The Gardner Redevelopment Authority voted to have the city commission appraisals for property under negotiation after the current owner of a Cumberland Farms parcel told the board it would not sell for less than fair market value. The board authorized moving forward with an appraisal and covering the cost, which the director estimated at up to $4,600.

The item opened with the director saying Cumberland Farms 'is not looking to sell the property for less than fair market value' and explaining that the original letter of intent had contemplated a nominal $1 sale paired with a perpetual easement for 10 employee parking spaces. He said: 'With your proposed change of the land being sold for fair and adequate compensation, then these noncash considerations would be reevaluated.'

Board members debated the appraisal scope and cost, with some urging the authority to 'get the ball rolling' so the seller knows the city is serious. After discussion the motion to authorize a city‑commissioned appraisal carried.

Separately, the director told the board that appraisals have been completed for two other parcels, 155 Mill Street and 85 Winter. He said the 155 Mill appraisal includes about 130 pages of supporting documentation and the 85 Winter appraisal about 111 pages; the authority also commissioned an environmental premium cost estimate priced at $2,300. The director said the total charges for the two appraisals were about $9,950 and that those payments were sent and will appear in future financial packets. He described the appraisals and the environmental estimate as documentation the authority needs before finalizing negotiations and to provide to EOHLC for approval.

Several members raised a governance concern tied to legal representation for the transaction. One board member said she 'doesn't feel comfortable with the city solicitor representing the chamber' in the same matter and asked the authority to clarify where legal responsibilities and potential conflicts lie; the concern was raised as an item for follow up rather than a formal objection.

Next steps: the director will notify the buyer and seller as appropriate, circulate appraisal documents via OneDrive, and follow up with the board on any additional legal or disclosure steps required for the sale process.

The board discussed the matters in open session and moved briefly into executive session to consider aspects of the land sale; no privileged executive‑session details were disclosed afterward beyond procedural votes and confirmations.