK IMAGE for larger view. Rear Main Street Project Breaks Ground on Phase 2
At a ceremony held in Gardner on October 17, 2024 various officials and business leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Rear Main Street Phase 2. Construction is expected to last at least until the summer of 2025. Official Press Release, CLICK HERE. To listen to the event on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Rear Main Street Groundbreaking 10-17-24 Speakers included Mayor Michael Nicholson who stated, “I’m really happy that we’re able to now celebrate this next milestone in this project.”
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik stated, “I’m proud to say that this is the second time we’ve been able to deliver a big MassWorks grant to support this project, and maybe, I don’t know, maybe we’ll be back here again soon announcing some more state money to see this project go even further. “
Director of Development and Planning Beauregard provided a history of the project which was conceived in the early 2000’s and part of the Urban Renewal Plan approved in 2011. He explained that the 2000 foot long Derby Drive was built after the property was acquired with a $1.75 million MassWorks grant in 2016. The second MassWorks grant was for $4.1 million. Because design and engineering costs have gone up, the project was divided into a North and South portion. Beauregard stated, “This being a north portion, we put it out to bid probably a few months ago, hired UEL contractors, Construction Dynamics, out of Fitchburg, and yeah, they’re ready to go. They’re out here, and they’ve already started clearing the site and doing the good work. It’s going to be a really transformative project for the City of Gardner, and it’s really exciting for me to be able to be here.”
- Early Voting (10/18/2024)
Time for Early Voting – Here’s the Schedule
In Gardner, early voting takes place at Perry Auditorium along the side of Gardner City Hall. Park in front of City Hall or in the designated lot adjacent to the auditorium. Entrances to the parking lot are from Knowlton Street and from Connors Street, directly across from the Binnall House.
It’s important to vote. Here’s a Commentary on Voting by Publisher Werner Poegel. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Voting Commentary
- Ballot & Questions (10/16/2024)
See the guide from the Secretary of State’s office regarding all ballot questions. It is comprehensive, comprising 164 pages with both supporting and opposing views on each question. CLICK HERE.
To get a sample ballot for anywhere in Massachusetts from ballotpedia, CLICK HERE.Ballot Questions Create Debate in Fall Election
The Five Questions on the November Ballot in Massachusetts
Question 1 would give the State Auditor the authority to audit the legislature. Question 2 would eliminate the MCAS Requirement in Massachusetts. The testing requirement has been an integral part of Massachusetts education planning for many years. Gardner Magazine opposes eliminating MCAS for one simple reason: Massachusetts is listed #3 in education nationwide. (See US News ratings, CLICK HERE) Why mess with a winning formula?
Question 3 concerns unionization for transportation network drivers. Question 4 concerns limited legalization and regulation of certain natural psychedelic substances. Gardner Magazine opposes Question 4 for a very simple reason: We don’t need to provide another way for people to get high and avoid reality. It’s harmful.
Question 5 concerns the minimum wage for tipped workers. Those in favor of Question 5 believe all workers should receive the minimum wage, whether tipped or not. Question 5 phases that in over a 5 year period. Those opposed have taken the position that the measure would hurt restaurants and tipped workers and would have the effect of reducing their pay. Gardner Mayor Nicholson is among those opposed to Question 5 stating, “I stand with restaurants, servers, bartenders, and tipped workers in opposing Question 5.” The Mayor stated he was proud to join 12 Mayors from across Massachusetts in opposition. Rick Walton, owner of Moon Hill Brewing and the Gardner Ale House released a short video in opposition to 5. Listen to the AUDIO on any device.Rick Walton on Question 5
Rick Walton states “It angers me so much because I feel like it’s personal. It’s going after my business, trying to take down my employees, in particular my TIP servers….The joy of dining out will go away if question five passes.”
Offices on the Ballot: Federal – Donald Trump or Kamala Harris for U.S. President (some others with other parties) Elizabeth Warren or John Keaton for U.S. Senator, and James McGovern or Cornelius Shea for Representative in Congress Second District, Lori Trahan is running unopposed for U.S. Representative in Congress District 3. State offices: Governor’s Council District 7 is Paul DePalo running against Andrew Couture. — State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik or Challenger Bruce Chester, State Senator for the Worcester – Hampshire District Peter Durant versus Challenger Sheila Dibb.
- Zlotnik 10-11-24 (10/11/2024)
Running on His Record – Interview with Jonathan Zlotnik
Gardner Magazine spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about his record. Listen to the entire interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Jonathan Zlotnik 10-11-24 Zlotnik describes how he has put working families first. He speaks about fighting for the wallets of his constituents. Zlotnik talks about fighting for our schools, fighting for fundamental freedoms, and running to be the people’s champion. He explains exactly what he means and draws on his record.
Jonathan Zlotnik speaks in great detail about his efforts to directly help the non-profits in his district including a description of his extensive efforts on behalf of Heywood Hospital. He speaks of fostering economic development, supporting small businesses, and making sure taxpayer funds have the most impact. Representative Zlotnik is running for reelection on his record and he gave us specifics regarding his efforts over the past 12 years.
- Update 10-11-24 (10/11/2024)
Upcoming next week: Thursday October 17, 2024 at 3:30pm is Groundbreaking for the Rear Main Street Project Phase 2. That broadcast will be the Mayor’s Update next week. Public may attend.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City on 10-11-24
Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 10-11-24 GAAMHA received $225,000 funding through efforts of Lori Trahan and Jonathan Zlotnik. It is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. EEE was found in a Mosquito in Gardner. The Winter Coat Drive of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has begun. There was a Flag Raising Ceremony at Care Central VNA. The Gardner Museum will have a presentation, an Evening of Chair Caning. And Mayor Nicholson wished the best of luck to the Gardner Wildcats who are playing Saturday.
- 73 Stuart (10/8/2024)
Former Factory at 73 Stuart Street in Gardner not owned by Candor Realty
A published report elsewhere inaccurately described the situation which has led to some inaccurate comments and negative public reaction on a rogue Gardner Facebook group. The publication has since corrected its article. While Candor Realty initially had a request for proposal accepted in 2023, that sale did not go through. According to Jonathan Bombaci of Candor Realty, Candor withdrew from the RFP in 2023 because of the projected high cost of demolition. The City of Gardner still owns the property. A storm in early 2024 damaged the building to the point where demolition was required because part of it came down on a neighboring yard. An insurance claim was filed.
Publisher’s Note: Common sense informs the notion that the City of Gardner could not file an insurance claim on a property it did not own. The postings and comments on that Rogue Gardner Facebook Group should come down because they unfairly and falsely disparage Candor Realty as a private entity, the City of Gardner, and City officials.
UPDATE: What happened and what will happen next? Gardner Mayor Nicholson wrote “The situation with the 73 Stuart Property is this- the City put it out for RFP and received only one offer from Candor Realty in the amount of $17,000 but the offer was contingent on them obtaining zoning relief through a variance that allowed them to put condominiums on the site. However, we advertised the property “as is,” meaning we could not accept the contingency portion of the offer. Additionally, the time allowed under Chapter 30 fo the General Laws, would not have allowed them to get the variance in that timeline. As such, we had to reject the offer and the City retained ownership of the property. We do plan to put it out for sale again once the final clean up after the demo is completed. “
- Council Matters (10/6/2024)
Transformer – Transformer Shortage has slowed down some construction projects nationwide. Gardner MA City Council Takes up Various Matters on Monday October 9, 2024
The City Council will review recommendations of the Finance Committee which met on October 2nd regarding various communications from the Mayor including property valuation changes, City Health Insurance costs, and a measure authorizing the Mayor to enter into a grant agreement with the Gardner CAC for use of a portion of the space at Waterford Community Center. Matters were discussed extensively. The Committee heard from the Mayor, Julie Meehan of the Gardner CAC, and Assessor Christine Kumar. Listen to the Finance Committee meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Finance Committee 10-2-24 The Gardner City Council packet for 10-9-24 is about 380 pages due to the detail of the minutes of prior meetings. CLICK HERE.
Other Items Before the Council
Other items include the sale of 94 Pleasant Street, authorization for a 5 year contract for grant writing services, the November 5th election, various proposals for ordinance amendments to clean up the City Code, and a matter carried over since March regarding parking on certain streets – Edgell Street from Elm Street to Lawrence Street.
Transformer Easement
Also: The City Council will vote on whether to grant National Grid an Easement to install a transformer at 95 Pleasant Street. A shortage of transformers has held up construction work throughout the United States. The shortage is holding up further work at the Garbose Building as a transformer with a greater power rating is required due to increased electrical demands.
- Zlotnik Interview 9-20-24 (9/20/2024)
2nd Worcester District – Consisting of the town of Ashburnham, the city of Gardner, and the towns of Templeton and Precincts 2, and 3, of the town of Winchendon, all in the county of Worcester.
“I’d say the top-driving thing that got me into public office all those years ago was that I felt this community and the communities in this district, the ones I grew up in, needed help. They needed additional investment opportunities. They needed things to be built, quite frankly. And the state is the best entity positioned to do that” – Jon ZlotnikWe have reached out to his opponent and offered a similar opportunity to do an interview.
Exploring the 12 Year Record of Zlotnik’s Greatest Hits
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about his record. Voters are being asked to rehire Zlotnik in this Fall’s election. We spoke with Zlotnik about education, training, business, housing, veterans, local projects, infrastructure, recreation, civics and literacy, food insecurity, the homeless, and help for the disadvantaged. Representative Zlotnik had a few interesting stories to tell along the way including how the need for a stool helped get a new school.
Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Jon Zlotnik 9-20-24 The job pays less than private industry, but Zlotnik does it to help the communities he represents. The State Representative interned at the State House both in high school and college.
Interestingly, one of the first bills Zlotnik filed was to re-institute a Civics curriculum as well as a financial literacy curriculum at the high school level. Eventually, the legislature did take up the civics portion, providing incentives for schools.
Zlotnik spoke about his involvement in the expansion of Mount Wachusett Community College. He spoke of fighting to get state funding for the On-Site Academy which provides for post-traumatic stress treatment for first responders and told a heartwarming story about it. Zlotnik explained his efforts on behalf of veterans in the area. The State Representative detailed and discussed the Wachusett Business Incubator program.
With respect to area development, Jonathan Zlotnik provided some background on the Rear Main Street Project and the Underutilized Properties grants which affects Downtown Gardner. We spoke at length about the Gardner Elementary School and Zlotnik related a story about the hearing on the school when the State Treasurer heard enough to say the project was clearly needed.
Zlotnik spoke of initiatives with respect to recreation including the bike path and the upcoming bridge across Route 140. He also spoke of the importance of actually getting out and talking with people. And, he detailed various projects which have brought in jobs.
Representative Zlotnik spoke of big projects like the one affecting the water main of Winchendon and Ashburnham. He spoke of pulling communities together to better utilize Opioid settlement funds.
Reach State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik via the following email: Jon.Zlotnik@mahouse.gov
- Council 9-19-24 (9/20/2024)
UPDATE: Reference Materials re Maki Park: City of Gardner Webpage —- Concept Drawings – Addendum to Bidding Documents
Maki Park Rendering As is evident from the above rendering, the finished product differs significantly from the original design submission. The investigation will determine what happened.
Maki Park from Parking Lot August 2024 Investigation Launched into Maki Park at Request of Councilor George Tyros
In a 5 minute Special Gardner City Council meeting on September 19, 2024, Councilors in attendance unanimously approved the request of George Tyros. There will be an investigation. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Councilor Tyros stated, “ I want to start by explaining why I think this matter deserves some urgency, and I want to thank Councilor Dernalowicz for co-sponsoring this special meeting. I also want to thank David Hackett and Anne Hurst, the chair and vice chair of the Disability Commission, for their attendance this evening. Is this an unsalvageable problem? Of course not. But state and city resources were spent, and it’s now apparent that the final product is not what was originally presented to the council. We were also not talking about aesthetic choices or minor tweaks. We’re talking about differences that go against the core basis this project was submitted and the information we used to make our decision to support it. As a council, we have a responsibility to make sure that public funds are well spent, and when there are problems, we shouldn’t be afraid to look at them. Our job is not to shield the administration, a department, or a department head, nor is it our job to smear anyone or anything. Our job is to get the facts, ascertain the truth, and if there is a problem, make sure we have appropriate policies and that those policies are being followed. The situation is that to do our job, we need to look at documents, we need to ask questions of people’s memories of events that happened many months ago. I expect this will take a fair amount of time. Simply put, we approved the project with certain parameters. We approved the expenditure of public funds. We and the public are entitled to an explanation when something goes wrong. Let me be clear, this investigation is not to determine who is at fault, it is to determine where the fault or faults existed in the process this project followed and what can be done to fix them moving forward. I hope this motion is adopted, and if it is, I’ll be requesting to be the counselor assigned. “
The 3 tier Maki Park was proposed as a solution to an open field which was not ADA compliant due to the 15 degree elevation pitch. Ironically, the park as now constructed is not ADA compliant which is the reason for the investigation.
- Waterford Authorization (9/18/2024)
Waterford Authorization For more information from the Massachusetts Legislature official site, CLICK HERE.
The History of Changing Waterford to General Municipal Use
The City of Gardner was formally authorized in July 2024 to move forward with its Waterford Community Center plans when the Governor signed a bill submitted in April by State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. See printable copy, CLICK HERE. Very specifically, the land was authorized to be used for general municipal purposes instead of use as a public school. The bill was referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government in April, got reported favorably by that committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy, and Scheduling in May, enacted by the House on July 17th, by the Senate on July 18th, and signed by Governor Healey on July 25th. A lengthy and completely transparent process handled in a completely lawful manner. The formal authorization allows the City of Gardner to move forward on leases with tenants.
There have been some posts on a rogue Gardner Facebook group by a former Gardner City Councilor which are completely inaccurate and factually wrong as is proven by our article which reports the facts.
- Council 9-16-24 (9/17/2024)
Gardner MA City Council Meets, Makes Decisions, and has an Objection.
Listen to the entire meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council 9-16-24 Approvals: City may enter into 5 year contracts for copiers/printers and alarms/sprinklers. Resolution approved for State to take custodianship of Route 140. Waterford Community Center was approved as official name for community center.
Information Received: Mayor Michael Nicholson gave an update on the Waterford Community Center. ADA compliant front doors are now being installed. New LED lighting with motion sensors has been installed in the building. Plumbing completely redone. Bathrooms updated in 2 story wing. Mini-splits installed. Boiler work going on now. Kitchen work done. Working on secondary kitchen as well. First tenant – Community Action Committee. The lease to be presented at next meeting. Will be a grant agreement as CAC provides services to the community.
Objection: A proposal by George Tyros to have a City Councilor lead an investigation in to ADA issues at Maki Park received an objection by Councilor Calvin Brooks. This ended all discussion on the matter until the next meeting.
- Custodianship – Route 140 (9/16/2024)
Gardner City Council may decide on Route 140 Custodianship
The Gardner City Council will discuss the request of Mayor Michael Nicholson to turn over custodianship of Route 140 from Green Street to the Winchendon line. This action would have the State of Massachusetts do what it has done over much of the 108 miles of Route 140 – take over responsibility for the road. Complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
In other matters, the City Council will vote on requests to allow 5 year contracts to save on copier and printer services, and for fire alarm and sprinkler testing services. It will review an update on the Waterford Community Center.
The City Council is also expected to delay action on the Elm Street to Lawrence Street parking matter as the Public Safety Committee voted to send it to the Traffic Commission for further study after several residents raised objections at a recent meeting. Listen to the recent Public Safety meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY
Public Safety Committee 9-13-24
- Update 9-13-24 (9/13/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with Weekly Update
Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 9-13-24 Recognition: Adult Day Care Week
Events: Monday September 16th: Project Redemption Photography Exhibit with a speaking portion at 6:30pm —- September 17 from 6pm to 7:30pm: Gardner High School Open House —- September 19th from 6pm to 7:30pm Gardner Middle School Open House —- September 20th at 7pm at Winchendon American Legion – benefit for Dakota Wood. —Saturday September 21st: Farmers Market at Waterford Community Center —– September 27th and 28th: Library Book Sale at Levi Heywood Memorial Library —- September 27th at 7pm Band Night at Watkins Field before the football game —- September 28th: Fall Festival and Oktoberfest in Downtown Gardner —-Tuesday, October 1st from 5:30pm to 7pm is 11th Annual National Night out in Perry Auditorium —- Greater Gardner Community Domestic Violence Vigil will be held on Monday October 7th at 6:30pm on the front steps of Gardner City Hall.
