Project Details

This project is funded by the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment). Beginning in December 2025 and ending in June 2026, the Horsley Witten Group, Inc. (HW) and Camoin Associates (Camoin) are working with the City of Gardner and MassDevelopment to study how best to leverage some of the City’s surplus parcels. Surplus parcels are City-owned parcels generally not currently used for municipal services.  Below is a summary of the expected work:

1: Surplus City-Owned Parcels Inventory: Through discussions with the City, site visits, and research, HW developed an inventory of surplus City-owned parcels. HW analyzed these parcels, including their neighborhood contexts, histories, and environmental surroundings. HW drafted an informational packet for the City summarizing each parcel’s current opportunities and constraints. HW will also create a memo summarizing their research and analysis methods and recommending next steps for the City to consider.

2: Engaging with Community Organizations: HW is having conversations with community organizations to learn more about many community members’ concerns, preferences, and hopes related to this project.

3: Public Meeting and Online Open House: At an in-person Public Meeting on May 6, the consultants presented their findings based on research and community engagement. This was an opportunity to hear from residents about any questions, concerns, or feedback. A virtual online Open House is available for anyone unable to attend the meeting.

4: Market Analysis: Camoin will analyze several priority redevelopment parcels (e.g., surrounding real estate market conditions) to assess the viability of effective redevelopment options for each. A Draft Market Analysis is ready for review.

5: Final Report and Second Public Meeting/Online Open House: HW will draft a final report for the City about the priority redevelopment parcels, including next steps the City could take to guide their development.