[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6180570,"mediaKeyId","5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93","parentId",5117447,"title","Director urges dual use of MRPC and CMRPC for Gardner planning and grant support","audioSeconds",313,"startMs",2178000,"endMs",2491000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93&start=2178&end=2491","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93/thumbnail_2178000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6180570/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Director-urges-dual-use-of-MRPC-and-CMRPC-for-Gardner-planning-and-grant-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180570-abbb8ed7ec545577a9fe1afa3460e28b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775354362&Signature=bzCoy51z2B6HEmtVFsCR9ZQJYgk1dTVeNL4Dt4t1tSH6T-y6staQ9J4xw8flOfTB4r~vfcbZk68E8M97yxfAiR7K0R~INk3cfT10JDu0mNG1XDwBQG-uctjkiJDqxT8wFb-XJeBNVNXO0Ju~ZSbrWWGcD6ROZuLk2TXKVVNOa2x~qPTMb6LgOGjFNwdFUu6iEKpEkt6IZVWCsybjwbAKSfAfnp2jR9Oo1G3AzxPYm-Scjogkirrj51dfLsc8LaCmSydLTbseRjVITXGLE9LJH58UdLxBIu7IRpqAxZoMMK4nPorz75Z4f7DZ8Q3vXfuLGynubcURSdFDzVrcMair-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gardner City, MA","date","2025-07-01T12:45:17Z","article","Director Stevens presented a comparison of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) and recommended the city maintain MRPC as Gardner’s lead planning partner while also engaging CMRPC for specialized economic and downtown revitalization work.

Stevens told the committee MRPC serves 22 communities (including Gardner) and specializes in transportation planning, hazard mitigation and brownfields redevelopment. She said MRPC is statutory as Gardner’s Metropolitan Planning Organization partner for regional transportation matters and has long-standing local knowledge of the Montachusett area.

By contrast, Stevens said CMRPC serves about 40 Central Massachusetts communities (not including Gardner in its core membership) and is stronger in economic development, corridor revitalization, housing production and grant collaboration. She noted CMRPC’s staff have been heavily in demand for CDBG and other grant assistance and that their availability can be constrained by demand from many communities.

Her strategic recommendation was to “maintain MRPC as the lead planner” for routine and statutory planning responsibilities while drawing on CMRPC for niche economic development work, downtown revitalization strategies and grant application support. Committee members agreed the approach made sense and suggested keeping CMRPC on the calendar to report back after training sessions with new staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Gardner Economic Development Meeting Jun 27 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff recommended Gardner keep the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) as its lead planner while leveraging the Central Massachusetts RPC (CMRPC) for economic development and grant assistance, noting MRPC’s local transportation and hazard mitigation role and CMRPC’s capacity for urban revitalization and grant collaboration.","taxTitle","Gardner City, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",60679,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180573,"North Central Pathway largely complete; city must spend associated funds by mid-July",94,1006000,1100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93&start=1006&end=1100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93/thumbnail_1006000.jpg","/articles/6180573/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/North-Central-Pathway-largely-complete-city-must-spend-associated-funds-by-mid-July","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180573-f3b49bbf0ff8d7dcdf805c4bc0476bef/orig.mp4?Expires=1775354362&Signature=Eu4Lqb9LtQouZfDADyzx94SVA-gwwpWDh~sflB~ECZTO~q7yQRWjPdJlCqHUqMxA1YuP-cl3r2YOimUPAfXtU2Y~96BuoaDp1JMf8Mc7IKWjIXVEloZS9Ka0xO6LwX8tlvvP6VlTKbkE48whE7r1oSV~s8h5xX8RxaOcg4Fj3UT8jmAmsFcD-LALSmBga0KDKlm14-BrfPNRCmFWx~quIueRWwp0U~Cg3H3ks4zTQtumxCkS98RZFwkFuUs5XtPQTt4-zKMtp5L5WlFxS82-vE-ZZM41h96j5s02EvImtU0K6LOaUFg6ko93VtKE4FN2J985~p39SoAFy4u6F5k7ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the committee that construction on the North Central Pathway is effectively complete and open for use, with final finishing work expected in the coming days.

Director Stevens said contractors Mass Bridal Stone and ML Partlow have largely completed their work and the pathway is already being used by residents. She noted a small lip between the pathway paving and Crystal Lake Drive will be addressed by Mass Bridal Stone as part of the remaining work to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users. Stevens said final ceiling (seeding) and other finishing touches remain.