Official Ribbon Cutting: Diamond Hearts Art Studio September 20th
- Trump – Harris Debate (9/10/2024)
Trump – Harris Debate
Former President Trump and Vice President Harris had a debate on September 10, 2024. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Trump – Harris Debate 9-10-24 The election is November 5, 2024. The candidate which receives 270 electoral votes or more wins the Presidency. RealClearPolitics.com publishes all of the various polls. CLICK for WEBSITE. You can also create your own electoral maps.
- Afghanistan Withdrawal (9/9/2024)
U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Releases Report on Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Gardner Magazine is choosing to publish this report in its entirety so you can read it for yourself and not be subject to the spin from the Media. The report is called, “Willful Blindness: An Assessment of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Chaos That Followed”. The 353 page report covers the decision to withdraw including the Doha Agreement, loss of capabilities to track and fight the Taliban, failure to plan, chaos and death, and the failure to mitigate the Abbey Gate Attack. It suggests a vast Coverup perpetrated by the Biden-Harris Administration. The download is 180mb, CLICK HERE. The report alleges that at each step of the way, the Biden-Harris Administration picked optics over security.
- Hotline 9-7-24 (9/7/2024)
WGAW Starts September with a Guest-packed Hotline Radio Show
WGAW Hotline Radio Show on Saturday September 7, 2024 featured local officials and some special guests. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Hotline Radio 9-7-24 Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson provided an update and answered host Steve Wendell’s questions. The Mayor spoke of various projects and City staffing. Various members of Citizens Against the Baldwinville Plastic Refinery/Recycling facility spoke about their concerns. Gardner Museum President Scott Huntoon spoke about happenings at the museum. Gardner City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas answered questions about past and future meetings. Civil Defense Director Paul Topolski had a conversation with Steve Wendell regarding his department, the Secret Service, and radios. Werner Poegel had a commentary about taxes.
- Hubbardston Pitch (9/6/2024)
Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau Brings out the First PITCH
It’s an idea designed to get ideas from the public. It’s called P.I.T.C.H. and stands for “Public Ideas Transforming Capital in Hubbardston” Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau is inviting proposals to include infrastructure, vehicles, parks, and more. Just submit your idea to admin@hubbardstonma.us by October 6, 2024. Submissions should include details on the proposed project including benefits, estimated cost, and any other relevant information. Hubbardston residents can participate in Fall and Winter meetings or opt for one of the two open seats on the Capital Improvement Planning Committee. For more information visit this page on the Town of Hubbardston website, CLICK HERE.
Boudreau notes, “After the deadline, submissions will be reviewed for safety, feasibility, cost, and community benefit. Top proposals may be included in the five-year capital plan.”
- Council 9-4-24 (9/6/2024)
Gardner City Council Meets on September 4th
The Gardner MA City Council met on September 4, 2024. All Councilors were present with the exception of Paul Tassone. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council 9-4-24 The Council reviewed various orders from the Mayor. An Open Meeting Law Complaint ruling was placed on file. The Attorney General had ruled that the City did not violate the Open Meeting Law. This was another in a series of complaints by Paul DeMeo.
A matter regarding the Coleman Street School was referred to a sub-committee. MOC runs Headstart at the location. Its lease had ended and was not renewed. MOC wants to make improvements to the site, but would like something more formal.
A motion passed unanimously to form an adhoc committee regarding the dedication of the City Council Chamber in memory of Ronald Cormier.
The Agricultural Commission item was removed from the calendar as the petitioners have asked to withdraw their request.
- Update 9-6-24 (9/6/2024)
Properties: Requests for Proposal open until September 17th for 94 Pleasant Street. —- Demolition of old Nadeau Street factory to occur soon in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Provides September 6, 2024 Update of various events
Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 9-6-24 This coming Sunday September 8th, PACC is having its Polish Drive Thru from 11am to 2pm. $15 and cash only.
Events: The Mayor started and ended the update asking for volunteers to help plant Mums in the Downtown area on September 13th or 14th. If you want to help, call the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490 or email Kjablonski@gardner-ma.gov. —- Gardner Museum Wildlife Photography Exhibit is underway —– September 11th memorial ceremony on 9-11 at 8:30am Gardner City Hall. —- Farmers Market, weekly taking place Thursdays at Park Street Park and next monthly taking place Saturday September 21st at Waterford Community Center. — Gardner Fall Festival and Oktoberfest is September 28th— Library Book Sale is Friday September 27th and Saturday September 28th — 11th Annual National Night Out rescheduled to October 1st from 5:30pm to 7pm at Perry Auditorium – –Gardner Domestic Violence Task Force Monday, October 7th at 6:30pm at Gardner City Hall main entrance — Theater at the Mount has various upcoming shows.
- Electoral College (9/2/2024)
Examination of Electoral Maps Reveals Just How Close Recent Elections Have Been
Gardner Magazine is showing you the actual electoral maps of 2016 and 2020 for those who don’t think of the election in terms of the electoral college, which is what we actually use. It illustrates why the candidates focus on so-called “swing states’ and don’t campaign as much in states which are solidly Republican or solidly Democrat. Simply put, it doesn’t matter whether you win a state by many votes or just a few.
With just a 1% vote shift to the opponent, the results of the 2016 and 2020 elections would have been the opposite.
2016: Trump got 306 to Clinton 232 electoral votes. However, with just a 1% increase in votes to Clinton, she would have won with 275 electoral votes.
2020: Biden got 303 to Trump 235 electoral votes. However, with just a 1% increase in votes to Trump, he would have won with 272 electoral votes.
What this illustrates: (1) Our electoral system where we keep the power in the states rather than going by a national popular vote. This was done by our founders to protect us. (2) In 2016, Clinton was right to be upset about Comey’s public statements about her emails as that arguably gave the election to Trump, and in 2020, Trump was right to be upset about the suppression about the Hunter Biden laptop as that arguably gave the election to Biden. (3) In the 2024 election, it is entirely possible that the winning candidate will have just slightly more electoral votes than needed – a close election.
Note: While Massachusetts tends to be a liberal state, most of the country is much more conservative as is illustrated by all the red states. In general, more blue states have greater populations (such as California and New York State) which equates to more electoral votes. Each state has a number of electoral votes equal to its number of senators and representatives, plus Washington D.C. has 3, for a total of 538 up for grabs. For example, the State of New Hampshire has 4 electoral votes with 2 senators and 2 representatives even though it has a total population of 1.4 million. U.S. total population is about 335 million. If electoral votes were based on population alone, New Hampshire would have only 2, or half as much.
History of the electoral College: Several times in history, candidates for President have received more popular votes nationally but lost the electoral college. At our nation’s founding, the electoral college was a compromise. Arguments against changing it revolve around concerns that larger, more populous states would overpower the less populous states. Lower population in rural states means more land for our food supply. A change to a popular vote would be an incentive for states to attract population and would arguably ruin our country. In 1960, John F. Kennedy’s popular vote margin was just over 118,000 votes with a total of almost 69 million votes cast. Without the electoral college, results might have been challenged in the country’s 170,000 voting precincts.
- Update 8-30-24 (8/30/2024)
Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 8-30-24 Why Mums in the Graphic?
Volunteers are needed to plant mums in the City’s flower pots for a few hours on September 13th and 14th. contact kjablonski@gardner-ma.gov
In Pre-Labor Day Update, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Informs the City
Welcome: Teachers who had their first week back in school.
Thank You, “I just want to say a special thank you to everyone who was involved in the planning and execution of this past week’s International Overdose Awareness Night of Hope that we had here in Gardner. From the vigil that was done over at Monument Park to the Luminaria service that was done here at City Hall, it was really a beautiful night to remember and showed that together as a city, we really do come together to support each other and be there for each other during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for anyone in this community.”
Events: Saturday is the Elks Riders 1426 Charity Motorcycle Race and Ride. More info, CLICK HERE. —- Labor Day is Monday and City offices are closed. —- School starting Tuesday, September 3rd for Gardner Public Schools. Primary election Day is also Tuesday, September 4th. —- City Council will meet Wednesday, September 5th. —- Yard Waste Collection will be September 3-6 —- Volunteers are needed to plant mums in the City’s flower pots for a few hours on September 13th and 14th. contact kjablonski@gardner-ma.gov —- National Night Out is Tuesday October 1st in Perry Auditorium from 5:30 to 7pm
Projects: Paving will continue. See previous article with list, CLICK HERE. —- Demo of former Rome Showroom at corner of Main and Willow Streets to take place within the first couple weeks of October with a series of detours for traffic — Uptown Rotary Project is progressing, “We expect the construction crew to be out for just another two weeks. If you’ve noticed, they’ve already started to loam and seed the islands in the area and they should be done with that next week and then they’re going to come back and put the final coat of pavement on“
- Assessors 8-27-24 (8/28/2024)
The Gardner Board of Assessors
Gardner Assessor Concludes City Should Meet New Growth Value
The Board of Assessors met with members Assessor Christine Kumar and Paulette Burns. Listen to the exciting meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Assessors 8-27-24 Assessor Kumar stated, “We do have a little update. So, the residential, commercial, industrial values have been adjusted. I can continue to make small adjustments based on building permits, as long as I’m not changing anything that was a 2023 sale. Because that’s what’s used for the analysis. We are waiting for RRSP to complete their analysis of personal property. I expect to hear from them within the next two weeks, letting me know that they’re done. Once they are done, I can submit the values, the LA-4, to the state for approval along with the new growth. We should be able to meet our estimate of $250,000 impact value for new growth. That’s what we were aiming for. I was a little skeptical as to whether or not we’d get there, but I think that we will. So, that’ll be good. If we do get that information submitted in the next couple of weeks, I would only expect the state to take less than a week, probably, to approve everything. So, again, we’ll be good. And then, I did give you this, which is just kind of the numbers on where we are with the exemption applications. We’ve mailed out a total of 192. We received 124 back. So, we’re at about 65% received. So, what I’ve done today, there are 68 envelopes going out, reminders to the people who haven’t sent things back yet. So, that’s plenty of time. I mean, technically, they have until April. Well, you know, it makes my life easier in the long run. And I’m old. I don’t remember everything.”
- Paving Here (8/26/2024)
Paving Time is Here in Gardner – Schedule Announced
DPW Director Dane Arnold has announced the specific Gardner MA paving schedule for the end of August and all of September. The schedule is subject to change based on weather.
Paving Schedule – 8/29: Lower structures on Dinan Drive and Meadowbrook Lane — 9/3-9/4: Pulverize Hosley Road, Dinan Drive, and Meadowbrook Lane — 9/5-9/6: Binder Coat of asphalt Hosley Road, Dinan Drive, and Meadowbrook Lane — 9/9-9/10: Mill Washington st and Logan St — 9/11: Mill Timpany Boulevard and Main St from Walgreens to rotary — 9/11: Adjust Structures on Dinan Drive and Meadowbrook Lane — 9/12-9/13: Adjust Structures on Washington St and Logan St —- 9/16: Install berm on Dinan Drive, and Meadowbrook Lane —- 9/16: Adjust Structures on Timpany Boulevard and Main St from Walgreens to rotary —- 9/18: Install Top Coarse on Timpany Boulevard and Main St —- 9/19: Install Top Coarse on Washington st and Logan St —- 9/19-9/20: Adjust Structures on Parker St, Fredette, Wilkins —- 9/25: Install Top Coarse on Hosley Road, Dinan Drive, and Meadowbrook Lane —- 9/27: Install Top Coarse on Parker St, Fredette, Wilkins —-
The announcement of streets on the list, cost, and funding source was announced in May 2024. CLICK Graphic for larger view. Previous Article, CLICK HERE.
Why is paving so expensive these days? The simple answer is that the cost of asphalt per ton has increased significantly. If you’d like to calculate the number of tons required to pave a particular road or street, take advantage of this Asphalt Calculator, CLICK HERE.
- Hotline 8-24-24 (8/24/2024)
Newsmakers on WGAW Hotline Radio August 24, 2024
Listen to the entire WGAW Hotline Radio program on any device, CLICK PLAY.
WGAW Hotline Radio 8-24-24 Segments in this show included: Update with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson —- GAMMHA President/CEO Shawn Hayden on the Night of Hope and other Topics —- Commentary from Werner Poegel —-City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas on upcoming matters —- Hubbardston MA Town Meeting Results and Project Discussion with Administrator Nathan Boudreau —-Cornelius Shea – Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives running against James McGovern for the 2nd Congressional District.
- Update 8-23-24 (8/23/2024)
The Gardner City Clerk’s office is having a special Saturday voter registration session August 24th from 9am to 5pm in Perry Auditorium. Last day to register to vote for the upcoming September 3rd State Primary (other offices – Presidential Primary held earlier this year.)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City
On August 23, 2024, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson provided an update for residents of the Chair City. Listen on any device., CLICK PLAY.
Openings: Jersey Mike’s Sub Shop opened 15 minutes early and closed late due to the number of people waiting. Remaining storefronts at Timpany Crossroads will be filled by a dentist and a swimming pool company. According to Mayor Nicholson, “We’re almost at 40 businesses in 2024 alone.” In Downtown Gardner, Diamond Hearts Studios is having an opening on September 20th at noon.
Insurance: The Mayor reiterated that insurance was fully covering Fire Department roof damaged by a storm last February and fully covering damaged playground equipment at Ovila Case.
Longest Land Court Case: 94 Pleasant Street, Gardner is available for purchase after being declared surplus recently by the Gardner City Council. It took Gardner 30 years to take the property after a land court case was filed in 1992. Contact the City’s Purchasing Department if interested in the RFP process for the property.
Rear Main Street Project: Bids being opened on Wednesday August 28th. “The project for this includes the parking lot, the public park area, the food truck plaza, the water feature…. Phase two will be the residential part of it which will be you know some type of housing unit and parking for the people who live there...”
Events: International Overdose Day and Night of Hope is Wednesday August 28th. Saturday August 31st is the Elks Riders Lodge 1426 Charity Ride.
- GRA 8-21-24 (8/21/2024)
Gardner Redevelopment Authority: from left: Magnus Carlberg, Timothy Horrigan, Neill Jansssens, Trevor Beauregard and Paul Tassone (on phone)
For the opportunities presenting themselves in this article, please contact the Development Department at the City of Gardner. They’ll put you in touch with the appropriate broker and you can snap up one or both of the parcels. Website, CLICK HERE.
Progress Discussed at Gardner Redevelopment Authority Meeting
The Gardner Redevelopment Authority met on August 21, 2024 regarding Urban Renewal Plan including Downtown Gardner and the Mill Street Corridor. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY
Rear Main Street Project: The bid will be opened towards the end of August regarding the multi-million dollar Rear Main Street Project. Construction will be starting this Fall to include a large oval-shaped parking lot with about 100 public parking spaces and a large oval park in between. There will be a patio area with a water feature. The electrical infrastructure will be underground.
Mill Street Corridor: The cap on the former Garbose Metal site was recently checked. A new real estate broker was recently hired and the intent is to market the properly heavily. Trevor Beauregard told us that the property is currently zoned for industrial use. An opportunity awaits some business owner.
140 South Main Street: available and suitable for many activities.
- Hotline 8-17-24 (8/17/2024)
WGAW Hotline Show Highlights Community Progress on Saturday August 17, 2024
WGAW Hotline Radio Host Steve Wendell and his guests highlight events, progress, and plans in the Greater Gardner area. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
WGAW Hotline Radio 8-17-24 WGAW Hotline Radio is heard Saturdays noon to 2pm on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming to anywhere in the world.
Hotline featured Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who reminded residents about the weed removal taking place in the Downtown area and upcoming street sweeping. The Mayor spoke about the progress of the monthly Farmers Market which had 850 attend last month and took place again on August 17th. Nicholson spoke of various events and openings. The Mayor was on live with remarks about services for the Reverend David Cote who served the City for decades.
Steve Wendell Commented Regarding Hotline and Today’s Show, thanking guests and listeners.
Steve Wendell 8-17-24 Hotline featured progress on the educational front with a segment outlining the agreement between Mount Wachusett Community College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Mount students can transfer to WPI. Hotline featured various individuals including administrators, educators, and students.
