Local News & Articles in Gardner MA (2024)

“This new policy replaces a patchwork of zoning regulations across the state with a uniform law that allows homeowners on single-family lots to add these small units without needing a special permit or variance unless they want to add more than one. Construction of ADUs is still subject to local building codes. The Healey-Driscoll Administration estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 ADUs will be built across the state over the next five years due to passage of the law.”

Accessory Dwelling Units Allowed by Right Under New Law

The Affordable Homes Act has been signed by Governor Maura Healey. Intention is to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in authorizations and 49 policy initiatives. More information, right here.

Part of the bill allows Accessory Dwelling Units under 900 square feet by right on single-family lots. According to the Press Release, “Often referred to as in-law apartments, accessory dwelling units can be attached or detached from a single-family home and often take shape as a basem*nt or attic conversion, a cottage in a backyard or a bump-out addition to a home.“

We spoke with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik about the signing of the housing bill, ADU’s and the possibility of Tiny Housing Villages for the homeless. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

We spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson about ADU’s and Tiny House Villages. Gardner already has had an organization reach out to it regarding land for a Tiny House Village. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Updates the Chair City on August 9, 2024

It’s Tax Free Weekend this Saturday August 10th and Sunday August 11th and National Night out is postponed until August 15th. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Events: Concert at Monument Park, 4EverFab will run from 6pm to 8pm. The earlier time will begin the following week. ===== Monthly Farmer’s Market at the Waterford Community Center will be held on Saturday, August 17th from 9:30am to 1pm ==== International Overdose Day and the Annual Night of Hope is Wednesday August 26th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Monument Park ====

Changes: MART Route changes take place on September 3rd

4EverFab Playing 6-8pm at Monument Park in Gardner this Saturday

There’s some confusion over the start time of the band on August 10, 2024. In his weekly update, Mayor Nicholson confirmed the start time as 6pm. City of Gardner website has a corrected time of 6pm. The band’s website still lists 5pm as of the publication of this article. Band website, CLICK HERE.

City Council Tackles Remainder of 700 page Agenda After Racetrack Vote

The Gardner City Council put the Racetrack issue behind it in the first portion of the meeting, took a short recess, and then resumed the agenda. Complete document, CLICK HERE. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

As to all of the communications on the agenda, please view previous article, CLICK HERE

Prior to the City Council Meeting on August 5th, the Finance Committee heard explanations from Mayor Michael Nicholson regarding upcoming items. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY

Yes. We researched this number a bit too much. But it was fun. Werner Poegel, Publisher.

State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik Touts 100% Voting Record

State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik posted, “The very last roll call vote of the formal session was on the Housing Bond Bill. For me it marked 12 years without missing a vote, for 2,539 consecutive roll call votes.” We spoke with Jonathan Zlotnik about this achievement. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Is there something significant about the number 2,539 other than reflecting that Zlotnik has shown up for every vote in the last 12 years? Yes.
2,539 is a prime number from 2001-3000. 2,539 has 2 factors, 1 and 2,539. It is the 371st prime number, and the 68th prime number from 2001-3000. Interestingly, at the time of Zlotnik’s post it was 68 degrees in Gardner MA on August 6, 2024

Jonathan Zlotnik has served since January 2, 2013 as the Representative for the 2nd Worcester District.

In Astrology, is there a significance to the number 2,539? Yes. In terms of money and career, the number 2539 indicates a period of abundance and prosperity. It suggests that your hard work and dedication will pay off, leading to financial rewards and career advancements. It is important to stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and seize opportunities as they arise. For more information visit this page, CLICK HERE. Biblical Numerology: It signifies that you are being supported by divine forces and are on the right path towards fulfilling your purpose and destiny.

Two Days to Beat the Tax Man in Greater Gardner MA

On Saturday August 10th and Sunday August 11th, most items under $2500 purchased for personal use in Massachusetts will be exempt from the 6.25% sales tax.

Great time to buy that TV you don’t need or that new washer and dryer you’ve been putting off. You’ll even save on renting a backhoe for the weekend.