Committee members asked for confirmation of funding deadlines; Stevens said project funds must be spent by July 15 and staff are using the remaining weeks to complete the final items so the city meets that deadline. Several councilors praised the visible progress and encouraged residents to use the new path while staff finish the remaining work.","Staff reported that most North Central Pathway work is finished and open to the public, with final punch-list items and a lip between pathway paving and Crystal Lake Drive pending; staff said project funds must be spent by July 15 and contractors will complete final touches.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180578,"Comcast utility wires stall Mackie Park ADA ramp; city eyes ARPA and other funding to finish project",202,1597000,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93&start=1597&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93/thumbnail_1597000.jpg","/articles/6180578/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Comcast-utility-wires-stall-Mackie-Park-ADA-ramp-city-eyes-ARPA-and-other-funding-to-finish-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180578-140e34f966099a00cf7570ebfbe0a745/orig.mp4?Expires=1775354362&Signature=Jm-Ba9kFJyEZkZyzpN8FiCFgXo9mBM-orfaXoBwX1iB8PrymAgIRbzEdkZ1DWmab6zxA6VIDbKDfKKh2wvK2czhGeosrWRlc2RPz~UkjKWF2MhwCdiD1a93~za-AZAiFih2rZfkuTIb6P6l4blWcOpZNe0CuKooaTDdYTJhb4YXo1tkaLh-Whmj-COo3Uf8htpUKVrISEyWy-1tPdXjPlDIM0hfE76RhfgPcplMGY~SMKKFMGHEJIkeXcLcwXG2jrSgXrPoX98h2JgGMh3~o29MYy1cljTakJmJ3Z09mT30b27q3EzT8Ub-Z3facol~6Qg304XPzEyaDFHdHMpWV-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Economic and Community Development Committee that the final delay to complete an ADA ramp at Mackie Park stems from a single remaining set of utility wires on a second set of poles; staff said the wires are now controlled by Comcast and must be moved before the poles can be removed and the ramp work completed.

Director Stevens said this is the last technical hurdle after months of coordination with the engineering firm Ty and Bond and utility companies. She said the project originally involved both Verizon and Comcast but staff now are focused on Comcast as the remaining carrier holding the wires. Stevens said the city has repeatedly requested Comcast to move the wires and that the company has opened several service tickets, but the work remains outstanding.

Stevens told the committee she will meet with the city auditor to investigate alternate funding sources for the final ramp, because the project budget and funding mix include federal funds that must be handled correctly. Committee members asked about the funding magnitude; Stevens said she did not have exact figures at hand but estimated the total need was “close to 55,000.” She said the encumbered amount is lower than $55,000 and that roughly $33,000 of the needed funds would come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations.

Committee members thanked Stevens for ongoing advocacy and asked that the item remain on the committee calendar for updates. Stevens said a formal construction amendment would require going back to bidding if the original contract is closed; she noted that if a new contract is required, the city will need to follow procurement and bidding timelines.","City staff said the final set of utility wires on poles must be moved (previously Verizon, now Comcast) before the Mackie Park ADA ramp work can be finalized; staff plan to consult the city auditor about alternative funding sources, with an estimated total need near $55,000 and about $33,000 expected from ARPA.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180583,"Greenwood Pool demolition cleared after bid protest; awarded bidder ABW to begin demolition in fall",158,647000,805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93&start=647&end=805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93/thumbnail_647000.jpg","/articles/6180583/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Greenwood-Pool-demolition-cleared-after-bid-protest-awarded-bidder-ABW-to-begin-demolition-in-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180583-418eadee127f34be2fd5fb27387d49bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775354362&Signature=fWWNIQkPZT1FfolO7Lah7Ll49~j0VwpgjT-W1NEl09kQEGiDs56S1yfcLVL~JBc5eLBSX6Yd-CPmmilPg8VnXOAKNw2B5r1ldDV~cKl3qd08sGo4EXb88BX8N~2SXhd~lOiCCV-gg6yxc6vPaot9-4A8xRnmxkJ9OGbNu57pX0Gz6fmVeBuQQlvlNCaj0P~8s84h2NG6Mrtfu0ylefpZDwS4v~HXqvgulFzN-2fucVibVLU289~GLESlPKi-WdtXTqlNmoQ1ARDQCMOF4GdcZ-EMDXvTKxpKvpnnBzNYfdhZD-za0tV8IovFrP9cqm6b43E0NqKH5FD8e31WupmoKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Economic and Community Development Committee that a bid protest delayed Greenwood Pool work until a hearing officer’s May 23 decision cleared the award to the lowest bidder, identified in committee materials as Associate Building Records (ABW).

Director Stevens explained that one bid had been “improperly delivered” and was opened the following day at the engineers’ recommendation; that overlooked bid turned out to be the lowest. A competing bidder filed a protest that kept the project on hold until the administrative decision by Jonathan Elder and hearing officer Justin M. Polk on May 23, after which staff moved to obtain bonds and required certifications from ABW.

