What Happened and What Didn’t in 2023
Jump to: Rules Changes — Building Repurposing — Downtown Gardner — Parks and Recreation — Private Projects — City and Government Projects —- People Topics — Technology Improvements
Rules Changes
What Happened – Regan Street was made 1 way. —- After approval from City Council and voters, City Charter changes are off to the legislature
What Didn’t – A proposal to change zoning regarding Route 140 parcels was abandoned when the land was found to have been protected decades ago. 2 other zoning proposals got bumped around throughout the year and are back for public hearing in 2024: adding sports betting to zoning table and increasing marijuana establishment quota.
Building Repurposing
What Happened – School Department offices moved to Elm Street School, joining Gardner Academy and the Boys and Girls Club at the location. —- Opening of new Community Center – This is partially underway as Growing Places has licensed the kitchen at the former Waterford Street School. A sign outside indicates the coming change. GAAMHA, CAC, and Senior Citizens Center planned to be added in 2024.
What Didn’t – Due to constraints on property usage, plans to utilize Helen Mae Sauter School as an Arts and Music Center await MA legislative action. Also needing state action is sale of condemned School Street School property due to issues with deed. Greenwood: The demolition of the Greenwood Pool House and construction of a new Pavilion did not take place in 2023. The demo and construction are expected in 2024.
Downtown Gardner
What Happened – Extensive renovation underway of Garbose Building, Flat Iron Building, Central Park Building and Ryan Block and facade renovations on Pleasant Street, and 104 Parker Street.
What Didn’t – Bank of America and former Gardner News Building renovations yet to occur.
Parks and Recreation
What Happened – New wider sidewalks and lighting at Monument Park, Park Street Park, fountain at Orpheum Park, Bailey Brook Park is first playground for k-5, Park Street Park: It had been an eyesore with barbed wire as it used to be the site of an electrical substation. Now, it’s a beautiful park with plenty of parking, a view to Crystal Lake, and connections to the bike path. Drainage work on Charbonneau Street side done at Dog Park, work expected on Wright Street side in 2024 to mitigate mud puddle issues. Fantasy playground torn down at Ovila Case and will be replaced in 2024 if grant is approved.
What Didn’t – Maki Park construction yet to occur. The Spray Park was set to reopen at Greenwood Pool if a way could be found to hire additional staff. While the staffing needs were met, an unfortunate accident whereby a pair of glass goggles broken and sent pieces into the pool. The pool was drained and was eventually back in operation. However, the Spray Park was not opened in 2023.
Private Projects
What Happened – Community Health Connections opened facility on Route 68 next to Walmart offering Urgent Care, Dental, Medical, and Behavioral Health.
What Didn’t – Surgical Pavilion at Heywood Hospital paused, Rear Main Street Project yet to begin – The original contractor for the residential housing units fell through and a new bidding process had to be undertaken and a parcel of land was delayed in acquisition from Cumberland Farms due to death of contact. Planned is a multi-floor apartment building, parking, and an events plaza including parking for food trucks. Renovation of former Prospect Street School to condos yet to occur.
City and Government Projects
What Happened: Uptown Rotary Paving was planned for 2023. However, the utilities work has been done and the balance of the nearly $2million project is expected to be continued in the Spring of 2024. The Concession Stand did open at Gardner High School and work on the stage was completed at the Middle School. A large amount of paving was completed in the City. Runways were done at Gardner Airport
What Didn’t: Actual Funds for Main Water Line have yet to be received. $1million will replace 100 year old line which supplies a lion’s share of the City of Gardner with water. Gardner Fire Department building issues not yet addressed. Gardner Landfill Expansion project direction not yet decided. DPW still does not have its needed new salt shed. Electrical and bathrooms at City Hall still needed. Windows needed at Perry Auditorium. Rome Building at corner of Willow and Main not yet torn down, planned for 2024. Wayfinding Improvements still needed based on input from wayfinding study. Visitors Center swap from State yet to occur. Survey not yet received regarding possibility of new Industrial Park.
People Topics
What Happened – Various issues were addressed by Prevention Coordinator and Domestic Violence Advodate. —- City-wide Yard Sale occurred in Spring and Fall —- In Gardner Public Schools, various curriculum improvements and benchmarks were achieved of the 2021 to 2024 improvement plan. Cameras in place to catch illegal dumpers were enhanced. Centennial Committee held various events.
What Didn’t – Keep Gardner Beautiful Cleanup did not occur in Fall 2023, expected to occur in Spring 2024 —- City of Gardner salary study expected in late summer not yet complete and published, expected in 2024. —- Legislative change to get Gardner out of Civic Service not yet approved by MA legislature.
Technology Improvements
What Happened – Various upgrades to software and cloud applications City uses. $200k grant received for fiber improvements
What Didn’t – Other Items City is planning.