24:51One of a notable topics was the planned demolition of the Greenwood Pool, a project that has garnered considerable public interest. The bidding process was outlined, with a schedule indicating that the project was listed in the central register on April 3, 2025. Bid documents were made available starting April 9, 2025, and a pre-bid meeting was held on April 17, 2025, which saw participation from several contractors, including local firms. The bid opening was scheduled for April 24, 2025, at City Hall. The demolition timeline is pressing, with an abatement process to be completed before the swim season begins on June 18. To ensure public safety, a high, non-transparent fence will be erected around the site during demolition, addressing community safety concerns.

27:48Additionally, the council discussed the preservation of historical elements from the Greenwood Pool. Coordination with the historical commission is underway to retain specific items, including a sign and elements of the building’s interior, such as plaques and awards. These efforts underscore a commitment to preserving the city’s history, even as it moves forward with new developments.

29:08Parallel to the Greenwood Pool project, the demolition of the Old Room Rome building at 205-213 Main Street was another focal point. The project’s substantial completion date was pushed back to May 9 due to delays related to groundwater testing, which confirmed that the water was safe for disposal. The abatement process has been completed, and demolition is anticipated to commence shortly, beginning with the rear section of the building. Local law enforcement will manage traffic during the demolition to ensure public safety, a point emphasized by the mayor.

01:23In addition to demolition projects, the council meeting provided updates on the FY25 CDBG application, which detailed budget considerations and allocations for various social service projects. The proposed budget for CDBG funds was $850,000, supplemented by other committed funds for a total of $890,000. Key projects include the construction design for Downtown Phase 5 and the School Street School parking lot design. Social service providers such as Voices of Truth, the Gardner Community Action Committee, and the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center were highlighted as funding recipients. These projects aim to support domestic violence prevention, food distribution efforts, and housing assistance for veterans, among other community needs.

03:04The potential environmental review required for Downtown Phase 5 was also discussed, with an emphasis on the need to coordinate with the Massachusetts Historical Commission if historical properties are implicated. This review is anticipated to be straightforward, involving sidewalk resurfacing and repaving without major demolitions.

11:39The council also considered the legal and financial implications of proceeding with demolitions versus potential sales of properties. A formal opinion from the legal department is expected to guide the decision on whether to proceed with demolition or explore last-minute sales opportunities. If demolition is pursued, council approval will be needed for a $145,000 request. Conversely, if a sale is deemed favorable, the committee will determine the allocation of $740,000 associated with the demolition. The state’s encouragement of housing development on certain properties was noted, which may influence the final decision.

00:00The meeting additionally covered the need for thorough reporting and metrics to ensure alignment with CDBG national objectives. There was an acknowledgment of ongoing efforts to finalize and close out previous grants, with administrative tasks such as paperwork and signatures remaining.