Hotline featured progress in the Chair City during a discussion with City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas. Kazinskas reminded all that this is the first year that ARPA funding is gone but also stated, “We’ve done really well financially in the City, and we’re very lucky….People are looking at Gardner and say, well, they’ve managed their money well, so let’s give them a grant….in Gardner, we do a lot of grant work, we get a lot of grant money. It’s because we apply for it, we seek it out, and when we find something that’s a good fit, we pursue it responsibly…”
Hotline featured progress in the town of Hubbardston with a discussion concerning the proposal for purchasing 48 Gardner Road for eventual use as town offices, police, and fire. On the Hotline: Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau, Kari Sacramone, chair of the Public Safety Committe, and Selectboard Chair Jeff Williams.
Hotline featured a commentary by Werner Poegel who spoke about politics today turning good people into purveyors of nonsense and urged civil discussion.
- Update 8-16-24 (8/16/2024)
Listen to the detailed update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 8-17-24 Detailed Mayor’s Update Highlights Projects, Events, and Openings
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updated the Chair City on August 16, 2024 in a detailed update. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 8-17-24 Happening in Gardner: National Night Out canceled due to weather for the 2nd time – a small resource fair will be held at City Hall in October —- The DPW is removing weeds from Downtown sidewalks using a white vinegar and dish soap mixture and sweeping the streets —- Band camp is fully underway and teachers are starting up in classrooms next week. —– Crews will be working on the Uptown Rotary on Monday. —- Salt Shed approved and construction will start soon at DPW.
This weekend: Saturday August 17, 2024 is the Farmers Market at Waterford from 9:30am to 1pm. —- Funeral services for Reverend David Cote on Saturday at Perry Auditorium. —- Concert at Monument Park is Saturday from 5-7pm.
Opening Next Week: Jersey Mike’s opens August 21, 2024. Get a free sub with a $3 donation to the Gardner High School Wildcat Band.
Replacement Tree: Temporary fix will be first with a permanent tree this Fall to replace the tree by the Spanish-American War Monument.
- 48 Gardner Road (8/14/2024)
Hubbardston residents will gather at a Special Town Meeting, 7pm Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the Hubbardston Center School to decide on whether to proceed with Phase 1 of the project.
A new facility was rejected in a previous vote. Town Leaders are hoping this creative idea will have support of the public. The interview with Boudreau and Couture explains more.
Interview August 14, 2024 Out-of-Box Thinking Yields Solution to Hubbardston Crisis of Facilities
Gardner Magazine spoke with Hubbardston Town Administrator Nathan Boudreau and Hubbardston Police Chief Ryan Couture on August 14, 2024 about a 3 Phase Plan to Purchase and Utilize 48 Gardner Road, Hubbardston for Town Needs. It is the subject of a Special Town Meeting August 22nd at 7pm. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
The Town Hall, Police Station, and town-owned Fire Department facilities have space and structural issues. Population of Hubbardston 50 years ago was about 1500, increasing to 2800 in 1990, 3900 in 2000, and leveling off to about 4300 today. Town Hall in the 1970s was supposed to be temporary. The police station is in the basement of the library. Fire stations are split up and town-owned locations have issues. A new structure would cost $15 to $20 million due to prevailing wage laws. Purchasing 48 Gardner Road for $700k and then spending money incrementally at the location would end up being half the cost. Potentially, cost could be substantially reduced through grants.
Phase Action Contemplated Phase 1 Initial Renovation and Preparation including building purchase, code compliance and plans, new roof, siding, and window. Total up to: $1.4 million Phase 2 Creation of space for Town Hall, Meeting, Public Safety and Training, Fire Department, Police Department, and various Storage. Total up to: $7.576 million Phase 3 Additional Apparatus Storage and Sally Port, and Emergency Generator. Total up to: $887,500 COMPLETE DETAILS CLICK HERE The Town of Hubbardston Prepared Videos to Showcase the Issues to Residents. Have a look at the police and fire facilities and understand the need. Just CLICK PLAY.
- Proactive 2024 (8/12/2024)
Residents who are interested can contact the Town Manager via email at bmckinney@winchendon-ma.gov
Winchendon’s Town Manager Takes Proactive Action in Advance of Budget Concerns
Inflation is causing budget problems for Massachusetts communities including Winchendon. Very simply, costs are going up quicker than tax levies can keep up. Solution is cutting costs or raising property taxes through Proposition 2 ½ overrides. Winchendon Town Manager Bill McKinney is attempting to get out ahead of a projected problem with the Fiscal 2026 Town Budget. Of the $35 million budget, $15 million comes from property taxes, and it’s off by at least $1.5 million for the next fiscal year. We spoke with McKinney about the ad hoc committee he is forming to study the budget in detail and we talked about some of the numbers. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Bill McKinney Interview 8-12-24 The ad hoc committee being formed to study the budget in detail will be composed of the Town Manager, representatives from Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Finance Committee, and 3 residents. Meeting schedule will be created once it has been formed and it will likely meet a couple of times per month. McKinney stated, “I want the residents to, you know, to have a say in what kind of town they want.”
McKinney told us about 3 big problems totaling a one million dollar increase. 1. Debt is increasing with principal payments due in Fiscal 2026. 2. Health insurance is going up 10%. 3. Pension contribution is going up 10%. Other items include the significant increase in school transportation costs. Town Manager Bill McKinney explained that “everything is out on our website” Visit Town of Winchendon website, CLICK HERE.
- Week of Meetings (8/12/2024)
Every day in the City of Gardner MA, the work goes on….
Busy Work Week of Commissions, Boards, and Committees in Gardner MA – 7 Meetings
August 12th: Conservation Commission meets regarding Wetlands issues regarding various properties. AGENDA
August 13th: Gardner Planning Board meets regarding the Definitive Site Plan for the new Salt Shed at DPW. AGENDA
August 14th: Airport Commission meets regarding a runway and master plan update and hears the Airport Manager Report. AGENDA
August 14th: Capital Improvement Plan Meeting of the Capital Improvement CommitTee with the purpose of discussing and comments on revisions to the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Project/Item List. AGENDA
August 15th: Public Welfare Committee meets regarding the addition of an “Agricultural Commission” . This item was first on the calendar back in March. AGENDA
August 15th: Historical Commission meets regarding the Old Burying Ground and tombstone replacement and resetting stones. AGENDA
August 20th: Zoning Board of Appeals meets regarding various properties. Agenda, CLICK HERE.
- One Dollar House (8/11/2024)
Gardner Has Rooming House for Sale – for $1 – So What’s the Catch?
The former rooming house is located at 94 Pleasant Street in Gardner, next to the Fidelity Bank parking lot and across the street from Gardner City Hall. An appraiser gave it an appraised value of $0 for two reasons: (1) Repairs needed on the property exceed its value (2) Cost to demolish the building exceeds the value of the lot.
If you’re very handy, perhaps you can make it work. You would submit the Request for Proposal. All of the RFP’s on this property will be reviewed. While the minimum bid is $1 due to the appraised value, approval would hinge on what you would do with the property. Gardner will approve whatever is deemed in the best interests of the City. So do you want your $1 Rooming House?
The property at 94 Pleasant Street in Gardner has been vacant for years. For more information, contact the City of Gardner.
- August – Westminster (8/11/2024)
Westminster MA is Active in August 2024
The Town of Westminster held its Town Benefit Day on Sunday August 11, 2024. If you missed it, don’t miss the rest of the Westminster “South Street Sentinel” for August. It features a useful list of suggested supplies for Westminster Elementary School students which is helpful for students enrolled in any district. There is an extensive list of events coming up this Summer and Fall. The Ashburnham – Westminster National Night Out is being held August 13, 2024 from 5:30 to 89pm at Oakmont Reginal High School, 9 Oakmont Drive in Ashburnham. The Westminster Farmers’ Market is open Fridays from 3-6pm on Academy Hill. The Health Department has tips on preventing rats. There’s 15 pages of information in the August South Street Sentinel. CLICK HERE.
Westminster Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series is presenting The Final Mike on August 24th from 5-7pm at Academy Hill. Admission is FREE. Food and Ice Cream available to purchase.
- ADU 2024 (8/9/2024)
“This new policy replaces a patchwork of zoning regulations across the state with a uniform law that allows homeowners on single-family lots to add these small units without needing a special permit or variance unless they want to add more than one. Construction of ADUs is still subject to local building codes. The Healey-Driscoll Administration estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 ADUs will be built across the state over the next five years due to passage of the law.”
Accessory Dwelling Units Allowed by Right Under New Law
The Affordable Homes Act has been signed by Governor Maura Healey. Intention is to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in authorizations and 49 policy initiatives. More information, right here.
Part of the bill allows Accessory Dwelling Units under 900 square feet by right on single-family lots. According to the Press Release, “Often referred to as in-law apartments, accessory dwelling units can be attached or detached from a single-family home and often take shape as a basement or attic conversion, a cottage in a backyard or a bump-out addition to a home.“We spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about the signing of the housing bill, ADU’s and the possibility of Tiny Housing Villages for the homeless. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Jonathan Zlotnik on ADUs We spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about ADU’s and Tiny House Villages. Gardner already has had an organization reach out to it regarding land for a Tiny House Village. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor Michael Nicholson on ADUs
- City Council Meeting 8-5-24 (8/6/2024)
City Council Tackles Remainder of 700 page Agenda After Racetrack Vote
The Gardner City Council put the Racetrack issue behind it in the first portion of the meeting, took a short recess, and then resumed the agenda. Complete document, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council August 5, 2024 As to all of the communications on the agenda, please view previous article, CLICK HERE
Prior to the City Council Meeting on August 5th, the Finance Committee heard explanations from Mayor Michael Nicholson regarding upcoming items. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY
Finance Committee August 5, 2024 
Finance Committee: Judy Mack, Elizabeth Kazinskas and Alek Dernalowicz with Mayor Michael Nicholson
- Zlotnik Votes (8/6/2024)
Yes. We researched this number a bit too much. But it was fun. Werner Poegel, Publisher.
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Touts 100% Voting Record
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik posted, “The very last roll call vote of the formal session was on the Housing Bond Bill. For me it marked 12 years without missing a vote, for 2,539 consecutive roll call votes.” We spoke with Jonathan Zlotnik about this achievement. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Jonathan Zlotnik on Voting Record Is there something significant about the number 2,539 other than reflecting that Zlotnik has shown up for every vote in the last 12 years? Yes.
2,539 is a prime number from 2001-3000. 2,539 has 2 factors, 1 and 2,539. It is the 371st prime number, and the 68th prime number from 2001-3000. Interestingly, at the time of Zlotnik’s post it was 68 degrees in Gardner MA on August 6, 2024Jonathan Zlotnik has served since January 2, 2013 as the Representative for the 2nd Worcester District.
In Astrology, is there a significance to the number 2,539? Yes. In terms of money and career, the number 2539 indicates a period of abundance and prosperity. It suggests that your hard work and dedication will pay off, leading to financial rewards and career advancements. It is important to stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and seize opportunities as they arise. For more information visit this page, CLICK HERE. Biblical Numerology: It signifies that you are being supported by divine forces and are on the right path towards fulfilling your purpose and destiny.
- Night Out 2024 (8/5/2024)
11th Annual Greater Gardner Nation Night Out – August 8, 2024
The 11th Annual Greater Gardner National Night Out will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5:30 to 8pm at Gardner High School, 200 Catherine Street in Gardner. Activities include bounce houses, obstacle courses, basketball hoops, hydro blaster, a new trackless train ride, charity dunk tank, live band entertainment, a reptile show, and more.
FOOD is FREE and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and other refreshments.
ENTERTAINMENT is FREE and includes Live Band Entertainment
FREE RAFFLES too.
National Night Out is sponsored by the Gardner Community Action Team. For more information, CLICK HERE for their web page.
- Xerox Retraction (8/3/2024)
Copy of actual email sent to City of Gardner. At least 1 signer of Xeroxed Open Meeting Law Complaints verifies she did not know what she was signing.
At Least One of OML Xerox Complaint Signers Retracts, DID NOT KNOW WHAT SHE WAS SIGNING.
Kayla Halfrey wrote: “So also please take me out of this opening meeting law complaint i signed this without knowing what it meant and no longer interested in this complaint or fighting it.” Halfrey was apparently one of 13 individuals asked to sign an identical Open Meeting Law Complaint prepared by Paul DeMeo and then all filed by Paul DeMeo. DeMeo insisted live on WGAW Radio on August 3, 2024 that each individual wouldn’t have signed it unless they agreed with what it said. At least in this case, that is completely false as written by this person. Gardner Magazine can’t speculate on how many other signers “signed this without knowing what it meant“ See previous article on Complaint Xeroxing, CLICK HERE.
- Upcoming 8-5-24 (8/2/2024)
Document may be digital but 700 Pages is still HUGE
The Gardner MA City Council Agenda and packet for the upcoming Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting is 700 pages. Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
The Council will consider various appointments. —The Council is scheduled to vote to determine if a track of land located at 827 Green Street be approved as the location of a running horse racing track. It is also scheduled to consider an Ordinance to add the “Agricultural Commission” which has been postponed at meetings since March. —– Perry Auditorium will be available as an overflow room should the City Council Chamber reach capacity.
Various communications from the Mayor include:
the Bay State Racing LLC Host Community Agreement, Ovila Case Playground, the City’s new Disc Golf Course, Gubernatorial Appointments, Upcoming Paving and Infrastructure Projects, Knowlton Street Parking Lot Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Project, City’s Solar Canopy Initiative, Storefront Revitalization Districts, Projects Currently Being Funded by Federal Grant Funds,……Intermunicipal Agreement between Gardner and Princeton for Veterans Services, Intermunicipal Agreement between Gardner and Westminster for Animal Control Services, Declaring Surplus for the Purpose of Disposal (Lease) 62 Waterford Street, Declaring Surplus for sale 94 Pleasant Street, Declaring Surplus for the Purpose of leasing to a solar photovoltaic array 100 Heywood Street and 21 acres of land at the Gardner Solid Waste Landfill, Information regarding Stone Field, A resolution in support of City Application to the Community Change for Environmental Justice Communities Grant Program by the US EPA, Accepting Donations of Picnic Tables and Flyers to Gardner Farmers Market, Ordinance changing fee for solid waste collections, ordinance re sewer rates, ordinance amending Non-union Compensation Schedule, Information on the RAISE Grant, information on the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program, Mass Trails Grant Wards, On-call grant writing services, CDBG Grant programs, Federal Earmarks for Gardner.
- Update 8-2-24 (8/2/2024)
Gardner Mayor Nicholson’s Update from Maki Park in Downtown Gardner
On August 2, 2024, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson’s Weekly Update was from Maki Park in Downtown Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Weekly Update 8-2-24 Backpacks Available through Gardner CAC Backpack program – preregister at CAC website, CLICK HERE —- Also, on Saturday August 17th between 9am and 12 noon, families can grab free school supplies and backpacks at the Family Resource Center, 205 School Street, Gardner Suite 302 —
Events: Greater Gardner National Night out is August 8th from 5:30 to 8pm at Gardner High School. — The Gardner Museum has released a list of Summer and Fall events. SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE. — Gardner Public Schools start on September 3rd and the new calendar is available —- Library Book Sale is September 26-28 —-
Mayor Nicholson mentioned the CDBG Press Conference. We previously published a separate article with AUDIO, CLICK HERE.
- City Council 7-31-24 Meeting (8/1/2024)
Gardner Magazine published a previous article on this regarding “Complaint Xeroxing”. CLICK HERE.
City Councilor Judy Mack Responds to DeMeo OML Complaints in Spirited Statement
In a special City Council Meeting on July 31, 2024, Gardner City Councilors voted to send the response drafted by Assistant City Solicitor Vincent Pusiteri to the 14 Open Meeting Law Complaints filed by Paul DeMeo on behalf of himself and 13 others. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 7-31-24 Councilor George Tyros read the complaint stating, “I read this complaint because I don’t believe this is the way we should talk and work with each other as a community. We’re better than this. I’ve also received many positive instances of feedback and how those meetings were held that the business conducted in this room was able to be clear concise and efficient and the overflow room was adequate and residents were able to watch the meeting live. This seems like a difference of opinions and a difference of opinions is not a violation of the open meeting law.”
