Mayor announces Gardner School Street demolition and housing development negotiations

The Gardner Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee meeting on April 18, 2025, highlighted significant developments regarding the future of the School Street School property. The city has received the green light to commit funds for various infrastructure projects, including the demolition of the aging school building, which is nearing the end of its usable life.

Mayor's office representatives reported ongoing discussions with the Executive Office of Housing and Local Communities (HLC) about potential developers interested in rehabilitating the site. However, the building department cautioned that the structure may not remain viable for much longer, prompting the need for a decision on whether to proceed with demolition or explore a last-minute sale.

The committee is currently awaiting a legal review to clarify any title issues or restrictions related to the property. This review will inform whether the city should prioritize demolition or attempt to sell the building. If the latter is pursued, the committee would need to identify alternative projects for the allocated funds, which total approximately $740,000.

The committee emphasized the importance of transparency in the decision-making process, suggesting that any shift in plans should be communicated to the city council. The state is advocating for increased housing development, and the committee is considering how this property could fit into broader housing initiatives.

In conclusion, the Gardner committee is at a pivotal moment, weighing the potential for rehabilitation against the necessity of demolition. The outcome of the legal review will significantly influence the next steps, with the city poised to either preserve the property for future development or clear the site for new projects.