Planning board approves Compass Road 16‑lot subdivision after drainage, traffic questions

The Gardner Planning Board on Dec. 11 approved a 16‑lot Compass Road subdivision for duplex homes after hearing technical reviews of drainage, traffic and fire access and taking public comment. The board recorded one abstention; no members voted against the proposal.

The project matters because the site sits on the Gardner–Templeton town line and will rely on Gardner water and the city sewer system; it therefore requires both local subdivision approvals and a state highway (MassDOT) access permit before construction. Neighbors pressed the board for additional safeguards on sight lines, school‑bus safety and construction staging.

Developer Trevor Fletcher of Gras Engineering told the board the plans had been revised since an earlier hearing to address outstanding items raised by the city peer reviewer and the city engineer. “We have a 16‑lot subdivision on which we're planning on constructing duplexes,” Fletcher said, describing the single entrance, two infiltration basins and a common mailbox and pullout at the road. He said the project will tie into Gardner city water and connect to an existing sewer main that runs down toward the city treatment plant.

Fletcher explained two waiver requests: to allow high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in place of reinforced concrete pipe called out in older local regulations, and to waive a required 3‑foot sump in certain drain manholes. He said…