Gardner staff update committee on CDBG projects, MassTrails and MassDOT grant awards

Gardner City staff gave the Economic & Community Development Committee a consolidated update on ongoing capital projects and recent grant awards on June 24.

Utility and infrastructure projects: Director Stevens told the committee that Time Bond completed surveying for the South Gardner Village center utility upgrades and submitted proposed subsurface electrical buildout plans to National Grid; staff said they are awaiting National Grid review and emphasized that "time is of the essence." The rear Main southside project remains on hold pending negotiations with the Cumberland Farms property owner over acquisition or lease options; staff are weighing lease-to-purchase and purchase through the Gardner Redevelopment Authority. The Rear Main north-side project is expected to complete site work by mid–late July with full completion by the end of August; an additional transformer at 8 Main Street will require sidewalk adjustments to maintain ADA access.

CDBG projects and parks: Time Bond is preparing bid documents for Downtown Phase 5 (curbs, crosswalks and related improvements) after coordination with police, fire, DPW and engineering. The Greenwood Memorial Pavilion bid was awarded and construction should finish by mid-to-late fall, and staff confirmed pavilion work will not affect pool opening or the pool season.

Grants and awards: Staff announced Gardner received a MassTrails award for the North Central Pathway Phase 2 design and a MassDOT award for the Keys of Culver Replacement project, the latter covering roughly $2 million. Staff credited Time Bond and named Justin Enright for playing a major role in preparing grant materials; both Justin and Assistant Director Amy were acknowledged as departing the department (Justin for graduate study; Amy accepted a position with another municipality).

Operational updates: Waterford Community Center updates include roof repairs and an expected solar partnership analysis with Select Energy; the farmers market continues through October and the GETV station is in the process of moving equipment to the center pending a Comcast connector. Growing Places is operating in CAC space and has requested two council-level approvals for rooftop condensers and a backup generator to protect refrigerated food.

Next steps: staff said they will return with National Grid feedback, bid documents when prepared, and updates on grant-funded designs and broadcasting connectivity; no formal appropriation or contract awards were made in the meeting record.