Under Mayor Nicholson’s leadership, Gardner has seen transformative progress in community development, downtown revitalization, and economic growth — with more to come.

Downtown and Corridor Revitalization

​One of the most significant projects currently underway is the Rear Main Street Redevelopment, which will include new parking, a water park, expanded outdoor seating and a food truck court.

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This project is supported by a $3.5 million HousingWorks Grant, with plans for a future multi-story housing development at the site.

Additionally, the creation of vacant storefront revitalization districts in Downtown and along Timpany Boulevard has cut vacant storefronts from 34 to 11 downtown, and from 10 to just 2 along Timpany Boulevard.​​​

Non-Profit Hub: The New Community Center

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Following the opening of our new elementary school, we are repurposing the former Waterford Street School into a community center — a hub for nonprofit collaboration.

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• The Gardner Community Action Committee (CAC) is expanding their food pantry and assistance programs from this location. In 2023 alone, CAC provided services to thousands, from fuel assistance and food distributions to holiday toy drives.

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• Growing Places will establish a food distribution center that partners with local farms to address food insecurity.

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• Plans are in place to relocate and expand the Senior Center, enhancing services for our seniors.

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• The site now hosts a state-recognized farmers market, drawing thousands of visitors and supporting local agriculture and artisans.

Maximizing Grant Funding for Gardner

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To stay competitive for state and federal funding, we’ve increased grant-writing capacity by bringing in an outside firm. Since 2021, this has resulted in:​

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• Over $52 million in grant funding — more than double previous totals and equal to 65% of the City’s annual operating budget.

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• Expanded capacity to take on larger projects and improve public services without overburdening local taxpayers.​