Special Board of Aldermen Meeting: Discussion on Proposed Resource Center Purchase and Bond – April 10, 2026

This special meeting of the Nashua Board of Aldermen was held on April 10, 2026, at 7:01 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber to discuss the proposed purchase of 14 Mulberry Street for a resource center and transitional housing, and to introduce related resolutions. The meeting included an overview from the Mayor, a presentation from the Director of Public Health and Community Services, and extensive questions from aldermen regarding the property, costs, tenant impacts, and due diligence. No votes were taken on the resolutions; they were assigned to committees and a public hearing was scheduled.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s Overview: Mayor Doncius reported that the property at 14 Mulberry Street became available and was identified by Director Bagley as suitable for a resource center. The city negotiated a purchase and sale agreement for $730,000, subject to Board approval, with a closing date of April 30, 2026. The Mayor noted the need for a public hearing and committee review.

• Director Bagley’s Presentation: Bobby Bagley, Director of Public Health and Community Services, described the property as approximately 3,000 square feet over three floors, suitable for a resource center with office space for community partners, laundry, showers, and transitional housing. She stated that the property would also serve as a warming station. The city has already allocated $300,000 for the resource center and has $1.2 million in congressional funding (from a 2024 request for $3 million) that could be used for the project, pending bureaucratic steps.

• Alderman Questions on Inspection and Due Diligence: Alderman Johnson expressed concern that the city waived a home inspection, noting the property was built in 1868 and renovated in 1959. She argued that the board was being asked to vote sight unseen and that the $900,000 bond might be insufficient. She requested to see the business plan. Director Cummings explained that the city’s fire marshal and building inspector had walked through the property and gave positive anecdotal feedback. He committed to conducting due diligence, including sewer scope, using some of the bond funds, and noted that the board could tour the property with proper public notice.

• Tenant Impact: Alderman Clemens and Alderman Semit raised concerns about the three current month-to-month renters. Director Cummings and Housing Services Officer Latanya Musioli stated that the city would work cooperatively to find them housing, and that one tenant already had an appointment to seek housing assistance. Alderman Clemens obtained a commitment from Director Cummings to do everything possible to rehouse tenants before construction begins.

• Cost and Timeline: Alderman O'Brien questioned whether the $900,000 bond would cover required sprinkler upgrades. Director Cummings acknowledged that additional appropriation would be needed after design. Alderman Clemens asked about total project cost; Director Cummings declined to speculate but promised a report in May. Alderman Morgan noted that the $1.2 million congressional funding is contingent on the property being used for the resource center. Alderman Klee warned against conducting a walkthrough that could create a quorum violation, citing past legal issues.

• Support for the Project: Several aldermen expressed support for the strategic vision, including Alderman Thibault, Alderman Kelly, and Alderman Clemens. They noted the property’s proximity to the public health department, the ability to offer transitional housing (unlike the alternative trailer plan), and the need for speed. Alderman Clemens stated that the alternative trailer plan would have cost over $2 million and provided less functionality.

• Alternative Plan Comparison: The Mayor and Director Cummings compared the proposed purchase to the previously considered option of relocating portable classrooms to the Kinsley Street parking lot, which would not have allowed for transitional housing or congressional funding use. The classroom option was estimated to be more expensive and slower.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions Introduced:
  • R-26-019: Authorizing the purchase of 14 Mulberry Street. Sponsored by Aldermen Thibault, Smith, O’Brien, Gregg, Dowd, Kelly, Morgan, Clee, Clemens, and the President. Given first reading and assigned to the Planning and Economic Development Committee and the Planning Board.
  • R-26-020: Authorizing the Mayor and City Treasurer to issue bonds not to exceed $900,000 to fund the purchase, design, pre-renovation work, and renovations for the resource center. Same sponsors. Assigned to the Budget Review Committee.
• Public Hearing Scheduled: A special Board of Aldermen public hearing on both resolutions was scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber.
• Commitments: Director Cummings committed to keeping the board updated on tenant relocation progress and to provide a more detailed cost estimate and design update in May.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM after a unanimous roll call vote (13-0).