GARDNER, Mass. — The City of Gardner, in partnership with Barrett Planning Group, will present the final draft of its long-awaited comprehensive Master Plan during a public open house scheduled for April 15, marking the city’s first such update since 1974.
The event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Maki Park, with a rain location at Levi Heywood Memorial Library. Residents, business owners, and community stakeholders are invited to attend, review the plan, and provide feedback ahead of its anticipated adoption later this month.
The new Master Plan provides a 20-year roadmap designed to guide Gardner’s growth and investment strategies across key areas including housing, economic development, land use, transportation, open space, and historic preservation. The effort was supported by a Community Planning Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
City officials say the plan reflects both Gardner’s historic identity as the “Chair City”—a nod to its legacy in furniture manufacturing—and the realities of modern challenges such as housing shortages, infrastructure needs, and downtown revitalization.
The plan also builds on existing community assets, including natural resources like Crystal Lake and Dunn State Park, as well as redevelopment initiatives such as the city-led Rear Main project.
“This master plan reflects Gardner’s strong sense of history while positioning the city to meet today’s needs and plan for the future,” said Jennifer Doherty, preservation planner at Barrett Planning Group. “The plan builds on what makes Gardner unique—its historic character, natural resources, and community pride—while outlining a clear path forward.”
The planning process began in spring 2025 and included extensive public engagement, such as community surveys, open houses, a dedicated project website, and outreach at local events. Barrett Planning Group collaborated closely with the city, its Master Plan Steering Committee, and Community Development & Planning Director Jason Stevens.
“This Master Plan represents a major milestone for Gardner as we look ahead to the next 20 years of growth and opportunity,” said Stevens. “We have been intentional in ensuring the voices of our residents, businesses, and community partners are reflected in this roadmap.”
The April 15 session will be held in a drop-in format, allowing participants to engage with planners and city officials at any time during the event. The public comment period will remain open through April 23, after which the plan will move toward final adoption by the Planning Board.
Officials encourage residents to review the full draft plan in advance and take part in shaping Gardner’s long-term vision as the city prepares for its next chapter of development and revitalization.