How much can you save? On a $500 item, you save $31.25. On a $1000 item, you save $62.50. On a new $30 toaster, you’ll save $1.88. If you choose to put your purchases on a high interest credit card, the interest will soon wipe out any savings you get.

For specifics and exclusions direct from the State of Massachusetts website, CLICK HERE.

Councilors consistently referenced risks, concerns about items not addressed completely, and opposition of most constituents contacting them.

Gardner City Council Votes Unanimously Against the Horse Racetrack

Gardner City Council voted 11 to 0 against the Horse Racetrack proposal by BayState Racing LLC. The City Council discussed the matter before the vote. Listen to the beginning of the meeting, the discussion, and the vote on any device. CLICK PLAY.

After the vote, the Host Community Agreement was taken off the calendar as it was now moot.

WGAW Radio carried the discussion and vote LIVE on AM 1340, 98.1FM, and streamed live to anywhere in the world.

Gardner Magazine will publish the entire August 5, 2024 City Council meeting when AUDIO is available.

Transformer at Levi Heywood Memorial Library needed to be reset by National Grid to restore full power to the building.

Gardner Library Closed due to Electrical Issues

Levi Heywood Memorial Library on Monday August 5, 2024 posted, “Important Notice: The Library will be closed until further notice due to electrical issues. Our team is currently assessing the problem and working hard to resolve it. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and will update you as soon as we have more information. Thank you for your patience and understanding!”

Update: It has been advised that we shut all power off in the building while we wait for National Grid. This means no phones, internet, or lights. We will be closed for the rest of today Monday, August 5. We will update everyone in the morning on the library’s open/closed status.

Update August 6, 2024: Library Director Stephanie Young wrote to explain what happened. “National Grid’s transformer outside the library building experienced an error, causing internal systems to trip. Despite partial power to the building, National Grid needed to reset the transformer, likely due to Sunday’s storms. The main electrical panel did not have full power, affecting the elevator, some lighting, and HVAC systems. To prevent further damage, our electrician recommended shutting down the main breaker switch until National Grid resolved the issue. This problem was not fully resolved until late evening.”

11th Annual Greater Gardner Nation Night Out – August 8, 2024

The 11th Annual Greater Gardner National Night Out will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5:30 to 8pm at Gardner High School, 200 Catherine Street in Gardner. Activities include bounce houses, obstacle courses, basketball hoops, hydro blaster, a new trackless train ride, charity dunk tank, live band entertainment, a reptile show, and more.

FOOD is FREE and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and other refreshments.

ENTERTAINMENT is FREE and includes Live Band Entertainment

FREE RAFFLES too.

National Night Out is sponsored by the Gardner Community Action Team. For more information, CLICK HERE for their web page.

Copy of actual email sent to City of Gardner. At least 1 signer of Xeroxed Open Meeting Law Complaints verifies she did not know what she was signing.

At Least One of OML Xerox Complaint Signers Retracts, DID NOT KNOW WHAT SHE WAS SIGNING.

Kayla Halfrey wrote: “So also please take me out of this opening meeting law complaint i signed this without knowing what it meant and no longer interested in this complaint or fighting it.” Halfrey was apparently one of 13 individuals asked to sign an identical Open Meeting Law Complaint prepared by Paul DeMeo and then all filed by Paul DeMeo. DeMeo insisted live on WGAW Radio on August 3, 2024 that each individual wouldn’t have signed it unless they agreed with what it said. At least in this case, that is completely false as written by this person. Gardner Magazine can’t speculate on how many other signers “signed this without knowing what it meant“ See previous article on Complaint Xeroxing, CLICK HERE.

