Nashua Aldermanic Committee Meeting - October 7, 2025

This committee meeting of the Nashua Board of Aldermen convened at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025 (as per transcript, but meeting date given as October 7, 2025 in instruction) in the aldermanic chamber. Five aldermen were present, along with the mayor and several other aldermen. The agenda included interviews for four appointments to city boards, discussion of two resolutions (one on foreign property ownership and one on the Daniel Webster College property), and consideration of an ordinance regarding veterans tax credits. Public comment was received, and the committee voted on several items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paula Johnson (15 West Point Drive) spoke in support of the disabled veterans tax credit, thanked the committee for voting for it, and expressed concern about commercial property assessments being undervalued relative to recent sales, citing the 80 Northwest Boulevard property (assessed at $15,628,900 but sold for a higher amount). She also cautioned about the Daniel Webster College property purchase, noting the assessed value of $18,392,900 versus the proposed $20 million purchase price, and questioned whether state or federal funds would require city matching. She urged caution.

Discussion Items

Appointments to City Boards Four candidates were interviewed and subsequently recommended for appointment:

• Carrie Miller (Greeley Park Advisory Committee): Miller, a Nashua native and public relations worker for the bus system, expressed strong support for the park and its community gardens, athletic fields, and events. She answered questions about potential monuments to Thornton Greeley and signaled willingness to work with outside organizations.
• Paige Holtman (Historic District Commission): Holtman, manager of Panucci's and a realtor, stated her commitment to historic preservation while encouraging growth. She acknowledged previous experience receiving a “no” from the HDC and affirmed she would uphold zoning laws. She also committed to regular attendance, a known issue for the commission.
• Skylar Wheeler (Housing Revolving Fund Committee): Wheeler, a resident of public housing and former vice president of the tenants council, shared his lived experience of homelessness and public housing. He expressed passion for ensuring everyone has basic human needs met. He noted transportation challenges (no bus after 6 p.m. to his area) but said he would make arrangements. He plans to gather input from other public housing residents.
• Larry Garrett (Nashua Airport Authority): Garrett, a longtime aviation enthusiast and graduate of the New England Aeronautical Institute (Daniel Webster College), advocated for revitalizing the college and airport, including potential partnerships with Embry-Riddle and training air traffic controllers. He acknowledged noise concerns but emphasized balance and FAA regulations. He also expressed interest in bringing back the aviation heritage festival.

R25207 – Relative to Foreign Ownership of Property This resolution, prompted by the earlier Fu Spring Company/80 Northwest Boulevard sale, directed the city clerk to send a copy to the president, governor, and Nashua’s state and federal representatives urging investigation of foreign property ownership, especially by entities tied to hostile governments. A lengthy debate ensued:

• Alderman Clemens, the sponsor, argued the resolution was a response to public concern and would help stop misinformation, even though the Attorney General had already investigated and found no wrongdoing.
• Alderman Senate initially supported but later expressed openness to tabling for language amendments.
• Alderman Clee opposed, citing vagueness, the term “hostile government,” and the risk of a slippery slope affecting small businesses and immigrant-owned properties. She called it unwelcoming.
• Alderman Lopez raised concerns about unintended consequences, especially given the current political climate, and urged tabling.
• Alderman Jetty opposed, noting the resolution could send a negative message to foreign investors and that the state and federal governments already have processes. The motion to table was made by Alderman Lopez and passed (voice vote).

R25208 – Relative to Daniel Webster College Property The mayor introduced this resolution, which seeks state and federal funds to purchase the former Daniel Webster College campus (currently owned by a Chinese entity) for $20 million. The property is assessed at $18,392,900. The hockey program (Northern Cyclones) currently rents part of the campus and would be a potential partner. The resolution passed after discussion:

• Alderman Clemens supported using state/federal funds but not city taxes, due to potential infrastructure costs.
• Alderman Jetty questioned the $20 million price against the assessed value but later acknowledged the assessment was higher than he initially thought. He also noted the city could seek state funds.
• Alderman Clee supported, noting the city could carve out fields and partner with others.
• Alderman Lopez supported as a starting point, noting the hockey program and other potential uses (soccer, indoor sports). The motion to recommend final passage carried (voice vote).

Ordinance 025062 – Increasing Tax Credit for Service-Connected Total Disability This ordinance, proposed in response to NH HB 99, increases the tax credit for disabled veterans from $2,000 to $2,750 to prevent them from losing $750 due to the state's elimination of the stacking of credits. The assessing manager reported 160 disabled veterans, 122 of whom currently stack credits, and 38 who would receive an additional $750, costing the city $28,500. A technical amendment offered by Alderman Jetty was adopted to align language with the state statute. The ordinance then passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: The committee voted unanimously to recommend the appointments of Carrie Miller, Paige Holtman, Skylar Wheeler, and Larry Garrett to their respective boards. (Motion carried, voice vote)
• R25207 (Foreign Ownership): Tabled by voice vote.
• R25208 (Daniel Webster College): Recommended for final passage by voice vote.
• Ordinance 025062 (Veterans Tax Credit): Amended and recommended for final passage by voice vote.

Remakes by Alderman

Alderman Clee thanked colleagues for respectful debate and noted the committee's work demonstrated productive disagreement.