Councilor Judy Mack had a lengthy statement in which she called out Paul DeMeo stating, “Vindictiveness is nothing but slanderous defamation, harassment, and slander“
Here is the complete statement made by Councilor Judy Mack “I just want to as this is the last item on our agenda. I just want to again discuss the purpose of the open meeting law is to ensure transparency and the deliberations on which public policy is based because the democratic process depends on the public having knowledge about the considerations underlying government action. The open meeting law requires with some exceptions that meetings of public bodies be open to the public. It also seeks to balance the public’s interest in witnessing the deliberations of public officials with the government’s need to manage its operations efficiently. Based on this, the open meeting law complaints filed are unfounded. Did anyone look up the 48-page open meeting law guide and read it to determine if there was any evidence of a violation before taking someone else’s word? The person who first complained wasn’t happy that he didn’t get his way when he emailed demanding the council president relocate the public hearing. So in his childish way, he resorts to filing a complaint with no merit. If you were in the auditorium, did you bring up any concerns at the time? I recall some of you who filed weren’t even seated in the auditorium on July 1st. For those of you who decided to believe this was a valid complaint and allow a photo copy of someone else’s complaint to be submitted to the city clerk with your name on it, I urge you in the future to think for yourself and do your own research. Don’t get misled by one person’s influence and perspective. He will take any opportunity to complain against the city and the city council, whether it be an open meeting law violation or a public records request. These laws were not put in place to be misused by a person with a personal grievance, but for valid reasons of accountability. He constantly copies the news media and the attorney general’s office in an attempt to get his way. As a person who is not even a registered voter in the city, he makes it his mission to spread conspiracy theories and false information to others. His shameful actions, false statements, and lies know no bounds. These insults and accusations he hurls are beyond egregious and disgraceful. Civil discourse is natural in politics. I value the opinion and insight of those who truly care for this city, and the people who can make their point without it being full of bias. I implore everyone, please ask yourself, what is the truth behind nonstop defamatory statements and one-sided rhetoric on social media? Don’t continue to be swayed by one person whose vindictiveness is nothing but slanderous defamation, harassment, and slander. Please continue to care and be involved in your city, but be your own advocate. Be your own person.”
- Council 7-31-24 (7/30/2024)
City of Gardner Victim of “Complaint Xeroxing” Resulting in Special Meeting
The Gardner MA City Council is having a special meeting on 6:30pm Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The topic: 14 Open Meeting Law complaints filed by Paul DeMeo on behalf of himself and others regarding the July 1, 2024 City Council meeting. While there are additional signatures on the forms, the complaints are not unique to each individual, but appear to be exact copies of the DeMeo complaint. From the time stamps on the emails from DeMeo, it is evident he sent them all to the City. All the complaints are identical with just a different signature page. The City has been “Complaint Xeroxed” 100 page Meeting Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE.
Publisher’s Note: This is called “Complaint Xeroxing” where a complainant attempts to magnify a complaint by duplicating it and getting others to simply “sign on”. This is problematic as no one person looks at a situation identically so complaints submitted in this manner are usually considered frivolous automatically. The question is whether there can be civil or criminal sanctions against an individual for engaging in “Complaint Xeroxing”. The Assistant City Solicitor was contacted by Gardner Magazine but advised that he could not comment on a pending case. We have also reached out to the Town Administrator of Natick as that community has been a past victim of frivolous OML complaints. Gardner Magazine is also checking on the status of a 2019 State Bill designed to curb frivolous or harassing OML complaints which cost cities and towns thousands of taxpayer dollars.In his complaint, DeMeo alleges that persons who did not fit in the City Council chambers were “herded to Perry Auditorium where audio/visual was set-up to view the council meeting. The audio was very poor in Perry Auditorium and much was not able to be understood by those in attendance.”
DeMeo goes on to make accusations as to the motivations of the City Council President writing, “I believe this to be a deliberate attempt by Miss Kazinskas to divide the opposition to the racetrack whereas she could have the council meeting in the auditorium….has scheduled a Public Hearing for the racetrack proposal on July 23, 2024 where she plans once again to divide the residents between the two rooms.”
As far as relief sought, DeMeo wants meetings in Perry Auditorium upon being advised of a large crowd and he wants Kazinskas to issue a public apology.
Proposed response from the City of Gardner includes “use of the overflow room has been approved by the Attorney General”, “use of a second room to accommodate a large crowd does not violate the Open Meeting Law.”, “city respectfully disagrees with the assertion that the audio was poor.” In addition, the response notes, “The first time a complaint was received by the city was when the public hearing was posted for the vote on the underlying matter.”
In another communication, Paul DeMeo on July 15, 2024 states, “Your further defiance of providing adequate space for the Public at the Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd is rude and unacceptable.” He then also asks that the hearing be moved to Landry Auditorium at Gardner High School. Obviously, the July 23rd Public Hearing was held with a similar setup to the July 1st meeting.
The Gardner City Council will be asked to approve the response drafted by the Assistant City Solicitor and act in any other way regarding the matter.
Attorney Scott Graves responded in part, “There is no such thing that a certain “journalist” (haha) proclaims, as if he’s a Judge, that a Citizen is putting himself or herself in legal trouble by copying someone else’s complaint, and signing his or her name to it, and filing it with the City. Someone should tell Legal Zoom that, because they are now out of business. Judge Journalist has ruled that if a Citizen does that, the complaint is “automatically frivolous.” That is false. Automatically frivolous? There is no such thing – it’s made up. If the City thinks something is “automatically frivolous,” the City goes to its buddy, the Attorney General. But, in the end, only a Judge in Superior Court can rule something to be “frivolous.” Publisher’s Note: Attorney Graves missed that “Complaint Xeroxing” is a term coined first here on Gardner Magazine. Graves also incorrectly states, “If the Assistant City Solicitor, as Judge Journalist suggests (in writing), is poised to rule that all of those Copycat Complaints are “automatically frivolous…” As clearly noted above, the only communication Gardner Magazine received from the Assistant City Solicitor’s office was that he could have no comment on a pending case. Publisher’s Note: What is relevant is that Graves confirms these are copycat complaints. We are awaiting information on the status of a MA State Bill which would codify this activity as frivolous and legally actionable due to the costly impact on cities and towns.
- Scott Graves (7/27/2024)
We publish Scott Graves statement so our readers can hear for themselves what Graves actually said and what actually happened. A City Councilor raised a point of order as Scott Graves spoke off topic regarding the Sludge Landfill at the public hearing regarding the Racetrack. Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas asked Graves to stay on the topic of the meeting. The legal question is whether a speaker can talk about anything they choose or whether parameters can be established by a public body.
Former City Councilor Scott Graves Objects to Treatment at July 23rd Public Hearing
Scott Graves has written about the Public Hearing on Social Media several times since the July 23rd session in which people could voice their opinions regarding the Horse Racetrack Issue. This is the actual AUDIO of Scott Graves, Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Scott Graves July 23, 2024 On July 27th, Scott Graves wrote the following on Social Media, “When the Gardner City Council interrupted my three minutes of fame during my exercise of my free speech at the July 23, 2024 Public Hearing (please note the word “Public” modifying the word “Hearing”), it was doing so in order to cast a “chilling effect” pall over the entire Citizenry. This is the message: “if we can shout down, distract, unsettle, and make 8-term City Councillor, and bad ass, Scott Graves, Esq., apologize (which I did in a moment of surprise and unfamiliar weakness), imagine what we can do to you.” That is the main reason why I am doing something about it. Stay tuned. You’ll read all about it here.”
Scott Graves previously wrote, “I’m closely evaluating the City of Gardner’s violation of my freedom of speech at the Public Hearing on July 23, 2024. From the beginning of this matter, to the end, I will be posting on this Page what I am doing, and what they are doing. Every step of the way. So, the Citizens will know how constitutional rights work. This is not about me. It’s about the Citizenry. I have always stood for the common man and woman. For the children who will lead us all tomorrow. When a Government, like this inept City Council, tries to shut down a Citizens’ free speech in a public forum, it interrupted my speech, took away my constitutional rights, and made all the Citizens turn to the official who began shouting me down (and to not listen to me). Worse, it also deprived all the Citizens of their constitutional rights to hear what the Citizen speaker was conveying at a public forum. That’s a big no-no. Worst of all, this is the City’s message to all future public speakers, that night following me, and forever, that if you want to speak at a public forum in Gardner, you better tow the company line, and say the correct things, or you will be shouted down, embarrassed in public, and silenced. For most people, that kind of Governmental tyranny scares them off. Watch here to see if it scares me.”
- Hearing 7-23-24 (7/22/2024)
Gardner Magazine has a page with interviews. statements, commentary and resources on this issue. CLICK HERE for the Racetrack page.
Information Session Followed by Public Hearing Tuesday July 23, 2024
The Gardner City Council holds an information session with a presentation by BayState Racing LLC at 6pm followed by a public hearing at 7:30pm. Signups to speak at the public hearing begin at 5:30pm. Speakers will be called in order of signup. If the public hearing goes past midnight, it will be adjourned to another date and time. Both sessions concern the proposed Horse Racing Track at 827 Green Street in Gardner.
Overflow if the City Hall Chamber reaches capacity will be Perry Auditorium. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. Notice contains other parameters. For the hearing notice, CLICK HERE.
Prior to the public hearing, an informal meeting of the Gardner City Council will take place at 6pm. Information is contained in the complete agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
WGAW will broadcast the event live beginning at 6pm on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and via the live stream, CLICK HERE.
- Hotline 7-20-24 (7/20/2024)
Listen to Commentary from Publisher Werner Poegel regarding various aspects of the Racetrack proposal. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Commentary 7-20-24 
Worldwide Audience Listens to WGAW Hotline Radio on Saturday July 20, 2024
With millions of potential listeners throughout the world via live streaming and thousands of Greater Gardner area listeners via AM 1340 and 98.1 FM, WGAW Hotline Radio was heard from noon to 2pm on Saturday July 20, 2024. Listen to the program on any device, CLICK PLAY.
WGAW Hotline Radio 7-20-24 Mayor Michael Nicholson’s Weekly Update headlined the program. Hotline was in Downtown as U.S. Senator Ed Markey visited the Downtown. Hear various remarks from the Senator and Mayor Nicholson.
Candy Graves provided details and updates about the Gardner Wildcat 5K to be held on Sunday July 21, 2024.
Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas spoke about the upcoming public hearing on July 23, 2024 regarding the Racetrack issue. Everyone who shows up will be allowed to speak. People can sign up beginning at 5:30pm. Public Hearing begins at 7:30pm. At 6pm, the City Council in an informal meeting will get a presentation from BayState Racing LLC on the particulars of the proposal. A straw vote may be taken that night to get a sense of the Council, but no official vote will be taken and no decision will be made. First opportunity to vote on the matter will be at the regular meeting on Monday August 5th.
Host Steve Wendell spoke about the many inaccuracies being spread on Facebook. Wendell stated he receives screenshots from 10 to 15 group members who are embedded and monitor the group.
Werner Poegel’s commentary covered various aspects of the Racetrack proposal.
Steve Wendell spoke with Jack McGrath of the Gardner Fish and Game Club regarding the Sunday July 21, 2024 Patriot Riders Chapter 3 Event.
- Update 7-12-24 (7/12/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Maps Out Update on July 12, 2024
Mayor Nicholson Focused on Upcoming Events and MART in Weekly Update. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 7-12-24 Upcoming Events: Food Truck Festival – Saturday, July 13 2024 noon to 7pm in front of Gardner City Hall The Mayor stated, “This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, with 22 participating food trucks. Also new this year is an addition of carnival games. Bay State Amusements will be offering games this year in addition to the food trucks. There will also be vendors, artists, beer and wine, live entertainment brought to you by Dave Malouin, who plays a variety of country, oldies, and rock music,” —- Hazardous Waste Day, Saturday July 20th at Transfer Stat5ion on West Street, Gardner —- Farmer’s Market July 20th at Waterford 9:30am to 1:30pm —- American Day in the Park Sunday July 21st 11am to 4pm at Gardner Fish and Gun Club —- Wildcat 5k Sunday July 21st beginning at 9am. — 11th Annual Greater Gardner Night Out Thursday August 8th from 5:30 to 8:30pm —
MART Routes: Gardner Mayor Nicholson explained that proposed changes will reduce travel time “What MART is proposing is to take route one and two, which currently run in the same location, just one clockwise and one counterclockwise, and cut them in half so we have a north loop and a south loop on top of the loop three. What this will do is take the average loop time, so from a bus to get from Haywood Hospital back to Haywood Hospital right now, from an hour and 10 minutes down to 40 minutes.” He explains much more in the update. Here is the complete proposed Route information from MART, CLICK HERE.
- Gardner Jobs 7-9-24 (7/9/2024)
Great Jobs Available in the City of Gardner
Positions open include: Assistant Director of Veteran’s Services, Conservation and Planning Agent, DPW Mechanic, Financial Clerk, DPW Laborer, and DPW Truck Driver.
Complete List of Current positions with links to full descriptions and how to apply, CLICK HERE.
About 200 people work in municipal positions with hundreds more working for the School Department.
- Councilor Comics (7/6/2024)
Gardner City Councilor Comic Characters Released
All of your 11 favorite Gardner City Councilors and the Mayor are honored with Comic Book versions. Here’s the complete page, CLICK HERE.
- Biden Interview (7/5/2024)
President Joe Biden interviewed by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos
Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
ABC Biden Interview 7-5-24 We have also published the AUDIO of the first Biden-Trump Debate, CLICK HERE.
- Council Meeting 7-1-24 (7/2/2024)
Every City Councilor Speaks on Racetrack Proposal – Public Hearing to be Held
There was significant discussion at the Gardner City Council meeting of July 1, 2024 with most councilors stating they felt an obligation to hold a public hearing so that both further information and public views could be obtained. No date was selected, but the vote to schedule a public hearing was 9 to 2 on an amended motion to also have a pre-permitting meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection.
A few councilors expressed irritation with Councilor Thibeault-Munoz who effectively silenced the rest of the Councilors at the last meeting in June by raising an objection to the item, thus tabling it to the July 1st meeting, but also ending discussion. Munoz apologized to his fellow councilors at this meeting.
Chief concerns of Councilors: Traffic, water supply, wetlands, and the amount Gardner would actually receive. Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council 7-1-24 In other matters, the City Council voted to respond to Paul DeMeo’s latest open meeting law complaint with a response stating there was no violation. —- The increase in sewer rates was approved for 2nd and final printing.
View of the each of the City Councilors on this matter – (For their complete remarks, listen to the AUDIO.)
George Tyros: “I also want to be clear that I am opposed to this as it stands. However, I think it’s extremely important that we go through the process properly, to be in compliance with state law, and to give everyone who wants the opportunity to participate and vote through all the questions and concerns. I want to add to those who are opposed, do not fall for the misinformation that is, that this item is over should the public hearing go to fail. All that would do is prevent the public hearing. It would not remove the item from consideration, and it would not make a final determination concerning racing on this parcel. Without that vote, this could potentially come up again, and again, and again.” Tyros then spoke at length about his concerns.
Brad Heglin: “I support holding an informal meeting and public hearing as is required. This will allow us to formally hear from the public and raise important questions we have and get more information on all aspects of this proposal. I also want to note that a public hearing is only the next step and as a city council can take as much time as we need after that. There is nothing to rush this process and we have no deadline. And we shouldn’t rush it.” Heglin then spoke at length about his concerns.
Karen Harden: “I want to start by saying that I used to own horses that were stables on this property, so I’m very familiar with the property and the steering for horses. Just so everyone is on the same page, as I have seen a lot of misinformation, tonight’s vote is not a final vote. Last meeting, as tonight, all we are being asked to do is hold a public hearing and another public meeting to discuss this in more detail. This is all standard. I really cannot think of any reason not to do this. We should get more information, ask more questions. I hope that for anyone who supports or who opposes this, you wouldn’t want the council to accept or dismiss anything that comes before us without doing our homework. Having a public hearing is an important part of this process.:
Dana Heath: “Before we say yes or no to this proposal, we certainly have to get more information and make sure our questions are answered. But I think it’s important that this business, like any business when it comes to Gardner, is treated fairly and given a fair process. I believe this Council and this community is more than capable of engaging in a mature, reasonable, and rational discussion without personal attack or rumor spread. I want to add my chief concern is the residents in my neighborhood and the impact that this could have on them and on that area of the city. One thing I haven’t really seen in the information we have been given so far is what steps in the proposal are there to lessen those impacts. What those are and if that is even possible will weigh heavily on my decision. I’m specifically concerned with traffic.”
Judy Mack: “Supporting this item for a public hearing doesn’t mean that I support the proposal. These are separate items. Make no mistake, I have raised concerns about this proposal. Many raised by Councilor Tyros that I would not repeat them over again. But most importantly, the water supply. The purpose of a public hearing is to allow all stakeholders and citizens to speak about an issue that is in front of this Council for a vote. This vote is for the city. As much as someone may be opposed to any issue, without allowing the public and all stakeholders an opportunity to speak and be heard, in my opinion, it is wrong and not how we as a legislative body should conduct business on any issue that affects our citizens and cities.”