The late, famous newscaster Walter C. voiced this editorial for us. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Editorial Commentary – Path from Here – the Racetrack

BayState Racing LLC submitted a revised Host Community Agreement in which it substantially increased the financial rewards for Gardner. It answered every citizen and City Council mentioned concern in a considered, respectful manner. Accordingly, out of fairness, the City Council should allow more time for review. Certainly there are emotions involved whether it’s animal care or water, but in reality, those two issues have already been solved in concept and will be objectively addressed in any mandated obligations of the project proponent. What’s left is a bias against horse racing and/or gambling shared by many. But is that fair? Think of this: I personally don’t like animal racing, gambling, lottery tickets, alcohol sales, cigarette sales, cannabis establishments, and motorcycles. But, with that said, a consistent application of fairness would give this group due consideration. And who knows, upon review, even the staunchest opponents might just see “all the answers” and “all the rewards” for Gardner. Werner Poegel, Publisher.

WGAW Hotline Radio takes Calls on August 3, 2024 – Program Extended by more than 1 hour

The program included Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, Veronica Patty regarding National Night out, an interview with John Stefanini, and numerous phone calls from the public which extended the program past 3 o’clock. Listen to the program on any device, CLICK PLAY

Except for a few callers, all of the callers to the program were in opposition to the Racetrack. The biggest concern expressed was for the water supply. After a commentary by Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel, Paul DeMeo called in and complained that it contained what he termed a personal attack by “Judy Mack”. Other callers expressed their concerns for the AUDIO system in Perry Auditorium, saying it was shi**y and that the Open Meeting Law complaints were valid. The program was extended for over an hour. Hotline Radio is heard on AM 1340, 98.1 FM, and streaming to anywhere in the world. For the 24/7 live stream, CLICK HERE.

Many Electric Customers in Ashburnham to see Lower Rates

Effective September 1, 2024, the Ashburnham Municipal Light Plant is separating the Customer Charge, Distribution Charge, and Purchased Power Charge. The result creates a small decrease in the monthly bill for many customers. For example the total bill for a residential customer using 750 kilowatt hours is currently $146.03 and would decrease to $135.22. Details are shown in the graphic. Details can be found at the AMLP website, CLICK HERE. A helpful rate calculator is also provided so any customer can input their information and make a custom comparison. Rate calculator, CLICK HERE.

AMLP states on their website: “As a local non-profit, we are dedicated to ensuring our customers receive reliable power, affordable rates, and excellent customer service.”

Document may be digital but 700 Pages is still HUGE

The Gardner MA City Council Agenda and packet for the upcoming Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting is 700 pages. Agenda and packet, CLICK HERE.

The Council will consider various appointments. —The Council is scheduled to vote to determine if a track of land located at 827 Green Street be approved as the location of a running horse racing track. It is also scheduled to consider an Ordinance to add the “Agricultural Commission” which has been postponed at meetings since March. —– Perry Auditorium will be available as an overflow room should the City Council Chamber reach capacity.

Various communications from the Mayor include:
the Bay State Racing LLC Host Community Agreement, Ovila Case Playground, the City’s new Disc Golf Course, Gubernatorial Appointments, Upcoming Paving and Infrastructure Projects, Knowlton Street Parking Lot Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Project, City’s Solar Canopy Initiative, Storefront Revitalization Districts, Projects Currently Being Funded by Federal Grant Funds,…

Customers Bragging about Bargains Going Shopping in Gardner MA and Noticing Progress in the Chair City

The Date: Friday, August 2, 2024. The location: Gardner, Massachusetts. Observation: Consumer Activity.

In the Timpany Plaza: The sign at Big Lots said “Bargains to Brag About”. A few doors down, the new 5 Below Store opened to a healthy crowd of shoppers. In the same plaza, Construction gurus were inside evaluating and discussing next steps at the Chipotle site. While the Chipotle site has undergone significant progress, no opening date has yet been announced.

At Nearby Timpany Crossroads, the Jersey Mike’s Subs sign was up and electrical work was underway.
Last week, hiring at Jersey Mike’s was taking place under an outside temporary shelter. Jersey Mike’s has announced an August 21, 2024 opening.

