Council approves first printing to rezone parcel on easterly side of MA‑101 to Industrial‑1 with solar overlay

The Gardner City Council on Aug. 4 voted 9-0 to send to first printing an ordinance that would amend the city zoning map to reclassify an existing parcel on the easterly side of Massachusetts Route 101 in eastern Gardner from Commercial‑2 to Industrial‑1 with a summer solar overlay. Councilor Mac, reporting from the Public Welfare Committee, said a joint public hearing with the Planning Board on July 7 drew no objections and that Planning Director Jason Stevens provided a letter dated July 9 recommending the change. The Planning Board and the Public Welfare Committee both recommended adoption and the council voted to refer the ordinance to first printing; the clerk said an eight‑vote threshold is required for passage and the roll call returned nine yesses. Councilors did not record further debate in the transcript; the item was advanced as first printing and will return for subsequent readings as required by city code. The ordinance was described in the meeting as an amendment to the Gardener Zoning Map changing the zoning district designation for the referenced parcel to Industrial‑1 with a summer solar overlay. No public opposition was recorded during the item in the transcript.