Calvin Brooks: “We should also have a discussion about the financial ramifications of this project. How much money is promised? How much of that promise is realistic? What are the fiscal or financial gains to the city of approving this project, or, conversely, the fiscal or financial costs of not approving it? You can tell my background here is financial. I also think that the public, the citizens of this city, should have an opportunity to express their views.”
Paul Tassone: “As far as this proposal, I will not be supporting a public hearing for the high parks in the city of Gardner. I feel as though Gardner does not want racing and the impact that it will have on the people who built their homes in that particular area, the people who live in that particular area, the water in the watershed. I will not support it. Moving forward, I’ve heard enough. I’ve answered several phone calls. I’ve listened. I have not had one person come to me and state that they were for racing or they were for this project.”
Craig Cormier: “I think a public hearing is great in most instances. I do believe that there’s not many things we shouldn’t be talking about before we vote on them. I do have an issue with trust in this particular proposal. They’ve been before us before, and the way they approached it the last time is leaving me with a real issue trusting on this proposal that we’re going to get the information that we need. So I hope if we do move forward with a public hearing that we do have answers to all these questions that we need to make a proper vote.”
David Thibeault-Munoz: “…my reservation surrounding the proposed racetrack grew. I found myself particularly triggered by the rendering of the proposed racetrack which was surrounded by water on all three sides, located less than one mile upstream from Pearly Brook Reservoir, which feeds Crystal Lake, our primary drinking water supply.: He also stated “This is a bad deal for the city. Bay State and their investors’ interest is solely financial and for their gain, not ours. Simply put, their primary goal is to obtain a gaming license to be able to manage online betting, but at what cost and whose expense? As you are aware, my primary concern is the proposed racetrack’s potential long-term impact on our drinking water, the destruction of wetlands, and in turn the negative impact that this would have on Gardner’s future and present residents.”
Alek Dernalowicz: “I do have major reservations about this project as currently constituted. Many of the issues have been brought up, but traffic, the environmental concerns, and the actual economic benefits that the HCA reportedly provides, I think is lacking. But to change our process and do a different process for this project than we would do for anyone else, I don’t think we have a great precedent to set. We need to go through the process outlined….. take the steps, be willing to hear both sides at a public hearing where members of the crowd hear and others come to make their case. The proponents can come to make their presentation. I think that’s only fair. I think it’s our job to be fair. So I will be supporting the motion to have a public hearing and schedule an informal meeting“
Elizabeth Kazinskas: “I want to explain a few things. There is nothing unusual, rough, or unique about this process. Many, many times a year we receive petitions from businesses or other entities seeking permission to do something in the city. Different licenses, permits, zoning changes, and others. The process is always the same. It gets added to our agenda. In many cases, it is referred to a committee. In many cases, a public hearing is held. We follow the Gardner City Charter, city ordinances, city council rules, and Massachusetts state law. Every process we go through is mandated by the rules, ordinances, and laws, and then you vote. I’ve seen many claims that this is being rushed. That is not so. I’ve seen many claims that council is not listening to the public. That is not so. I’ve seen the claim that the council is not responding to residents. That is not so. I’ve seen the claim that I am, quote, pushing this through, and that is not so. I am deviating slightly in making this statement, but I think it is important to do so to correct the rampant misinformation and speculation. Normally, as council president, as most of you know, I would give my opinion at the informal meeting as the council president does not engage in the floor debate. Again, this is how the process is designed to work. The council repeats petitions, councilors debate the items, excuse me, when they’re not prevented from speaking by an objection. We work through the process. This is the best way that has been worked out over many, many years to make sure the council can get through the city’s business and those appearing before us can get a fair and consistent process. I am not supportive of this proposal. After carefully considering all the information we have been given, nothing has changed in my past and initial hesitancy on this project. However, I think we need to hold the public hearing to give everyone the opportunity to have their questions answered, have a discussion, and make sure everyone has the information they need to make an informed and educated vote. That is our responsibility. .“
- Zlotnik 7-1-24 (7/1/2024)
Starting July with an Uplifting Interview with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik
Sporting a joy for the job and a zeal for helping others, State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik spoke with us about 3 major items. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
We spoke with Zlotnik about an act strengthening Massachusetts economic leadership, an act relative to municipal tax lien procedures and protections for property owners in the Commonwealth, and the MVOC Winchendon Housing Project for veterans. Thank you to State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik for providing complete details on the 3 items for our readers. See below.
Zlotnik goes in to detail about how the MassWorks program has significantly helped Gardner. He speaks of various projects. He explains the bills. And he glows with enthusiasm over bringing to fruition the Winchendon Project for veterans which has been in the works for about 5 years.
Some details about the $3.5 billion Economic Development Bill
$500 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to provide grants and loans in order to grow the life sciences industry in Massachusetts —- $400 million for MassWorks public infrastructure grants to cities and towns —- $250 million for the Mass Impact grant program to support large transformational projects that drive economic growth —– $200 million for the Clean Energy Center to support the research and commercialization of climate technology across the state —-$200 million for the Massachusetts clean energy technology center to invest in research, and in the implementation of offshore wind infrastructure —- $150 million for grants for cities and towns for approved library projects —- $100 million for Municipal Financial Assistance Grants to municipal entities to assist them with workforce development —- $100 million for Applied AI Hub Capital grant program to support the adoption and application of AI technology in the state’s tech sectors —- $100 million for the Rural Development Program to provide financial assistance to exclusively rural areas with the goal of economic development —- $100 million for the Seaport Economic Council Grant program for municipalities for the construction or repair of coastal assets that have the potential to stimulate economic growth —-Includes new policy regarding the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) and Tax Credit. The bill requires the director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) to administer the EDIP in consultation with the Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC)
Some details about the act relative to tax lien procedures and protections for property owners
The bill secures the rights of property owners to reclaim any excess equity to which they are entitled after all taxes are repaid to the municipalities following a tax foreclosure. It additionally substantially increases required notifications and other protections for property owners throughout the foreclosure —- Requires that a detailed accounting be taken following a foreclosure in a tax taking of the excess equity that is available —- Any excess equity taken must be returned to the former owner within 60 days —- Allows for retroactive claims for excess equity from May 25, 2023 until date of passage —- Updates notice requirements where the subject property is residential —- Allows former owners to have the opportunity to file a claim in Superior Court if there is a dispute on the amount of excess equity owed —- Increases the maximum length for repayment agreements for owed taxes from five, to 10 years—- Decreases the amount for a down payment for the repayment agreements from 25% to 10%
Some Details About the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center Winchendon Housing Project
The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) acquired the vacant Streeter and Poland School buildings in Winchendon to repurpose into low-income apartments for veterans. The project will ultimately repurpose the school buildings into 44 single resident apartments dedicated to veterans housing. The 44 one-bedroom units will provide much needed housing for low-income veterans in the area who find themselves at risk of homelessness. These units also will offer a stable place to live for veterans to receive assistance for substance use disorder, job searches, or other issues they may be facing. MVOC will also provide residents with case management, assistance with finding employment, assistance with benefits, and other assistance programs. In addition to veterans housing, there are plans for including activity areas that are furnished with equipment and for resident use. Additionally, there will be a brand new courtyard, as well as several recreation areas, a grill area, and raised beds for gardening on the site. Representative Zlotnik helped secure roughly $25 million in funding from the State to cover almost all of the costs for this development. Additional information on this project can be found on MVOC’s website, CLICK HERE.
- Council Votes 7-1-24 (7/1/2024)
Racetrack Issue Will Have Public Hearing in Gardner MA
The Gardner City Council voted 9 to 2 to have a public hearing on the Racetrack Issue. Date to be announced. More details and AUDIO of the City Council meeting will be published here as available.
- Council 6-29-24 (6/29/2024)
The Gardner City Council to Meet July 1st
The Gardner City Council will meet in the Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber on Monday, July 1, 2024. It is expected to decide whether or not to schedule a public hearing regarding the use of land at 827 Green Street which is proposed to be sold to BayState Racing LLC to be used as a horse racing track. The complete agenda and packet contains a large amount of information including NEW information since the June 2024 agenda and packet was released last month.
Here we go again: A couple of days ago Paul DeMeo filed another Open Meeting law complaint alleging this time that the Gardner City Council went in to Executive Session improperly to discuss a matter relating to the Waterford Street School project, stating that the City didn’t discuss possible legal action against the City. Ironically, it was for that very purpose that the Executive Session was entered so that a matter discovered by the City could be handled properly in accordance with the law so that the City’s legal exposure was minimized or avoided all together. Based on this fact, it is likely the complaint will be seen as meritless by the AG’;s office.
- Hotline 6-29-24 (6/29/2024)
WGAW Radio is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming to anywhere in the world. Stream is available 24/7. LISTEN LIVE NOW. Hotline Radio airs Saturdays noon to 2pm.
Hotline Radio Featuring Discussions About Funding, Racetrack Topic, and City Council Procedures
The WGAW Radio program aired Saturday, June 29, 2024. Will play seamlessly from WGAW website. Just CLICK PLAY.
Mayor Nicholson: On speaking about Gardner in Washington D.C. — Additional Grant Funding for the City of Gardner — Uptown Rotary Ahead of Schedule —- Racetrack Topic —- WooSox Takeover Day
GAAMHA President CEO Shawn Hayden – Regarding false statements made on Facebook about the organization and speaking about some work on the property. The Baystate Proposal and GAAMHA programs
John Stefanini and others in portions of the BayState Racing LLC presentation made this week in Gardner.
City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas on the procedures involved with the BayState Racing LLC proposal and a comprehensive explanation of how to get your views to Council members.
- Harassment 6-28-24 (6/28/2024)
Paul DeMeo made this statement “Mike Nicholson’s Fan Club parked outside Gardner Massachusetts City Hall.” He also falsely stated, “The publication that keeps attacking residents and doing Nicholson’s dirty work while praising Nicholson. Sad to say, Steve Wendell, WGAW is part of this scheme who bad mouthed Kimberly Blake” Gardner Magazine and WGAW had truthfully reported on Blake’s food pantry for which she received a Cease and Desist order by the Gardner Board of Health. No permits had been sought as required by law.
Gardner Magazine redacted the plate ;number to protect the Mayor’s privacy. The original posting on the DeMeo Facebook group showed the license plate number.
Concern Grows as Harassment Occurs
WGAW’s Steve Wendell is the latest person to be harassed by a person reportedly supporting Kimberly Blake. After Wendell aired a report about his ordeal, we spoke with him about what happened. Listen on any device, CLICK HERE.
Steve Wendell – WGAW Official and Legal: Kimberly Blake and Paul DeMeo are defendants in an initial legal matter brought by a Gardner City official in the Massachusetts Court system. Matter is related to posts and comments made in a Facebook group of which Blake and DeMeo are currently admins. We have noted previously that a number of untruthful statements have been made against Werner Poegel and Steve Wendell in the same group for simply reporting accurately when newsworthy. A number of other officials have also told us that untruthful statements have been made about them.
Past Article: Gardner Magazine recently published an article regarding disruption and harassment by Blake at a recent City Council meeting. See previous article for further information.
DeMeo is known to irritate officials at meetings by coming close to them and taking photos with a flash camera. Both DeMeo and Blake on numerous occasions have encouraged group members to speak up at public meetings knowing that the legislative setup in Gardner only allows members of the public to speak during specific public hearings. DeMeo also posted a photo of Gardner Mayor Nicholson’s vehicle and encouraged group members to look out for it. We have redacted the license plate number from the vehicle shown in the photo. This is concerning as after an interview in May 2024, I came home to find a caravan of vehicles lying in wait on my street and then passing by me. making hand gestures, only to find that DeMeo had posted the whereabouts of my van at City Hall apparently to alert the group. Because of the harassment incident, multiple police reports were filed.
In my opinion, the actions of these individuals have evolved to an organized criminal conspiracy without regard for the damage which could be done to reputations, life, or property. The City of Gardner is very fortunate to have a group of honest, hard-working, God-loving people serving as City Councilors, the Mayor, and various employees. The constant almost broken-record like rhetoric in the Facebook Group is very simply hate speech, some of it protected by the first amendment and much of it very much actionable either civilly or criminally due to the numerous salacious and false allegations either posted directly by the admins or allowed to stay up as comments by group members. In addition, the continued harassment being carried out is despicable.
With respect to the aforementioned Facebook Group, numerous anecdotes exists of members who have been banned from the group for criticizing an admin, for faulting them when untruthful statements are made by them, or for making statements trying to correct false posts or comments in the group.
History of the Two Groups
The Group noted above was even known as Paul DeMeo’s Hate Group for a period of time on March 24, 2023. We captured a screenshot utilizing records made available by Facebook. We do not know the reason why DeMeo changed the name to that or why he changed it back, but it does accurately describe the content and my perceived intent of the group.
Bait and Switch: On a related note, Kimberly Blake now has an anti-racing group which was first established as a group relating to the City of Gardner, used for a short time as a campaign group when she ran for Mayor presumably as a shortcut to obtain members, reverted to a group relating to the City of Gardner, and now recently an anti-racetrack group. Whether members of the group are opposed to the racetrack or not, they instantly became members of a group unrelated to the original title. In my opinion, that approach is unethical and wrong. Another Anti racetrack group is in existence and was created by Carolyn Kamuda – the difference: when created, the purpose and title of the group was transparently disclosed, first relating to Route 140 Zoning-Racing last year and updated recently..
UPDATE: June 28, 2024 10:02pm: Harassment of GAAMHA.
A poster named “Gardner Daily” was allowed to post on the DeMeo group regarding a septic issue already addressed by GAAMHA. There’s a long list of accusations regarding the Board of Health and GAAMHA. Bottom line from Shawn Hayden, President of GAAMHA: “The system was permitted and installed back in 2021 when we renovated the property. The installation was witnessed by the engineer and BOH, and certified to be compliant with Title V according the the engineer’s stamped affidavit and stamped as-built plans. A problem was discovered several weeks ago, we immediately called in engineers and began weekly pumping. The system was scoped, the soil was sent to a lab and determined to be fine, and now parts of it are scheduled to be replaced.” Micah Blondeau, Director of Gardner Public Health has already made a visit and confirmed the truthfulness of what Shawn Hayden posted, yet the harassing post remains at this hour.
- Fiduciary Responsibility (6/20/2024)
Fiduciary Responsibility – An Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson – The Challenges of Waterford, the Whole Story and Racetrack Details
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about various efforts on behalf of the public. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Text of the entire interview and some supporting documents provided at this page, CLICK HERE.
The Interview is about making decisions which look out for the residents of Gardner such as doing something about blighted buildings including unused City Buildings, taking bold steps like Park Street Park and Maki Park, the challenges of Waterford and details on the Horse Racing proposal.
Re blighted buildings “The blighted building ordinance that we put together, and I co-proposed with Councilor George Tyros, really, you know, set the standard…” Mayor Nicholson detailed progress with various City Buildings. Re Park Street Park, “a lot of people are quite in favor of it now and actually once you can actually see it, it becomes a tangible item that people are, you know, really excited about” Re Maki Park, “for every person who may criticize that project or call or email or mainly Facebook posts, we probably had two for every one also say that it was a good idea and they’re actually looking forward to seeing it in the city”. Re Waterford “The product that’s going to be in there I think is probably one of the best things that we’re going to see in the city for quite some time. There’s, you know, it increases capacity for so many important groups that we have in the city” Re challenges at Waterford, “We found out that there was a problem that happened in the way that certain bills were getting paid to certain people and we immediately corrected it.” Re Horse Racing Proposal for 827 Green Street, “I am in favor of the project, and I would urge the city council to vote to approve the aspects before them of the project, both in approving me to sign into the host community agreement and to allow racing to occur on this parcel.” In the full text of the interview, Mayor Nicholson gives a lengthy explanation of various possible concerns and the various protections which would be in place. The mayor explains how he at first was very skeptical. The Mayor believes the project would be a benefit to the City and he explains why.
- ZBA 6-18-24 (6/20/2024)
Lengthy Zoning Board of Appeals with Approvals Consequential to Gardner MA
In an almost 4 hour meeting with a full house, the Zoning Board of Appeals heard a number of cases and came to several decisions. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
There will be additional housing units in the City and a larger, modernized sign at the Gardner Ale House, Moonhill Brewing Co. on Parker Street.
