The approved easements along Elm Street between Temple Street and Cherry Street include both temporary and permanent allocations. These are essential for storing construction materials and facilitating the project’s seamless execution, following a process similar to the previous Uptown Rotary project. Most easements were temporary, with a few permanent ones, including those donated by the local school district. Notably, a community member, Calvin Brooks, generously donated property for the project, which aims to enhance student safety despite some logistical hurdles concerning nearby schools’ operational changes.

The meeting also addressed the city’s financial position, with discussions on the recent certification of Gardner’s fiscal year assessment ratios. The city’s property assessments, certified at 95% for all classifications except personal property, which achieved 100%, reflect a three-year look-back period and align with the Department of Revenue’s guidelines. This achievement was attributed to the diligent efforts of the City Assessor.