Monday evening, November 15, 2010. Public Hearing of the City Council held in the Council Chambers, City Hall.~ Meeting called to order by President Pro-Tempore Alice Anderson at 6:45 o’clock p.m.
Councillors Present: President Pro-Tempore Alice Anderson and Councillors Henry Ares, David Boudreau, Joshua Cormier, Ronald Cormier, Patrick Gerry, Edward Gravel, Scott Graves, James Minns and James Robinson, Jr.
Councillor Absent: President Neil Janssens.
President Pro-Tempore Alice Anderson opened the Public Hearing by stating the hearing was called to consider the City of Gardner Urban Renewal Plan dated October 2010.~ The Urban Renewal Plan seeks to promote revitalization opportunities within a significant portion of the greater downtown area, including areas of commercial/retail, office, residential, manufacturing and public space land uses.~
She introduced Robert Hubbard, Community Development and Planning Director.
Mr. Hubbard offered a brief overview of the Urban Renewal Plan (URP) process. He introduced Russ Burke, AICP, Project Manager, BSC Group, the URP Consultant.
Mr. Burke outlined the history of the Project and referenced the URP Handout in detail. He cited problems such as eminent domain and “windshield appraisals” as causes for delay, and highlighted the extent of the lines of demarcation.
Kathleen McCabe, AICP, EDP, McCabe Enterprises referenced some of the projects proposed in the URP including relocating the Park Street Grid Substation, connecting the Bike Trail, and redeveloping the Downtown area. She referenced all the designated areas listed in the URP and provided an overview of the Budget.
On questioning, Mr. Hubbard stated implementation of the URP is dependent on funding and Ms. McCabe added there are no penalties [from the State] should the City be unable to meet its goals in years one to five.
President Pro-Tempore Anderson declared the Hearing closed at 7:28 p.m.
Accepted by the City Council:
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