- Assessors 6-18-24 (6/20/2024)
No Huge Crowd at Exciting Board of Assessors Meeting in Gardner MA
Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Board of Assessors 6-18-24 Sometimes the shortest meetings are the most exciting and the most revealing about how efficient a City is run. In this meeting, learn why Chair Chuck Leblanc has a new signature. Find out about the number of forms approved by the State. Get updates from Assessor Christine Kumar. Learn about 2 dozen boxes headed for the shredder. Meeting adjourned at 2:11pm.
- Working for Gardner (6/19/2024)
Working for Gardner – Pay Raises at DPW – An Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson
Gardner Magazine spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about the topic “Working for the Chair City of Gardner“. Pay is going up for DPW. Other opportunities too. Now is the time to apply. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
If you’re reading this and you’ve thought about working for Gardner at the DPW, now’s the time before the whole world finds out about the increases in pay. Mayor Nicholson provides details in the interview. “So I do believe that the rates are going to be a lot more competitive in terms of the job market that we have and really see a lot of things changing for the city so that we can get people in those positions. Because quite frankly, in the end, it’s a public safety concern too. If we don’t have people plowing the roads during the wintertime, then people can’t get out and about. So I think we’re going to see a lot of benefits from those adjustments that we’ve made as a result of those union negotiations.” The City of Gardner pays 75% of health insurance. There are other time off benefits and the big one: a vested pension after 10 years.
Mayor Nicholson spoke of the Gardner Team and the pride he has in public safety personnel. The mayor told us of other opportunities in serving the City such as Board and Commissions. Nicholson outlined how he manages the Gardner Team. The City of Gardner website is always a great place to start: Visit the jobs page, CLICK HERE.
- City Council 6-17-24 (6/18/2024)
Gardner City Council Meets at What is now the “Ronald F. Cormier City Council Chamber”
By objection of City Councilor David Thibeault-Munoz, consideration of the Racetrack matter was put off to the next meeting in July. According to the City Charter, if a single Councilor objects, the item is put off to the following meeting. The Council could then decide to schedule a public hearing regarding whether 827 Green Street is suitable for a Racetrack facility. If the Council ultimately decides yes after the hearing and the Mayor also says yes, the private transaction between Bay State Racing LLC and GAMMHA Inc. could proceed. The Council could also say no to a hearing which could effectively kill the sale. The City Council would also have to approve a Community Host Agreement and the State Gaming Commission must also give its approval. GAAMHA’s contract with Bay State Racing LLC is also contingent on its finding a location for a larger facility, if they don’t, they could pull out of the transaction and also end the deal.
Listen to the meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY.
City Council Chamber: A councilor objected to more time being given to the City Council naming measure, so it came up for a vote. An amendment was debated and defeated. In the end, the Gardner City Council voted 6 to 4 with 1 abstention to name the City Council Chamber “Ronald F. Cormier City Council Chamber.”
Parking Meters: Councilor Karen Hardern spoke against the parking meters, stating that other cities have successfully done away with them. Hardern stated, “we have a foot problem everyone likes to park right in front of where they work or where they own” referring to the ongoing issue of people either parking in front of their own stores or people simply not wanting to walk very far. Hardern also expressed concerns about the cost of monitoring the meters. However, after stating her objections, Hardern said she would support the item because business owners in her ward have expressed support for the meters. The City Council unanimously approved $55,000 for new parking meters.
Disruptive Crowd: During the meeting, Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas had to admonish members of the public who were disrupting the meeting with excess noise.
- City Council 6-17-24 (6/16/2024)
The Gardner MA City Council meets on Monday June 17, 2024.
Decisions will be made on various money requests from the Mayor including over $250k to demolish the unsafe factory building on Stuart Street, $55k for a new parking meter expense account, and various routine transfers. A large increase in sewer rates is proposed to cover increased costs.
Two Items are expected to result in the scheduling of a public hearing: The Mayor’s request to authorize a Host Community Agreement with Bay State Racing LLC as well as whether the land located at 827 Green Street be approved as the location for a running horse racing track. Should the City Council not opt to schedule a public hearing, the matter would effectively be shot down. Related article regarding WGAW Hotline Show, CLICK HERE. Related article regarding the Horse Racing proposal, CLICK HERE.
Complete packet and agenda, CLICK HERE.
- Race Track Item (6/14/2024)
Horse Racing Track a Possibility Again in Gardner MA
Bay State Racing LLC has entered into a contingent Purchase and Sale Agreement with GAAMHA, Inc. for 114.7 acres of land at 827 Green Street in Gardner. “Baystate wishes to locate and operate an Equine Center providing for the breeding, housing, riding, showing, studying, treatment, training, retirement, and racing of horses and other equestrian and agricultural related uses, which also includes wagering on live and simulcast horse racing as authorized by Massachusetts General Laws…” In other words, it would be a horse racing track. An extensive amount of information is provided in the packet and agenda for the Gardner City Council meeting on June 17, 2024. CLICK HERE for 472 page pdf..
The Purchase
GAAMHA would receive payment of $1,675,000 plus a multi-million dollar donation to their organization to facilitate the construction of a larger farm program. The agreement with Bay State Racing LLC would also lease back the current facilities to GAAMHA for free for an initial 12 month period. Transaction is subject to layout approvals from Conservation Commission and the Planning Board on the local level and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission with regard to the gaming license.
According to Mayor Nicholson, “Since the General Laws of the Commonwealth exempt this use from Zoning – negating any requirements for special permits, zoning relief, approval hearings before the Planning Board of Zoning Board of Appeals, etc. – the only real authority that the Executive Branch agencies, departments, or commissions can do is regulate the layout of the facility, but not its existence in the City.” The Mayor also stated, “while the General Laws prohibit the City from placing any conditions on the approval to race at the site, the Gaming Commission has full authority to issue any conditions, regulations, restrictions, etc. that they choose to, based on the input and evidence received at their public hearing.”
Projected Revenue
Bay State Park Projected revenue to the City would be about a half million dollars per year. According to Bay State, approximately 25 full-time jobs would be created. The City Council will initially take up the matter at its June 17, 2024 meeting and may choose to schedule a public hearing which possibly may be June 27, 2024.
Public Outcry Last Year – Will it Affect Decision of City Council?
Last year when a parcel of land was identified by Bay State Racing LLC as being of interest if it was suitable for a commercial purpose, there was substantial public outcry. It is possible that if the matter was put to a vote it would be defeated resoundingly, although such a vote is not contemplated. It is unclear if the Gardner City Council will summarily vote down the proposal based on the previous perception and/or knowledge of overwhelming public opposition, or if it will vote in favor placing heavy consideration on the large amount of revenue potential for the City and the current desire for new revenue sources to keep property taxes as low as possible. The City Council Packet contains an extensive marketing pitch by Bay State Racing LLC.
Opposition in 1950’s Overwhelming
In the 1950’s, the issue was opposed by 67% of voters who cast ballots in a November 1955 election, even though according to the law just like today, the will of the voters would not come in to play. The Gardner City Council and Mayor make the decision. More detail is below on what happened at the time.
This has Happened Before in 1950s
According to current City Solicitor John Flick, a racetrack was proposed on the identical site by Gardner Raceway Inc. in December 1954. The Mayor did not approve the City Council vote at the time. The City Solicitor at the time wrote an opinion to the City Council that only the City Council and Mayor could make the decision and could not pass it on to the voters. However, in spite of this opinion, The Gardner City Council at the time voted 8 to 2 to place the question on the ballot at the next regular City election. Of 10,082 registered voters, 2,185 voted in favor of the measure and 5,609 voted against. 587 people did not vote either way. A total of 8381 people appeared at the election to cast ballots. Opposition was 67%.
Specifics on Opposition at the Time – 70 years ago
At the time only 1 out of 18 members of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce were in favor of the track. 15 were opposed. 2 had no opinion. A survey was conducted by Forrest C. Knight of the Mercantile Division in the square, “and they certainly do not want a race track here.” Chris Watkins, the Chairman of Simplex Time Recorder at the time “pointed all fully to you all the sordid evils that will come with a race track in Gardner. Let us face our facts honestly, raise our money legitimately. Let us have a good clean community in Gardner now and in the future.” Richard N. Greenwood, President of the Heywood-Wakefield Company stated he was against it and that it was unfortunate form the view of the welfare of the City of Gardner to have a race track located in the City of Gardner. Howard Ferguson, Chairman of the Mayor’s Industrial Committee and President of the Gardner Trust Company stated he knew about horse racing and dog racing, it was a lot of grief and we want no part of it.
John Flick: The Past Has No Bearing on Current Options
City Solicitor Flick states that the vote of November 8, 1955 has no binding effect on the current Council and Mayor. He also indicated that it is within the jurisdiction of the City Council to vote on whether or not there would be a public hearing on the matter and whether 827 Green Street is an appropriate location for horse racing. Gardner Magazine will update you as we have more information on the issue.
- Hotline 6-8-24 (6/8/2024)
Council President Kazinskas with Valuable Information on Citizen Participation – Hotline Radio Interview
Gardner MA City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas appeared on WGAW Hotline Radio with host Steve Wendell on Saturday, June 8, 2024. We thank WGAW for making it available to Gardner Magazine. Listen to the interview on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Kazinskas explained that each City Council meeting has a section for Public Hearings with public input when required stating, “We do have public hearings built right into our City Council meeting regular meeting agenda, and so if there is a public hearing on a particular item, it will fall under that section. I entertain the public hearing. We open it. We have the hearing. We close it, and then we continue through the next item on our agenda.”
Some meetings don’t have hearings, “if I should announce that there are no public hearings, it simply means that there are no public hearings at that particular meeting because there was nothing scheduled, there was no reason to have a hearing, there was no item that needed a hearing, and so then I move on to the next item..”
Contact: Council President Kazinskas spoke about how easily it is to get in contact with each of the City Councilors via email or phone and that the contact information is posted on the City Council page on the website, CLICK HERE.
Gardner gets compliments on how it does business. “We get complimented all the time from other cities and towns, other elected officials, other people working in other departments of the state and city all the time who are aware of Gardner, who are aware of what we do here, or have worked with us. And you know, we get their hats off to us often about the work that we do. And it really takes a whole team, takes a whole city, takes all the employees, it takes all the elected officials, it takes all the department heads to get on the same page to realize that transparency is required, it is important, and it is something that is a regular practice here in the city, not to mention a best practice here in the city.”
- Mayor’s Update 6-7-24 (6/7/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City
Listen to the update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update June 7, 2024 Introductions: New Executive Aide Katherine Jablonski and new intern Julia.
Confusion re Farmers Markets: Mayor Nicholson stated, “We’d also like to take an opportunity to clear up some confusion that’s been happening in the past couple weeks regarding our farmers’ markets. That is correct. There are two farmers’ markets, if you heard that S on the end of that. We have our traditional Thursday morning farmers’ market that is taking place at the Waterford Street Community Center every Thursday morning from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Additionally, our new farmers’ market is scheduled to have their grand opening on Saturday, June 15th at Waterford Street Community Center from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. This second market will feature 20 vendors at the Rain or Shine event featuring family-friendly activities and will be held on the third Saturday of every month.”
Events: Relay for Life June 7th and June 8th at MWCC —- Firefighters Memorial Sunday June 9th —- June 13th – Gardner Museum Hosts stone wall builder Kevin Gardner —- Theater at the Mount Broadway Feud Saturday June 15h —-West End Beagle Club Kayak Rat Race Saturday, June 15th —- June 22nd is Small Business Saturday, “This year’s Small Business Saturday Celebration and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival is taking place on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The downtown shops, restaurants, local nonprofits, food trucks, crafters, and other vendors will display their merchandise in the streets. The roads are open to pedestrian traffic only that day, so make sure you do plan for that if you’re planning on traveling through the area. There’ll be a variety of performances and demonstrations as well. The event is free and family-friendly, and we look forward to seeing you there. The deadline for vendors to apply is June 12th, and you can visit GardnerSquare2.com for the application and the details on how to register for that event. And then after that is done, you can enjoy our first concert in the park for the Summer Series, Holden Back, and that will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on that same Saturday, and again, that’s Saturday, June 22nd.” —- Summer Reading Program at Levi Heywood Memorial Library, “This year’s theme is Read, Renew, Repeat. The program runs from June 26th to August 16th, and Wednesday, June 26th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a special kickoff party on the front lawn of the Gardner Library. Come and join us for fun, games, free books, and so much more. It’s going to be a great time.”
Dog Licensing: Renew or obtain by June 30th to avoid additional $50 penalty.
Community Alert —- “The Gardner Police Department has seen an increase in the number of cases regarding theft of delivered packages on citizens’ doorsteps recently. In most cases, there are expensive items such as cell phones that have been delivered and stolen within minutes. Suspects often wear Amazon vests and approach the house carrying a box and then swap it out for the actual package that was originally delivered. So the Police Department is urging the public to keep an eye out, be observant, and if possible, note any identifying information of suspicious persons or vehicles, license plates, vehicle make, model, etc., if it’s safe to do so. Please contact the Gardner Police Department with any suspicious, similar activities as well.”
Remembering D-Day – The Mayor closed the update with a reflection on D-Day which was June 6, 1944. “a moment of remembrance for all of those who participated in that event 80 years ago.”
- Budget Passed 6-3-24 (6/4/2024)
Gardner City Council Passes Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
The Gardner City Council held the regular meeting and passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Zoning Board of Appeals will now have 5 members, 4 must be from Gardner.
The Complete Budget as submitted by Mayor Nicholson is available here on pdf, CLICK HERE.
Revolving Funds approved. Councilor Dernalowicz moved each of the fiscal year 2025 budget items which were approved. The ordinance change required to increase non-union pay by 3% was approved and sent to first printing.
There was an audible amount of disruption at times during the meeting, but none loud enough to require any action by the Chair. After the meeting was a different story which we documented in another article, CLICK HERE.
In May, Gardner Magazine spoke to Mayor Nicholson about funding the City. Hear the interview about the various challenges, CLICK HERE for the article and AUDIO interview.
- Informal Meeting (6/4/2024)
Gardner MA City Council Scrutinizes Budget Line by Line in Informal Meeting
Council President Kazinskas presided over an informal City Council meeting on June 3, 2024 for the purpose of going over the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Informal Meeting 6-3-24 The City Council took a methodical approach which took them about 1 hour to review the budget, line by line and ask questions of Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who was on hand in person at the meeting. Previous to this meeting, subcommittees had already met to go over various items in detail concerning the different City Departments. Actual vote on budget is during the regular City Council meeting which followed this one.
- Council Drama (6/3/2024)
Fiance of City Councilor Dana Heath speaks to us after City Council Meeting – Kimberly Blake and others accused of harassment
Kimberly Blake in Aggressive Stance towards Tiffany Blake was recorded making several bizarre statements in several different rants. None are worth repeating.
According to City Councilor Dana Heath’s wife(fiance) Tiffany, Kimberly Blake and others allegedly harassed her at the City Council meeting of June 3, 2024. Kimberly Blake had openly recruited disruptors ahead of the meeting via Facebook posts. When Gardner Magazine views the video and publishes the AUDIO of the meeting, we’ll see what effect, if any, the disruptors had on the meeting itself. We present the moving interview here with Tiffany. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Tiffany 6-3-24 Gardner MA City Council Meeting was held on Monday, June 3, 2024 – We will publish details on that meeting as soon as available.
Update: 6/3/24: 11:48pm – Gardner Magazine has obtained video proof of the verbal harassment by Kimberly Blake showing her aggressive stance. Screenshot shows the police officers needed to be there to keep the peace. After that, Blake made her way in to the hall, and then came back to harass City Councilor Dana Heath. Blake finally left without needing to be arrested. Gardner Police were observed to be calm throughout the incident, advising people to go in separate directions. Video has AUDIO of what was said. Gardner Magazine does not think the public interest would be served by making a fool out of Blake by playing the AUDIO. A citizen posted the actual video of what occurred after the meeting. Here is the link, CLICK HERE.
Publisher’s Note: In my opinion, It doesn’t get much more bizarre than this. In my opinion, the behavior is certainly concerning. Blake allegedly verbally attacked Tiffany in public with bizarre comments about a relationship Heath had with an ex-spouse which ended many years ago. Blake has consistently posted, or as an admin of the Facebook group, allowed to be posted, various false and salacious statements about City Councilor Dana Heath who is a well respected role model for youth in the community and a well-respected City Councilor.