Gardner Mayor Nicholson’s Update from Maki Park in Downtown Gardner

On August 2, 2024, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson’s Weekly Update was from Maki Park in Downtown Gardner. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

Backpacks Available through Gardner CAC Backpack program – preregister at CAC website, CLICK HERE —- Also, on Saturday August 17th between 9am and 12 noon, families can grab free school supplies and backpacks at the Family Resource Center, 205 School Street, Gardner Suite 302 —

Events: Greater Gardner National Night out is August 8th from 5:30 to 8pm at Gardner High School. — The Gardner Museum has released a list of Summer and Fall events. SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE. — Gardner Public Schools start on September 3rd and the new calendar is available —- Library Book Sale is September 26-28 —-

Mayor Nicholson mentioned the CDBG Press Conference. We previously published a separate article with AUDIO, CLICK HERE.

Addressing Concerns – All the Answers – All the Rewards – Interview with John Stefanini

With concerns of citizens and the Gardner City Council in mind, BayState Racing LLC today announced an updated Host Community Agreement which would give Gardner an upfront payment of $650,000 instead of $50,000 and guarantee even stronger environmental protection. Annual guarantee would be $700,000. Links to Documents are provided below. Gardner Magazine spoke with John Stefanini on August 1, 2024. We asked some tough questions and got thoughtful answers. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

“We heard loud and clear specific concerns. We took Councilors’ and residents’ input and re-evaluated the Host Community Agreement to be better partners with the City of Gardner,” said John Stefanini, Chair of the Baystate Racing Oversight Committee.

A letter outlining the changes was sent to the City Council today along with an updated Host Community Agreement.

Documents: Host Community Agreement 8-1-24 Proposal ==== BayState Letter to City Council 8-1-24 ==== HCA Summary 8-1-24

Capital Improvement Committee Discusses How to Spend $8 million

Faced with the good news that Gardner Elementary School is about $8 million under budget, the Capital Improvement Committee discussed how to spend the money. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Committee was generally in agreement that $4 million of the amount should go towards needs of the School Department and some were discussed. In addition, the committee decided to communicate with all City Department Heads to see if there are any needs not currently on the Capital Improvement Plan which should be there given this development.

The alternative to spending any of the $8 million which is currently in the City’s bank account is to pay down the principal on the school loan. However, that would not reduce the City’s monthly payment obligation but would end the payments 2 years earlier. Mayor Nicholson would like to use the funds already borrowed to fund urgent needs of the School Department.

Paving Update Given During Public Service Committee Meeting

The first half of the meeting on July 29, 2024 concerned citizen appeals of water/sewer bills. The Public Service Committee adjudicates the appeals and decides on the amounts of credit awarded. DPW Director Dane Arnold spoke about paving and other updates in the 2nd half of the meeting. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Director Arnold spoke of paving near the industrial park off of Pearl Street which is expected next week. Also anticipated is Timpany Boulevard and a portion of Main Street from CVS down to the rotary. Currently Unitil is doing some work on gas lines ahead of the paving. Arnold stated, “Once they’re done, we’re going to come up in the island in front of Stasukelis that has two crosswalks, one on each side of the road. We’re going to extend the island up towards the police station slightly, maybe 10-15 feet.” Arnold explained the effort is so a pedestrian can be seen in the crosswalk. Arnold outlined other streets and also stated, “We have $30 million of road that we need to pave and we can only afford $1.5 million.”

Gardner Magazine published a previous article on this regarding “Complaint Xeroxing”. CLICK HERE.

City Councilor Judy Mack Responds to DeMeo OML Complaints in Spirited Statement

In a special City Council Meeting on July 31, 2024, Gardner City Councilors voted to send the response drafted by Assistant City Solicitor Vincent Pusiteri to the 14 Open Meeting Law Complaints filed by Paul DeMeo on behalf of himself and 13 others. Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.

Councilor George Tyros read the complaint stating, “I read this complaint because I don’t believe this is the way we should talk and work with each other as a community. We’re better than this. I’ve also received many positive instances of feedback and how those meetings were held that the business conducted in this room was able to be clear concise and efficient and the overflow room was adequate and residents were able to watch the meeting live. This seems like a difference of opinions and a difference of opinions is not a violation of the open meeting law.”

Councilor Judy Mack had a lengthy statement in which she called out Paul DeMeo stating, “Vindictiveness is nothing but slanderous defamation, harassment, and slander“