Gardner City staff update members on property sale, Greenwood Pool demolition and grant projects
May 15, 2026 | Gardner City, Worcester County, Massachusetts
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Staff updated Gardner City members on several city projects and grant efforts during the April 28 meeting.
On real estate, staff said the property at 205213 Main Street remains listed with the local redevelopment authority; the city received an offer and had reduced the asking price to attract more interest. Staff said there are no soil-contamination or deed-use restrictions on the site beyond current zoning and setback requirements; demolition was intended to bring the lot into compliance with modern setbacks. A committee member flagged traffic concerns on Willow Street and noted the existing restriction on left turns is likely to remain in place for safety and truck-turning-radius reasons.
On Greenwood Pool, staff said contractor ABW is finishing loaming, seating, gate/fencing and electrical work. Staff reported an unresolved requirement from the electric utility that may shift some electrical work into a phase 2 contract, but said the project will be completed either now or as part of that second phase.
Staff also reviewed public social service projects: reallocated CDBG funds support the Gardner Community Action Committee’s food and heating assistance expansion and a veterans outreach center expansion. Both projects are nearing completion; Gardner CAC is awaiting delivery of a cargo van. Staff expects both to be completed by June 30.
Staff said the Greenwood Pavilion project is almost ready to go to bid but that advertising may be delayed a week or two; downtown improvements phase 5 (Willow, Main, Pleasant) has 75% plans nearly complete and should be available for review within a week. Phase 6 design (City Hall Ave) is on hold pending results from the updated slum-and-blight inventory so staff do not spend design funds if the inventory does not support the same justification.
Staff also reported the Waterford Street community center project was flagged by "EOHLC" in a recent review over concerns about feasibility and how the CDBG-funded portion fits the overall renovation; staff said they will provide additional information to that reviewer within the next week. Finally, staff said the city submitted its 2026 CVG mini entitlement application a week early and that updated internal policies make the application process smoother this year.
The meeting adjourned after a motion and voice vote.
On real estate, staff said the property at 205213 Main Street remains listed with the local redevelopment authority; the city received an offer and had reduced the asking price to attract more interest. Staff said there are no soil-contamination or deed-use restrictions on the site beyond current zoning and setback requirements; demolition was intended to bring the lot into compliance with modern setbacks. A committee member flagged traffic concerns on Willow Street and noted the existing restriction on left turns is likely to remain in place for safety and truck-turning-radius reasons.
On Greenwood Pool, staff said contractor ABW is finishing loaming, seating, gate/fencing and electrical work. Staff reported an unresolved requirement from the electric utility that may shift some electrical work into a phase 2 contract, but said the project will be completed either now or as part of that second phase.
Staff also reviewed public social service projects: reallocated CDBG funds support the Gardner Community Action Committee’s food and heating assistance expansion and a veterans outreach center expansion. Both projects are nearing completion; Gardner CAC is awaiting delivery of a cargo van. Staff expects both to be completed by June 30.
Staff said the Greenwood Pavilion project is almost ready to go to bid but that advertising may be delayed a week or two; downtown improvements phase 5 (Willow, Main, Pleasant) has 75% plans nearly complete and should be available for review within a week. Phase 6 design (City Hall Ave) is on hold pending results from the updated slum-and-blight inventory so staff do not spend design funds if the inventory does not support the same justification.
Staff also reported the Waterford Street community center project was flagged by "EOHLC" in a recent review over concerns about feasibility and how the CDBG-funded portion fits the overall renovation; staff said they will provide additional information to that reviewer within the next week. Finally, staff said the city submitted its 2026 CVG mini entitlement application a week early and that updated internal policies make the application process smoother this year.
The meeting adjourned after a motion and voice vote.
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