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Economic and community development staff report progress on trails, street paving, grants and property offers
Summary
Director Stevens gave the committee an April update on multiple projects, including the Crystal Lake multi-use trail, a $500,000 grant with a $100,000 local match, offers on a long‑held GRA property and a CDBG FY25 submission. Staff said most items remain on schedule and that remaining tasks are administrative or small‑scale construction work.
Director Stevens, director of economic and community development, delivered the department’s April update to the City Council’s Economic and Community Development Committee, reporting progress across several capital and planning projects.
Stevens said work on the Crystal Lake Drive segment of the multi‑use trail began around March 31 and that only minor items remain, including a chain‑link safety fence and posts at sharp turns. He said the city has spent about $380,000 of a $600,000 grant package (about $500,000 state grant plus $100,000 city match) and that roughly $220,000 of that allocation remains. Stevens estimated an additional $20,000–$30,000 will complete the trail work before using leftover funds with DPW to pave Crystal Lake Drive where the trail connects.
Stevens told the committee the trail paving will run from the Greenwood Pool area through the cemetery to where the new trail picks up; it will not extend from Park Street because a gas main along that segment needs replacement and Unitil must be contacted before paving.
On redevelopment, Stevens said the Gardner Redevelopment Authority (GRA) is considering multiple offers for the Garbos property, which the GRA has owned since about 2012. He said the GRA held an initial meeting last week and planned a follow‑up to evaluate proposals.
Stevens also summarized recent planning board activity: the board held a public hearing and approved a historical zoning ordinance amendment and considered a proposed self‑storage facility and a three‑family project on Emerald Street.
Stevens said the Gardner Cultural Council met this month and finalized allotments for applicants; those awards come from the state cultural council funds that the local council distributes to city applicants.
On grant applications, Stevens confirmed the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY25 application was submitted and listed three proposed projects: design work for School Street School, downtown infrastructure (phase 5 along Willow Street), and electrical/fire system upgrades at Waterford Street School. He said the council previously endorsed the application and that final notice of awards typically arrives in late September or early October.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about schedules and funding deadlines; Stevens and Assistant Director Evan Cudmore confirmed the trail grant is a “use it or lose it” allocation with a June 30 deadline and that the CDBG timeline is the ordinary state schedule.
Ending: The committee kept several items for further updates at future meetings, including the Garbos property and CDBG project outcomes.