Note: The DeMeo/Blake Facebook Group supposedly has 16.1K members. However, posts Blake puts out regarding disrupting meetings generally are getting from 1 dozen to 4 dozen likes and even less comments, showing that 99.99% of the group does not participate in the nonsense. Those who disagree in comments are generally banned from the group – no dissent is allowed. The problem is that Blake is conspiring to cause conflict. In my opinion, it only takes one nutcase to do harm and it is a shame that anyone has to be escorted out of a meeting for their own safety. It is awful that Tiffany’s business is put at risk due to false statements being made on Social Media. The truth is that Gardner has a City Council composed of individuals with integrity and a Mayor who has integrity. The Objective proof: For 4 years in a row, the State and Federal government have given Gardner a perfect AUDIT score. Would someone please kindly tell Kimberly Blake that her actions are not helpful to neither the City nor the people of Gardner?
- Zlotnik 6-3-24 (6/3/2024)
The State Budget covers funding from the state to cover school lunches for all students, $6.68 billion for Chapter 70, and other public school funding programs including Circuit Breaker Special Education reimbursement and Charter School reimbursement, as well as Regional School Transportation reimbursement.
State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Provides Helpful Budget Information
Jonathan Zlotnik represents the communities of Ashburnham, Gardner, Templeton, and Winchendon. The State Representative provided us with an overview of what can be expected from the new Fiscal Year Budget which starts July 1, 2024 or when approved. View complete overview, CLICK HERE.
Community Local Aid Transfers Ashburnham $960,002 Unrestricted General Government Aid Ashburnham $15,928,887 Chapter 70 Gardner $5,116,463 Unrestricted General Government Aid Gardner $29,677,210 Chapter 70 Templeton $1,683,719 Unrestricted General Government Aid Templeton $12,479,169 Chapter 70 Winchendon $960,002 Unrestricted General Government Aid Winchendon $14,135,502 Chapter 70 Other Local Funding Highlights
- $150,000 to support civic engagement and community service activities at Mount Wachusett Community College
- $1,500,000 for On-Site Academy, located in Westminster, to provide post traumatic incident stress counseling to first responders and corrections officers
- $125,000 for the Operation of “Cathy’s House” in Winchendon by Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center for female veteran’s housing
- $25,000 for GAAMHA in Gardner to support capital improvements to their residential substance use disorder facilities
- $100,000 for the operation of the Gardner CAC
- $50,000 for the operation of the Wachusett Business Incubator
- $100,000 for Growing Places for the Operation of the North Central Food Processing Center
- Full Team (6/1/2024)
Gardner MA Mayor’s Office Is Full Team Ahead
On Monday, June 3, 2024, Katherine Jablonski begins her role as Executive Aide. Jablonski joins the team already consisting of Executive Assistant Rachael Roberts and the Mayor of Gardner, Michael Nicholson.
Jablonski is a former intern in the Mayor’s office and her appointment was announced in January. Katie Jablonski is a recent graduate of Endicott College. Jablonski replaces Colin Smith who left the City of Gardner on December 1, 2023 to take a position with Boston Children’s Hospital.
Katherine “Katie” Jablonski can be reached at the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490
- City Council 6-3-24 (6/1/2024)
Gardner MA City Council to Meet Monday, & Tuesday if needed.
The City Council has an informal meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024, see agenda and packet, CLICK HERE, and a regular meeting on Monday, June 3, 2024. see agenda and packet, CLICK HERE. The biggest topic of discussion and decision is the fiscal year 2025 budget.
If needed, the City Council will continue the formal meeting and the regular meetings to June 4, 2024. If all business is concluded, those meetings will be canceled. It must be done this way due to meeting notice requirements of the Open Meeting Law.
- Update 5-31-24 (5/31/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the City of Gardner
In his update of May 31, 2024 Gardner Mayor Nicholson covered various grand openings and ribbon cuttings, construction, improvements, and events. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor spoke of various ribbon cuttings coming up. He also stated of Timpany Crossroads, “It’s great to see that plaza completely fill up now.” At Timpany Plaza, “You can actually see the new Chipotle’s building already framed out, and Five Below already has their new facade put up.” In Downtown re Maki Park, “that will be a three-tiered park over there with outdoor seating options, cornhole facilities and an outdoor stage with full electrical capabilities for outdoor performances.” Goal is to have it done by the Oktoberfest and Chair Luge this Fall.
Congratulations: Gardner Middle School 5th Grade Class had DARE graduation. Gardner High School graduation is June 1st. This week over $500,000 in scholarships were awarded
Events: June 1st: Gardner High School and Gardner Academy Graduation —- Gardner Citywide Yard Sale Saturday June 1st, Website —- June 3rd: Holy Family Academy graduation —- Yoga in the Park runs June 3 through August 26th — Tuesday, June 4th: Higher Ground Ministries 40th Anniversary —- Yard Waste Collection is June 4th through June 7th —- Thursday, June 6th: Joint Operations Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting —- Gardner Relay for Life June 7th and 8th at MWCC —- Sunday June 9th: Gardner Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at 9am —- Thursday June 13th: Maki Building Centers 75th Anniversary Celebration at 5pm, Linus Allain Avenue right off Betty Spring Road —- Gardner Farmer’s Market Grand Opening June 15th Website —— June 22nd from 10am to 4pm: Small Business Saturday in Downtown Gardner —-
- Paving 2024 (5/28/2024)
Gardner MA Paving List Announced – Staffing Vacancies Affected Choices
The Gardner DPW has a 40% staff vacancy level. Therefore, when tasks are contemplated, the available staff is considered. According to DPW Director Dane Arnold, the streets chosen “don’t have a lot of preparation work by the DPW in order to resurface the roads and sidewalks. This year and moving forward until we get our staff levels back up to where they need to be, we can’t undertake such a large project and tie up the crew all construction season. The alternative is to pay a contractor to do the preparation work, but then you are paying a much higher cost to the project and can’t pave as many streets in a year unless the funding is greatly increased.”
In his submitted Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson cut the amount for paving until free cash is known later in the year. However, in his update of May 10th, the Mayor stated, “we actually may have an additional funding source that we’re looking into right now for paving some additional streets that way.” If the funding comes through, Mayor Nicholson will let Gardner know in an upcoming update.
In our “Funding the City” interview Mayor Nicholson said this about DPW pay. “We’re currently working out with the two DPW unions’ plan for the wage and benefits items that are in their contract, anything that’s included in that union contract there. Their union contract is actually up on July 1st of this year, so we’re hoping to get that done by the time the new fiscal year starts around so that we can make those positions a lot more marketable because we just need to.”
The DPW did conduct a pothole week the week of May 13, 2024 during which all four DPW crews filled potholes on City streets.
- Update 5-24-24 (5/24/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with a 24 Minute Memorial Day Weekend Update on the 24th
Listen to the update on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Update 5-24-24 Mayors Convention – Nicholson attended “All of the mayors from around the Commonwealth get together for a couple of days just to go over some best practices, looking into the years ahead, some issues facing different cities and towns as we move forward… it’s great to see all the mayors get together just to be able to share ideas with each other and see how we can make our communities better.”
Congratulations: MWCC graduates from last week and Gardner High School coming up. —- New monks at Buddhist community in Gardner. —- Grand openings and ribbon cuttings. —– Gardner Elementary Band students win Gold —- 45th annual Student Government at Holy Family Academy — 4th Graders had annual lunch with the Mayor — Proclamation for National EMS Week “It’s a time to show our gratitude toward EMTs and paramedics who provide life-saving care...”
Events: Junior Police Academy July 15-20th for teenagers 14-17- applications online or at Gardner PD. —- Gardner Firefighter Memorial Sunday June 9th with assembly at 8:30am and ceremony at 9am at Gardner Fire Department. —- Library Summer Reading Kickoff is June 26th at 5pm —- Yoga in the Park Monday nights June 3rd to August 26th. 6-7pm at the shores of Crystal Lake in the new Park Street Park — Small Business Saturday is June 22nd. —- Sunday May 26th is the 20th Memorial Ride of the Patriot Riders of America Chapter 3 —- Dunn Park has passed water test and it is open for swimming.
Memorial Day Parade: “It will begin at the American Legion Post 129 at the intersection of Elm Street, Pearl Street, and Central Street at the Uptown Rotary. No construction is taking place on Memorial Day. Therefore, the parade can still start at the American Legion and go around the new rotary that is partially constructed. They’re going a lot quicker than we expected them to. And then that will go down Central Street and end at Monument Park.”
Paving Update and Flooding: “Paving work is going to be continuing throughout the city. We know that Century Way and Leo Drive should have been started this past week. We are continuing to work over on Lower Parker Street, as well as Fredette Street and Wilkins Road. As we move forward with different streets this year, we’ll be sure to announce those as they come up. But Century Way and Leo Drive will be the first ones paved, and we’ve already begun working on Lower Parker, Fredette, and Wilkins as well. So expect to see some crews in that area. There was some flooding that temporarily caused a portion of Pearl Street to be closed this past week over at the Uptown Rotary Project. There are special silt fabrics that are put over the catch basins to make sure that debris from the construction site doesn’t fall into the catch basins, but those fabrics are only rated for a certain amount of water per minute, and when we had as much rain as we had up front, as we did with the torrential downpours that we had a couple days ago, it just was too much for those silts to be able to let through at the time, but the water has since subsided. MassDOT was called in and fixed the problem, so that shouldn’t be something that happens again. But I want to thank our city engineer, Rob Oliva, and everyone from MassDOT who got out and fixed that problem as quickly as they could.”
- Funding the City (5/22/2024)
View the entire proposed budget in pdf format with all of the details the Mayor speaks about in this interview, CLICK HERE.
Funding the City in Challenging Times – Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
It’s budget season and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson spoke to us about how he is proposing to fund the Chair City at a time when costs are up. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Funding the City 5-21-24 The budget process started in December of 2023 and currently the various subcommittees of the Gardner City Council are having meetings on various portions of the budget. The Mayor cut $13 million from what was proposed. He speaks of the challenges in retaining staff and we go over specific ways of increasing revenue to lessen the property tax burden. The mayor stated, “So while we’re able to do what we need to do and live within our means, it was a situation where we had to weigh out what’s a want versus what’s a need, and that’s something that we have to do every year, because when you’re dealing with the taxpayer’s money, we really have to maintain our fiduciary responsibility to the people who live here.” View the entire budget in pdf format, ,CLICK HERE.
- City Council 5-20-24 (5/22/2024)
Council President Kazinskas Handles Disruptors with Class at City Council Meeting
During the Gardner City Council Meeting of May 20, 2024, supporters of defeated formal Mayoral Candidate Kimberly Blake attempted to illegally disrupt the proceedings. The Council President took a recess to handle the matter off camera after stating, “We can discuss at the end of the meeting, but right now we can’t disrupt the purpose of the meeting. Thank you.” and then resumed the proceedings after a few minutes. Meanwhile, Paul DeMeo disrupted the proceedings with flashes from a camera. He was not rebuked. (Publisher’s Note: DeMeo operates a Facebook Group in which he continually posts inflammatory negative statements about Gardner, public officials, Media outlets, and various people. When challenged about the truthfulness of his postings, DeMeo bans the individuals from his group.) Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council May 20, 2024 Regarding Helen Mae Sauter School Property
Councilor Brad Heglin spoke about the Helen Mae Sauter School property which the City Solicitor advised must remain under the jurisdiction of the School Committee due to deed restrictions and for which the School Committee is seeking an outside counsel’s opinion. “I just want to also add and make sure that we stress to the city and that we as City Council members that these two properties don’t continue to fall into further disrepair. So that while we seek these legal opinions and further information, hopefully we can still get our ad hoc committee set up and the city can look at options both for school uses and or private uses.” Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson advised, “The school department has contracted with the services of Attorney Christine Tree to provide an opinion to the city to show what options are available for the city, if there’s any way out of the deed restrictions that are there, if the deed restrictions are permanent, if so, what the impacts of that are in the long-term plan. So that report will be coming out soon once attorney Tree is able to complete that review and go over relevant documents.”
Stabilization Account for Capital Improvements
Councilor George Tyros spoke in favor of the proposal stating, “As one of the Council’s representatives on the Capital Improvements Committee, I fully support this measure. There’s a long list of capital improvement projects that the city just hasn’t gotten to because the funding was not there. There’s a long list of outdoor pools, buildings, things like making the bathrooms more ADA and modern in City Hall and other buildings and roofs and such nature. This is a great thing to establish and it will allow that committee to make some good decisions on improvements in our community.” The account was established by unanimous approval. A similar item establishing a stabilization account for the schools also passed unanimously.
Zoning Board Increase in Members
A measure increasing the number of Zoning Board members to 5 was adopted. It will go in to effect if passed again at the next meeting.
Budget Matters were granted more time without objection.
An informal City Council meeting was held prior to the regular meeting. Councilors received a presentation on the School Budget from Superintendent Mark Pellegrino and Mark Hawke. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY
Informal City Council Meeting 5-20-24
- City Council 5-20-24 (5/19/2024)
Gardner City Council May 20, 2024
The Gardner City Council is scheduled to have an informal meeting at 6:15pm and the regular meeting at 7:30pm. Informal meeting concerns the School Budget presentation. Informal Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE. The Regular meeting and packet is 263 pages long and concerns a long list of items. Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.
- Update 5-17-24 (5/17/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City
Scheduling conflicts did not permit a recorded message this week. However, the Mayor did want to pass along the following information:
From the Mayor of Gardner: This week is National Police week with Peace Officers Memorial Day being Wednesday May 15th. We would like to say thank you to the men and women of the Gardner Police Department for everything you do! You all do a great job every day! The Junior Police Academy is now accepting applications! This free program will start July 15th to- July20th, for teens between the ages of 14 and 17. This Academy will be an interactive learning environment and opportunity to learn about local law enforcement. Some of the activities for the week will include Physical fitness training, mock traffic stops, defensive tactics, and investigative techniques. Applications are available at the Gardner P D or submit an application through the link on the Gardner Police Department Facebook page. Apply soon as space is limited! This Academy is open to all teens, with priority given to Gardner residents. All applications are due by June 17th. Any questions regarding the Junior Police Academy can be directed to Lt. John Czasnowski at 978-632-5600 ext. 124 or by email at iczasnowski@gardner-ma.gov. Separate Article, CLICK HERE
Gardner Fire Department: Some exciting news for the Gardner Fire Department! Our new ambulance has finally arrived at Greenwood Emergency vehicles in Attleboro. Chief Lagoy and EMS Coordinator Lieutenant Hulette went down Monday to Greenwood and made the final inspection on the new truck. It’s has taken almost two years to get the ambulance built. We hope to have it here in Gardner by the beginning of June and prepare it for City service. We also are awaiting delivery of our new engine and heavy rescue that’s due (hopefully) in September. The new vehicles will be a great and welcomed addition to our fire department with updating our fleet with new and modern equipment to serve the citizens of Gardner. The Fire Department would also like to remind everyone the annual Gardner Firefighter‘s Memorial Sunday ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 9th. Assembly will be at 8:30 and the ceremony will be at 9:00. The public is invited to join us for the ceremony. Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
First Responder Day: Also this weekend is the First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday, May 18th 9 am. to 11 am. Last week I mentioned the Library’s summer reading kickoff is scheduled for June 26‘“ which starts at 5 pm. not 4:30 pm. as I stated last week. Separate Article with details and 3 interviews, ,CLICK HERE.
Yoga In the Park Summer Series starting soon. This will be Monday nights from June 3rd to August 26th from 6 to 7 pm at Park Street Park (Near the Elks Lodge) No class in inclement weather or threat of. This is Donation based, all monies collected will benefit various non-profits. This is an all levels class, must bring yoga mat or yoga props.
Small Business Saturday: Also in June, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Small Business Saturday and Happy Birthday Gardner Festival which takes place on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 am. to 4 pm. Downtown shops, restaurants, local non-profits, food trucks, crafters, and other vendors display their merchandise in the streets. Roads are open only to pedestrians for the day. A variety of performances and demonstrations take place. This event is free and family-friendly. We look forward to seeing you! Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
GALA Art and Music Festival: Also this weekend, is the GALA Art and Music Festival May 17-19th Sat, 11 am. to 6 p.m. Sunday 12-4 pm. The event will take place at the Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA. Artist reception Friday. Art Exhibit with more than 100 artists, demonstrations, vendors, children’s activities, face painting, music and more all weekend. Free admission. On Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm. The Gardner Museum will present Local “modern pioneer’, Lauren Roy who will empower, and educate the audience on living more naturally and in the art of foraging as a way of saving money. Reservations are required. Separate Article, CLICK HERE.
AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night is May 18th Doors open at 6:15, show starts at 7 pm. General seating $20. Location is Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall. Show Poster, CLICK HERE.
The Flagpole at Gardner City Hall is fixed. Separate Article, CLICK HERE. —-I intended to give an update on paving. Will do in future updates. —- Flower pot and banner sponsorships are still available. —-If you have any questions, contact the Mayor’s office at (978) 630-1490 or email Mayor@Gardner-MA.gov
- Blake 5-17-2 (5/17/2024)
UPDATE May 17, 2024 – Simple Explanation of Issue – 1. Food Pantry not allowed by State Law in residential area 2. If home was somehow deemed OK for food pantry, permits must first be obtained and inspections must be conducted prior to opening 3. No approvals of any kind were sought or obtained. 4. Person in this instance appears to have known opening was considered unlawful and proceeded anyway. 5. Idea of food pantry to help those in need a wonderful idea. 6. Even those with good ideas must follow the law. 7. Person was not disparaged by Gardner Magazine or WGAW as claimed by Blake. 8. Mayor Nicholson not involved at all as claimed by Blake.. 9. Blake was not even mentioned by Gardner Magazine or WGAW until it was falsely claimed she had been disparaged. (see original article simply referencing a Gardner resident)
Listen to the editorial on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Editorial re Blake 5-17-24 EDITORIAL: Kimberly Blake Making False Statements Yet Again – this time about Gardner Magazine, WGAW, and the Mayor
Kimberly Blake has announced that she is above the law and will open a food pantry at 25 Baker Street in Gardner despite warnings against doing so stating, “I’m aware that the city has plans to try and fine me or have my pantry taken down.” All of us including those who want to help others have to follow the rules. In Massachusetts, according to Massachusetts State law, a food pantry is not allowed in an area of residential homes. And where it is allowed, various inspections and permits must be obtained prior to opening. One of the reasons for certain activities and businesses not being allowed in residential areas has to do with the obvious problem of parking and the effect on neighbors. We checked, Blake has not sought appropriate permits from the City. However, she has falsely attacked Gardner Magazine and WGAW stating, “Gardner Magazine and WGAW can continue to write disparaging articles, I’m not worried.” This publication wrote an article and did not mention Blake by name. We spoke with WGAW and they have simply attempted to post information about what’s not allowed under Massachusetts law.
And then, as usual she is attacking Gardner Mayor Nicholson when she knows he isn’t even involved in the independent actions the Board of Health or the Gardner Building Department may take. Helping people is always a great idea. But, in my opinion, no matter how great the idea sounds, we are all still subject to the law. Imagine if everyone in the City opened up something wherever they would like, ignoring Zoning, ignoring requirements for inspections. It would be chaos and we would all be unsafe. We all have to follow the law. We can’t make up our own laws when we feel like it. The laws are there to protect all residents. And current food pantries are inspected and follow all sanitary laws and requirements and have safeguards in place. Why Blake thinks she is above the law? Who knows. In my opinion, it Makes no sense.
- Update 5-10-24 (5/10/2024)
Bonanza of Community Events and Project Progress Highlight of Weekly Gardner MA Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson updated the Chair City on May 10, 2024. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Mayor’s Update 5-10-24 Community Events: Annie Fields at Gardner Museum on Thursday May 16th —- Gardner Area League of Artists Art and Music Festival May 17th to 19th — AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night is May 17th at Perry Auditorium —- Saturday, May 18th is First Responder Day at Levi Heywood Memorial Library —- Sunday, May 19th is a Journey of Life Concert at Bethany Baptist Church —- Popular Cruise Nights and Concerts at PACC set to begin on May 24th — Relay for Life June 7th and 8th at MWCC —- High School Graduation is Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10am at Watkins Field at Gardner High School. —- Greenwood Outdoor Pool scheduled to open June 19th —- Library Summer Reading kickoff is June 26th at 4:30pm. —- First Concert at Monument Park is June 22nd —- Visit our Events page, CLICK HERE
Project Progress: Construction of 3 tier Maki Park has begun and will consists of outdoor seating, picnic tables, cornhole boards, and a complete outdoor stage area with electricity. —-
Road paving: Work has begun on completing Fredette Street, Wilkins Road, and Lower Parker Street. Pothole Week: All 4 DPW crews, not just the highway department will do nothing but potholes next week. Paving schedule will be released ahead of time in weekly updates.
New Businesses in 2024: Mayor Nicholson recapped the businesses which have opened and/or have had ribbon cuttings so far this year.
- Council Results 5-6-24 (5/7/2024)
Agenda and Packet, CLICK HERE. – The discussions within this meeting are very informative. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Informal and Regular City Council 5-6-24 Gardner MA City Council Makes Decisions in Informal and Regular Meeting
The Gardner MA City Council held an Informal meeting on: (1) Increasing room occupancy tax from 4 to 6 percent (2) adding Local .75% sales tax on meals and (3) resolving to review the Zoning Map. Listen to the combined AUDIO of both meetings on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Informal and Regular City Council 5-6-24 It was noted that Leominster increased its room tax to 6% in 2017 and Fitchburg did so last month. Here’s how Gardner voted: At the regular City Council meeting, the room occupancy tax increase to 6% was approved unanimously. It is estimated this will bring in about $50k per year. The Sales Tax on meals at the rate of .75% was approved on a vote of 10 to 1. It is estimated this will bring in $500k per year. A resolution was adopted to review the Zoning Map. Mayor Nicholson earlier in the meeting had told the Council that grant funding was being sought as cost could be around $150,000 and given the time involved the State recommends an outside firm do the job.
In other matters, the Open Meeting Law finding was placed on file. Other items including the big budget items were referred to either subcommittees or the Council as a Committee of the whole.
Open Meeting Law Matter – Inaccurate Statements by Paul DeMeo
Listen to what was actually stated by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz at the City Council Meeting on any device. CLICK PLAY
Councilor Alek Dernalowicz actually stated, “I just wanted to quickly point out that the complaints, the items listed in the complaint were not found to be in violation. There was a finding that we failed to review the minutes in a reasonable interval, which is how it’s stated in the Mass General Laws. Even the Attorney General has difficulty, it seems, defining what a reasonable interval is in their ruling. At one point, they say it’s a certain set of months, and at another point, they say a different amount. I think, in reality, it could possibly turn on what the executive session was about, but that being said, we will follow the guidance from the Attorney General and do this as they prescribe going forward.” While Councilor Dernalowicz clearly states (words in bold) that the City Council will follow guidance of the Attorney General, Paul DeMeo in a post inaccurately states “he should have cautioned the city council to comply with the law.” – an inaccurate statement because that is exactly what he did do. Publisher’s Editorial Note: DeMeo also makes other disparaging remarks which we won’t dignify by repeating here. As Paul DeMeo had made the original complaint, we can understand why he reacted negatively, but that is no excuse for making inaccurate statements simply to disparage an effective, honest, and hard-working City Councilor. Once again, Pauly Potato is simply wrong and the AUDIO above proves it. Further comment regarding DeMeo: Gardner is not a dystopia. Gardner’s officials and employees are hard-working, honest people leading the Chair City on an effective trajectory of success. When a City like Gardner is held in high esteem by other municipalities often as the “Gold Standard” of how things should be done (including its transparency), it is very odd when negative comments often appear out of nowhere with no foundation in fact.
- City Council 5-6-24 (5/5/2024)
Gardner Regular City Council Meeting for May 6, 2024
The regular City Council meeting on 5-6-24 will concern various aspects and complete details of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. Previous article with pdf of budget, CLICK HERE.
Other proposed items include an ordinance to change the fee for solid waste collection and an ordinance to increase the number of Zoning Board of Appeals members from 3 to 5. ZBA decisions now require a unanimous vote. With the change a majority vote would be the new threshold.
OPEN MEETING LAW. Once again, a ruling from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office regarding an Open Meeting Law complaint by Paul DeMeo resulted in a technical violation finding but no action. According to the Attorney General, the Gardner City Council is required to review Executive Session minutes at regular intervals to determine if secrecy is still needed, but they do not have to do so in a timely manner as was alleged by DeMeo – the “timely manner’ requirement is for the public portion of meetings only.
- Update 5-3-24 (5/3/2024)
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Informs the Chair City in his Weekly Update
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson presented his update from the GETV studios this week. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Weekly Update 5-3-24 May 7-10 is May Yard Waste Pickup (Mailer had a typo)
Events: Keep Gardner Beautiful Nip Hunt and Litter Cleanup is Saturday May 4th —- First Responder Day Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am at Levi Heywood Memorial Library. —– 20th Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ride Sunday May 26th —- Citywide Yard Sale is June 1st —- Gardner Relay for Life is June 7th and 8th.
FREE WI-fi is coming to Monument Park – goal is to have it up and running by Memorial Day.
There’s so much information in this week’s update it is best to listen to the entire update to get all the details.
- Budget FY25 (5/1/2024)
$13,088,995.23 was cut from department requests. Proposal has a buffer of $4,284.51 between anticipated revenue and budgetary expenses. Otherwise, it is balanced.
It’s Only May First – And Gardner Mayor Nicholson Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Last December, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson informed the City Council that he would be providing much more detailed information for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and he has delivered with over 500 pages of detailed explanation. View the entire document in PDF format, CLICK HERE.
In a statement the Mayor said, “The goal of this format is to provide the most transparent information on the City’s current financial standing. I believe this new format will help provide the clearest pictures as to how the budget was constructed, where the money is coming from, and how it is being spent, both for your deliberations, as well as for our constituents to understand and see. Also included this year is a breakdown of the impact that each department has on the average tax bill for a single- family home in the City.”
The Mayor wrote, “The total of the FY2025 Budget as a balance of $88,013,663.74 (the money orders associated with the budget add up to $86,103,997.00 because they do not include the impact of the Cherry Sheet from the Commonwealth in the votes). This is inclusive of all General Fund, Cable, School, and Enterprise Funds.”
Each City Councilor is getting a copy of the following per the Mayor: “By Monday evening’s Council Meeting, every councilor will receive 1) a purple folder that has a copy of the budget in the previous format for ease of transition between formats, 2) a large white binder with the full information included on the website, 3) a large binder containing all of the City’s collective bargaining agreements and non-union personnel policies, and 4) a smaller binder color-coded per committee with the budget information for the departments for which each committee has oversight.”
- First Responders (5/1/2024)
Levi Heywood Memorial Library – Gardner MA For more about the following, click the respective links: Gardner Fire Department —- Gardner Police Department —– Levi Heywood Memorial Library.
First Responder Day Cooperative Effort Among Gardner Fire Department, Gardner Police Department, and the Levi Heywood Memorial Library
Gardner Magazine had the honor of speaking with 3 key individuals about this FREE event. First Responder Day at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, Saturday May 18th from 9am to 11am. You can hear it all on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Stephanie Young – John Czasnowski – Sean Kelley on First Responder Day at Levi Heywood Memorial Library Gardner PD Lieutenant John Czasnowski, , Firefighter and S.A.F.E. Program Coordinator Sean Kelley, and Library Director Stephanie Young all spoke about the event.
Lieutenant Czasnowski let us know the plan is to have cruisers, a drone demonstration, the School Resource officer and an opportunity to see K-9 Rocky. There will be stickers for the kids.
Firefighter Sean Kelley spoke of the touch-a- truck event, the appearance of Sully the therapy dog, various vendors and games for the kids to play.
Library Director Stephanie Young was excited about the event and stated, “It’s so important that our community members, children and families get to meet our emergency personnel in a non-emergency situation. They can build connections and, you know, if there is an incident that people are involved in, they already have a connection and it helps during an emergency time.”
- Update 4-26-24 (4/26/2024)
With May fast approaching Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City of Gardner
Mayor Nicholson spoke of amenities, construction, reminders, and events. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner’s Outdoor Amenities: Mayor Nicholson spoke of the Bike Trail, Dunn Park, different parks and playgrounds, and walking trails. He announced that the disc golf at Bailey Brook Park has a couple pins in. The Mayor let everyone know that an insurance claim was filed after a tree fell on $75,000 worth of new playground equipment at Ovila Case. “It is something that’s on our radar to try to fix as quickly as those claims go through…”
Construction Begins: Beginning Monday April 29th construction resumes at Uptown Rotary. “Right now, it looks like traffic will be diverted down Cherry Street from Pearl Street into Central Street.“
Reminders: Downtown Banner and flower pot sponsorships still available. —- National Small Business Week is April 28th through May 4th, “Please be sure to support your local businesses.” — Registrations are now open for the Summer Recreation Program. —- Gardner Municipal Golf Course is now open. “Daily rates for weekdays for nine holes is $20, and 18 holes $37. Weekend rates for nine holes are $24, and 18 holes $42. Rates are for walking, and carts require an additional charge on top of that. Memberships are also open at this time for applications.”
Events: May 2nd at noon is the National Day of Prayer event over at Higher Ground Ministries —Keep Gardner Beautiful Saturday May 4th. —- Introduction to Beekeeping at Levi Heywood Memorial Library on May 4th —-AED Foundation Recovery Comedy Night May 16th at 7pm at Perry Auditorium, Gardner City Hall —- Greater Gardner Community Choir Spring Concert Sunday May 19th at 3pm at Bethany Baptist Church —- Greater Gardner Relay for Life June 7th and June 8th. —- Light the Town Purple Event is May 6th at 6:30pm
- Update 4-19-24 (4/19/2024)
Events: Book Sale at library is Friday and Saturday —- Keep Gardner Beautiful Cleanup event is May 4th — AED Comedy Night is May 18th at Perry Auditorium —-Kindergarten registration has started for Fall 2024
Mayor Speaks of Gardner PD Fraud Alert in Weekly Update
Due to an increase in reported scam activity, the Gardner Police Department has issued a fraud alert. Mayor Nicholson speaks about it along with his usual update. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
The Mayor spoke of available Flower Pot and Banner sponsorships. Flower pots are actually being handled by City Councilor Judy Mack and a crew this year. The Mayor stated, “We are using a different vendor this year, so I know some people had concerns with the size of the flowers that were in the pots last year“. —- The Monument Park Concert Series has been announced (Gardner Magazine will publish the list once we have confirmed accuracy) first concert is on June 22nd —- Uptown Rotary construction starting soon with paving to be completed sometime in November and streets ancillary will be paved next year. —- Mayor Nicholson gave a special thank you to City Dispatches and Animal Control officers. —- The Mayor spoke of the recent survey regarding transportation to the Wachusett train station. There were 257 responses and the Mayor detailed some facts and figures.
from the Gardner PD: ***FRAUD ALERT***
“The Gardner Police Department wants to inform everyone that we have seen an increase in reported scam activity. As technology grows, so must our knowledge of how scammers operate. Here are four signs of a scam and ways to avoid it. For more information and resources see the FBI and Federal Trade Commission listed below:” From the FBI CLICK HERE. From the Federal Trade Commission, CLICK HERE.
- City Council 4-16-24 (4/17/2024)
Gardner City Council Chamber Unnamed for Now as Judy Mack Requests More Time
The City Council meeting got a little clunky as Councilor Judy Mack requested more time on her resolution to name the Chamber, “Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber”. Councilor Karen Hardern moved to have a Straw vote to gauge level of support on the item. After proceedings were paused for two separate short recesses, it was determined by Council President Kazinskas that a straw vote was not in order. Council simply moved on to the next item. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
City Council 4-16-24 The rest of the meeting is noted for its overall smoothness such as when City Clerk Titi Siriphan was reelected unanimously by all 11 Councilors, some choosing to comment positively on her work.
In other actions, Gardner Police Department will get its police cars and may have an easier time filling positions as the City Council voted to opt out of civil service. This negates a vote taken 112 years ago when Gardner, then a town, joined Civil Service by a City Council vote.
- Council 4-16-24 (4/14/2024)
Capital Improvement Report will be received: Separate Article
City Council Meets on Tuesday April 16, 2024 in Gardner MA
The Gardner City Council meets a day later due to the Patriot’s Day Holiday. Complete Agenda and packet, click here.
Agenda items include: Councilor Mack resolution to rename Chamber “Ronald F. Cormier Council Chamber”, City Clerk election, various money items, rescission of Civil Service vote of 1912, various appointments, decision on adding agricultural commission, resolution re zoning map accuracy, resolution to adopt local options sales tax on meals and occupancy excise rate increase.
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