Nashua Board of Aldermen Special Meeting - April 22, 2026: 14 Mulberry Street Purchase and Bond Tabled

The Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber to consider two resolutions related to a proposed resource center for unhoused residents at 14 Mulberry Street: R-26-019 authorizing the purchase of the property for $900,000, and R-26-020 authorizing bonds up to $900,000 for purchase and renovations. After extensive public comment, the board voted 12-1 to table both resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Unhoused speaker (no name given): Expressed full support for a resource center but urged the board to reopen or extend the warming station until the center opens, accelerate emergency shelter and transitional housing, and commit to outreach that builds trust. Described the camping ban as "manufacturing despair."
• Representative Will Darby (Ward 8, Hillsboro District 11): Stated that homelessness is a serious concern caused by federal and state policies beyond city control, with average home costs of $550,000 and over $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Urged moving forward with the resource center, calling it a "calculated risk."
• Christy AI (member of Granite State Organizing Project and Main Street United Methodist Church): Spoke in support of the resource center from a long-term perspective, emphasizing safety, security, and respect for unhoused individuals. Said a centralized location makes sense.
• Karen Bill (homeowner of 15 years, 364 days): Opposed the purchase, citing lack of inspection on a 168-year-old building, paying $150,000 over asking price, and new information about lead paint remediation funds that warrants a new public hearing. Asked her alderman to vote no.
• Beth Scare (11 East Hobart Street): Noted that Tim Cummings said the purchase and renovation could cost up to $4.5 million, and that the mayor's proposed budget is up 6%. Argued that spending on "boondoggles" drives up property taxes and rents. Said vote no.
• Stephen Scarer (11 East Hobart Street): Opposed the purchase, saying the city should first define what the resource center will do and then find the most appropriate and least expensive property, not the reverse. Concerned about expansion of city services and enabling outdoor sleeping. Urged slowing down.
• Laurie Ortolano (41 Berkeley Street): Continued opposition, citing the lack of inspection, a comparison to the Performing Arts Center cost overruns (from $10 million to $34 million), and lack of transparency. Noted that the planning board's vote was not revealed and that new information (HUD funding, lead program) warrants another public hearing. Asked for records and said the process is rushed.
• Brooke Pearley (wife of business owner at Three Bud Way): Expressed support for the resource center, stating that how the city treats all community members says much about who it is. Said "perfection cannot be the enemy of progress" and that waiving inspections and paying over asking are common in today's housing market. Thanked the board.
• Joan Donahue (Ward 9): Asked to slow the project. Supported the need for a resource center but said 14 Mulberry Street is the wrong location, wrong price. Cited past city project failures (Performing Arts Center, other bonds). Said she saw a floor plan from Director Bagley but wants a full plan and more transparency.
• Matthew Guthrie (104 Fawn Lane): Expressed concern about the accelerated purchase, noting the historic residential property would need rezoning, is not ADA compliant, not fire sprinkler ready, and won't accommodate commercial kitchen or required beds. Cited the planning board's unfavorable recommendation due to lack of due diligence. Asked why not use vacant commercial or school properties, and why the city is in a hurry when other cities used grants and private funds. Asked to vote no.
• Laura Cohomer: Found it concerning to spend $900,000 on a 3,000-square-foot building. Noted that the city acquired 11-13 Mulberry Street (33,000 square feet) in February 2025 but returned it to the former owner without requiring repayment of back taxes or bringing the matter to the Board of Aldermen. Raised concerns about process, transparency, and oversight.
• Tori Markowitz (Manchester resident, volunteered at warming station): Supported the resource center, saying she trusts public health experts who have been looking for property for two years. Said the temporary parking lot option would have cost $1–2 million for mobile classrooms. Encouraged a yes vote.
• Fred T. Boom (24 Cheyenne Drive): Opposed the purchase, calling it "negligent." Said a 3,000-square-foot residential building is too small for 50+ clients daily, and $4.5 million for renovation would be $1,500 per square foot. Also noted that Director Solomon mentioned forfeiting $1.2 million in federal grants. Alleged corruption and requested a roll call vote.
• Bob Keating (5 Coburn Woods Drive): Spoke against the purchase, stating a resource center without significant housing is low priority. Noted the director of public health said shelter is more important. Argued that $4.5 million could be better spent on housing units, reopening the warming station ($350,000), or vouchers.
• Judith McDonald (Dan Fourth Road, Apt 23): Opposed 14 Mulberry Street. Suggested using Elm Street Middle School as a resource center since it is not likely to be sold for a couple of years. Noted the expense of maintaining a 150-year-old building.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to table R-26-019 (authorizing purchase of 14 Mulberry Street) by Alderman Tebow passed by roll call vote: 12 in favor (Aldermen Clee, Smith, Tebow, O'Brien, Gregg, Dowd, Sullivan, Senate, Johnson, Morgan, Lopez, Wilshire), 1 opposed (Alderman Clemens).
• Motion to table R-26-020 (authorizing bonds up to $900,000 for the resource center) by Alderman Dowd passed by roll call vote: 12 in favor (same as above), 1 opposed (Alderman Clemens).
• Motion to adjourn passed by roll call vote: 11 in favor, 2 opposed (Aldermen Tebow and Lopez voted no). The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.