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City reports CDBG results and new small‑business/ vacant‑storefront supports
Summary
Staff described CDBG administrative improvements and FY24 outcomes (121 youth scholarships, 1,131 residents receiving emergency assistance, 24 short‑term rental aids, 55 assisted for domestic violence) and announced a small‑business workshop series and a restructured vacant storefront program with Gardner allocation increased to $50,000.
At the March 25 meeting staff described an administrative overhaul of the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program under assistant director Iris Quaommensa and reported FY24 service outcomes: 121 students received scholarships to waive athletic fees, 1,131 Gardner residents received food, heating or emergency assistance, 24 people received short‑term rental assistance and 55 people received domestic‑violence prevention support.
Quaommensa and staff said they have reconciled older grant‑year financial records and worked with the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on migrating records into the new grant platform. Staff said remaining FY22–23 accounting issues are being closed and that they have returned some unspent administrative funds for previous years.
On small business support, staff described a January 28 workshop and a planned March 27 session focused on state contracting opportunities, certification programs and pathways into public procurement. Staff said outreach includes city website, social media and direct visits to downtown businesses; the next workshop will be coordinated with the local chamber.
Regarding vacant storefronts, staff said the state changed the program so the city now applies on behalf of businesses and Gardner’s allocation for the year is $50,000 (an increase from prior caps). Eligibility was lowered to a six‑month vacancy to expand access, and the program covers fit‑out and soft costs to help businesses occupy vacant storefronts.
