Council places Economic & Community Development update on file after staff summary of projects

On Nov. 3, 2025, the Gardner City Council received an Economic & Community Development written update from Director Stevens summarized by Councilor Kacinskas and voted to place the update on file.

Major items summarized by Kacinskas included: - Rear Main Street: Project moving on schedule; revised schedule submitted Oct. 23 and electrical work anticipated to begin Nov. 3 where permitted. - Mackie Park: The account balance totals just under $60,000, which aligns with the contractor’s estimate to finish remaining accessibility work; substantial completion was listed for Nov. 21 but wet weather has caused adjustments. - Master plan: Draft issues, opportunities and goals are under review by the steering committee with public feedback accepted through Nov. 17. - Hazard mitigation: A community feedback survey is open through Nov. 19. - North Central Pathway: Paving of Crystal Lake Drive completed; work continues toward Park Street and the National Grid substation; right‑of‑way conversations and submission documents are under review. - Culvert replacement: A culvert failure reported in June 2025 sits within National Grid’s right‑of‑way; National Grid visited the site and said it is developing an engineering review to design and replace the culvert. - Property transactions: The Garbo’s site and 205–213 Main Street purchase and sale agreements remain under legal review and negotiation. - Greenwood Pool demolition: Above‑ground abatement and demolition began Oct. 24 and the above‑ground demolition was completed Oct. 30 (recorded as "this past Friday"); historic elements (cupolas, finials, bar/desk, Greenwood Pool sign, display cases) were salvaged and stored by DPW for preservation and potential display in a future pavilion or other city location; below‑ground demolition and backfill are next with an anticipated mid‑ to late‑November completion. - Planning board items: Preliminary plans for a Walmart fueling facility and for a Grama project at 827 Green Street were distributed for planning‑board review on Nov. 4; a definitive site plan for 42 Linus Lane involving Mount Wachusett Community College remains under review and the public hearing remains open.

Councilor Mack urged the city to press National Grid for a firm timeline on the culvert work, saying private and public projects were being delayed. Councilor Kacinskas noted Director Stevens is aware and has been communicating with National Grid. The council voted to place the update on file by voice vote.