In downtown Gardner, Maki Park has been marred by a series of construction errors. Poor project management, changing designs, miscommunications, and a lack of permits have all contributed to these issues. The findings presented to the City Council on Monday by Councilor at Large George Tyros shed light on the circumstances surrounding these errors and offer valuable recommendations for the future.

Uncovering the Hidden Challenges in Maki Park Construction

Design Changes and ADA Compliance

The design of Maki Park, created by the Worcester-based architecture firm Tighe and Bond, underwent significant changes between the conceptual layout presented to the City Council and the project bidding stage. Initially, ramp access was planned for all three levels of the park. However, in May 2023, the bid set drawings showed ramp entrances only to the bottom and top terraces, with stairs connecting them to the middle. Design changes were made in November 2022 and April 2023 without proper documentation. When asked about the reasons for these changes, Director of Community Development and Planning Trevor Beauregard was unable to provide an explanation. This lack of clarity and proper documentation led to a violation of ADA standards, as the middle tier of the park is not accessible to persons with disabilities.Moreover, there was no record of routine or scheduled project updates and review meetings during the construction process. This lack of oversight and communication resulted in delays, cost increases, and the potential for important details to be overlooked.

Lack of Oversight by City Employees

Tyros' investigation revealed that it was often unclear who was in charge of the project from the very beginning. The project seemed to be assigned to at least four different individuals in the Department of Community Planning at different times and through critical milestones. Coupled with the high turnover rate of staff in this department, hand-offs were often unclear, leading to delays and potential mistakes.During the investigation, numerous emails between city departments were found, with employees seeking information such as account numbers, planning drawings, funding amounts, and contact information related to the project. It was astonishing to find that some employees in the department were still unclear about the location of Maki Park while the project was underway, even though the Council had appropriated funds for it nearly two years earlier.Another key finding was that the city's Department of Community Planning and Development did not apply for or obtain the required building permit for the construction of the park. This was confirmed by both the building commissioner and the director of community development and planning. The lack of a building permit not only violated regulations but also highlighted the need for better coordination and oversight within the city departments.

Recommendations for Future Projects

Tyros' investigation presents an opportunity to learn from these errors and prevent similar situations in the future. He recommended the creation of an economic development subcommittee to ensure better coordination and oversight of city projects. Regular progress reports should be submitted to keep all stakeholders informed and to identify potential issues early on.Furthermore, improved subcommittee oversight is crucial to ensure that projects are executed according to plan and that all necessary approvals and permits are obtained. With 30 departments in the city, each needs to have strong internal policies to act as guardrails and prevent errors from occurring.In conclusion, the construction errors in Maki Park serve as a wake-up call for the city to address its internal policies and processes. By implementing the recommended changes, Gardner can avoid similar situations in the future and ensure the successful completion of its projects.