The housing production plan was a focal point of the meeting, as it seeks to address the need for affordable housing in Gardner. Community planner Lily Kramer from Barrett Planning Group presented the plan, emphasizing its role in enabling the city to apply for grant funds for housing initiatives. The plan includes a detailed housing needs assessment, affordable housing goals, and implementation strategies. This strategic document is vital for securing funding and aiding the city in planning for diverse housing opportunities. Adoption of the plan by both the planning board and the city council is required before it can be reviewed by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC).

Kramer highlighted key findings from the housing needs assessment, underscoring Gardner’s aging population and housing stock, with over half of the city’s residential structures built before 1960. This raises concerns about potential maintenance issues and the necessity for new housing developments. The assessment also revealed that nearly a third of resident households are housing cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Despite these challenges, Gardner has exceeded the 10% threshold for safe harbor status, boasting over 1,300 state-aided affordable housing units, the highest among nearby communities.

The plan outlines both quantitative and qualitative goals for housing development. Quantitative targets include adding 47 housing units per year to achieve a 0.5% goal, or 94 units yearly for a 1% goal. Qualitative goals focus on preserving existing housing stock, encouraging redevelopment, and targeting support to community groups in greatest need. The strategies aim to integrate the city’s broader planning efforts with specific housing initiatives.

The board acknowledged the synergy between this plan, the municipal surplus property plan, and the city’s master plan, stressing the importance of these documents informing one another. A motion to adopt the housing production plan was made, seconded, and passed, paving the way for further discussions with the city council committee scheduled for June 24.

In another key agenda item, the board discussed the Pearl Street subdivision and Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) plan. The applicant intends to return with an OSRD plan rather than the initially approved subdivision plan. While the board had given preliminary approval, it has yet to conduct a site visit to assess the current conditions of the greenery and open space. However, the board expressed comfort with proceeding without a site visit.

Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of the planned road to an abutting property, with adjustments needed due to wetlands infringement. The board awaits updated plans from the developer to ensure previous feedback is incorporated. Transparency and community involvement remain priorities for the board as this project progresses.

The meeting also addressed logistical concerns, noting potential quorum issues for a future meeting initially scheduled for July 14, with a suggestion to reschedule it to July 21 to ensure board member availability.

Lastly, an announcement was made about an upcoming virtual design meeting for the remaining section of the North Central Pathway, hosted by MassDOT. Scheduled for June 16, this meeting aims to engage the public in the planning process, with QR codes and additional information available on the city’s website and through the community development office.