One of a notable topics discussed during the meeting was the update on the Rear Main project, an ongoing focal point for the city. The director of Community Development and Planning provided insights into the project’s progress and the resolution of complaints filed with the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Compliance regarding Pond Brook. Regular communication with contractors through weekly updates has been established, helping ensure steady progress. An electrical status issue is also being addressed, with cooperation from local businesses aiding the Request for Information process.

A landmark development in Gardner was the approval of the subdivision of Compass Lane, marking the first such approval in decades, possibly between 20 to 40 years. This subdivision, located on West Broadway near the Templeton line, was filed officially, and a third-party engineer has been mandated to oversee the construction process to ensure compliance with safety and insurance standards.

The meeting also focused on the Greenwood pool project, which recently received approval from the Conservation Commission. The order of conditions is expected to be finalized shortly. The timeline anticipates activities commencing in April, contingent upon stormwater permit approval from the Department of Public Works. The collaboration with the contractor, Ty and Bond, is poised to initiate the bidding process for the demolition phase.

Furthermore, updates were shared on the Rome building, where abatement is underway, with demolition projected to begin from the Willow Street side by early May. Traffic management during this phase has been a concern, but coordination with the police department aims to ensure minimal disruption.

Another noteworthy development was a discussion about reorganizing the department’s structure to improve operational efficiency. A merger of the Economic Development Coordinator and Finance Manager positions was proposed and approved in a previous Financial Committee meeting. This restructuring aims to streamline operations, with the Economic Development Coordinator focusing on grant management, community initiatives, and downtown business liaison roles, while the Finance Manager will handle the city’s accounting systems.

Financial management was another focal point of the meeting, with discussions on systems used to manage grants at state and local levels, including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). A resolution supporting the city’s application for the FY 2025 CDBG mini entitlement program was introduced, emphasizing the city’s qualification as a mini entitlement community due to its population. This distinction allows the city to receive funding as a pass-through from the Commonwealth rather than directly from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The assistant director outlined the application process and shared details of proposed projects, highlighting collaboration with state agencies.

The council also addressed the removal of item 11457 from the committee calendar, which pertained to the CDBG program. This decision was based on a newly passed ordinance that codified the CDBG program and established a monthly steering committee meeting. The removal was unanimously supported.

In addition, the meeting touched on the downtown Phase 5 project aimed at improving Rome Square. This involved design and construction work following demolition, adding another layer to Gardner’s ongoing development efforts.