Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee Meeting Oct 2 2026

The Gardner Economic and Community Development Committee met on October 2, 2026, for updates on community facilities, planning, and capital projects. At the Waterford Community Center, National Grid approval remains outstanding for roof repairs and solar installation. The mayor reported that five responses were received for the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) contract for the asbestos-abatement work; three reviewers are scoring the proposals independently, with an award expected after recommendations are received, potentially by the end of October. The city is also preparing specifications to bid the abatement work. No contract award or spending vote was taken at this committee meeting. A proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding change would redirect funds to asbestos abatement in the senior-center area; it is proceeding through eligibility review and a public hearing process, rather than receiving final approval at this meeting.

Other project updates included the North Side rear-main work, with coordination underway to complete utility and paving-related work before seasonal closures; South Gardner Village, where easement coordination and pavilion permit delays may push some construction into spring; and Downtown Phase 5 sidewalk, lighting, and intersection improvements, targeted for completion by October 31. The city reported that the Keys Road culvert replacement is moving toward bid opening on October 29, following a pre-bid site walk planned for October 14; grant funding exceeds $10 million and is expected to avoid more than $2 million in potential city costs. The North Central Pathway Phase 2 design is also advancing, and the city discussed a $1.2 million RAISE grant whose reduced scope and federal requirements have created implementation delays. The committee took no procurement-related votes; the hazard mitigation plan was expected to go to the City Council for preliminary consideration, with further action possible if FEMA requests changes or additional spending.