Stevens said staff asked the contractor to advance demolition of the above-ground building removal as soon as possible and that the preliminary schedule in the packet shows that line item currently slated for Sept. 26–Oct. 7. She told the committee she expects the demolition to move earlier on the schedule if possible and that staff will coordinate with the pool manager to close the facility during above-ground demolition work.

Stevens also explained why project signage uses a white, standardized format: the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities requires consistent sign verbiage across Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects. She said the city will try to publish a rendering of the finished project as well, but the main sign’s content must follow state CDBG rules.

Committee members asked no formal questions about the award at the meeting. Stevens said she will post project signage the week of July 7 and continue coordination with ABW on bonds and insurance required for contract award.","City staff said a bid was initially misdelivered, then accepted and awarded to the lowest bidder (Associate Building Records/ABW) after a protest decision on May 23; demolition above-grade is scheduled tentatively for Sept. 26–Oct. 7, with staff coordinating pool closures and sign requirements tied to CDBG rules.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180588,"Gardner secures one-year reimbursement extension for Rear Main project as design costs rise",274,149000,423000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93&start=149&end=423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5117447-2d49d118ae7f66e47e58807002ca1d93/thumbnail_149000.jpg","/articles/6180588/Gardner-City/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Gardner-secures-one-year-reimbursement-extension-for-Rear-Main-project-as-design-costs-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180588-cde7d8fc84735db61f164f1798dafcf4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775354362&Signature=DmpX-1enoFl4RVerofPrbhX-jheMnRv31TXEteCMjc4hF9rIuKQD6s14O8HxOjnkBk7yKtJYt1xRx-y92ARrj117mXUpMqPpaqXj~wlUVlndmq~iNMF94D8F429DksFJnZ6QpcsNrfXQFU1WtA34XZumHxNZCNrE-JBOhm5--DjXi3jgp2PrY6-hGTvfImm~Fsq1YGKDWdoTAR3YejRM~V60tTyBBtZ1PIa0OU--WK2nrKpLwOYJIf3nhKZlyZEGOHhFZecgnamAX0jG2QG8Se3FJsQjVEtQSwIkZYEi0giGdZLkxtUJKf6lyIWS3Bsw5zzkhZabm2xQPIi6oiDufA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gardner City officials said Friday that the Massachusetts MassWorks grant program approved a one-year extension to reimburse expenses for the Rear Main project, moving the reimbursement deadline to June 30, 2026.

The extension matters because the city must submit eligible expenses to MassWorks in order to be reimbursed; without it, the project risked missing the prior fiscal-year cutoff. Director Stevens told the committee the city asked for “a full fiscal year extension… until June thirtieth of 2026,” and that the extra time provides flexibility for weather-dependent work such as colored concrete and loam-and-seed.

Stevens said the city is also seeking contract accounting changes to address substantial overspending on design and engineering. She told the committee the original design line item was $150,000 and she proposed adding another $150,000 to that line “so that we are within the bounds” required by the grant and reimbursement rules. Stevens said some funds already spent this year were paid with city funds and are not being submitted for immediate reimbursement; once the project returns to the original scope, those later eligible costs will be submitted to MassWorks for reimbursement.

On the ground, Stevens described immediate work including drainage installations, placement of the water-quality unit and removal and filling of below-grade obstructions. She said the engineering team at Fuss & O'Neil has mapped constraints under Derby Drive and that crews plan to begin removal work on June 30. Some later items — irrigation, landscaping and colored concrete — were listed in the preliminary schedule for warmer months and contributed to the request for the fiscal-year extension.

Stevens also said the city plans to reallocate money among site-work and contingency line items to cover increased construction administration and project management costs, including a separate $50,000 increase for construction administration. She emphasized that parts of the current year’s work were paid from city sources and therefore not immediately submitted for reimbursement, but that the MassWorks extension secures the city’s ability to recoup eligible future expenditures.

Committee members asked clarifying questions but took no formal vote on contract amendments at the meeting. Stevens said she expects the majority of construction to be complete by Dec. 31, 2025, but qualified that some tasks will extend into the next fiscal year because of seasonal constraints.","City staff told the Economic and Community Development Committee that MassWorks approved a one-year fiscal extension to reimburse Rear Main project costs through June 30, 2026, and that the city is seeking a contract line-item increase to cover substantial design and engineering overspending.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Director urges dual use of MRPC and CMRPC for Gardner planning and grant support

North Central Pathway largely complete; city must spend associated funds by mid-July

Comcast utility wires stall Mackie Park ADA ramp; city eyes ARPA and other funding to finish project

Greenwood Pool demolition cleared after bid protest; awarded bidder ABW to begin demolition in fall

Gardner secures one-year reimbursement extension for Rear Main project as design costs rise