Gardner CDBG Steering Committee Meeting Oct 27 2026

The City of Gardner CDBG Steering Committee met on October 28, 2026. The committee held a public hearing on a proposed reallocation of approximately $122,000 in FY2025 CDBG funds from the Waterford Street Community Center fire-system electrical upgrades project to another Waterford Street project associated with the senior center. Because the state historic review process had raised questions and approval is required before the reallocation can be approved, the committee voted to continue the hearing to its November 25 meeting. Staff said they would work on responses to the review questions. No contract award or vendor selection was reported.

Project updates included downtown Phase 5, where curb and sidewalk work was nearing substantial completion, expected around October 31; the transit-node project, which received the historic review go-ahead and will proceed, with a schedule to be confirmed; and the Graywood Pavilion, which has building approval and is expected to move into construction in spring. The Greenwood Pool demolition was confirmed closed out, while the demolition at 205–213 Main Street is complete but efforts to attract a purchaser are ongoing. The committee also discussed the FY2026 application approval and an upcoming FY2027 application schedule, including planned posting and advertisement in December. No specific new procurement award or contract amount was identified.