Nashua Infrastructure Committee Meeting on Residential Parking Pilot

The Infrastructure Committee met on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, at 7:06 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. Chair Alderman O'Brien presided with a quorum of four members present (O'Brien, Dowd, Smith, and Lopez arrived later). The meeting focused on a presentation by parking consultant Andy Hill regarding a proposed residential parking permit pilot program for the area around Property Possible development, followed by committee discussion and a vote to continue developing the program.

Consent Calendar

• Delayed Ordinance 026-024 (additional stop signs at Front and Abbott Streets) to the next meeting at the request of prime sponsor Alderman Klee, who could not attend.
• Accepted and placed on file a communication from Wayne, Senior Traffic Engineer, supporting Ordinance 026-024; requested reprint for next meeting.

Discussion Items

• Residential Parking Pilot Program Presentation: Parking Manager Jill Stansfield introduced consultant Andy Hill (Thornton Tomassetti) who outlined:
  • Existing parking program history: started as a pilot in 2013 with 20 streets and 400 permits at $10/year, expanded and made permanent in 2016, currently 33 streets and up to 550 permits.
  • The proposed pilot area (roughly a four-block area) currently has 128 residential units supported by 460 off-street spaces, but 12 properties are under-supplied by 42 spaces. The area could support up to 152 on-street spaces.
  • The upcoming Property Possible development (385 units, 450 spaces, about 1.1 spaces per unit) is expected to create a gap of about 128 spaces, potentially spilling into surrounding streets. Combined shortfall could be 167 vehicles competing for 152 spaces.
  • State law now forbids mandating more than one parking space per residential unit, but developers can provide more if they choose.
  • Three permit distribution models were discussed: 'hunting license' (unlimited permits), 'prescription' (restricted to certain residents), and 'lottery' (limited number of permits). The lottery model was recommended as fairest.
  • Pilot would have five phases: identification, due diligence, proposal preparation, public forum, and issuance. It would include quarterly evaluations and a final annual review.
  • Estimated costs: $115,000 one-time physical preparation (signs, curb markings, etc.), $9,000 engineering review, and $90,000+ annual administrative/monitoring costs. Total initial cost around $200,000.
• Committee members raised questions about parking model fairness, enforcement, snow emergencies, costs, and applicability to other wards. Alderman Johnson expressed frustration about delays and cost, noting her previous attempt for Ward 5 overnight parking was not fully explored. She requested a complete breakdown of consultant invoices.
• Fire Marshal Devati and DPW representative stated they had no objections and supported the approach. Police Lieutenant commented on technical details and suggested considering mobility-impaired residents.

Key Outcomes

• The committee voted unanimously (all present members in favor, no opposed) to recommend that staff continue developing the pilot program and report back with more detailed costs and permit fee structures.
• The program will aim to be self-sufficient, with permit fees potentially covering costs.
• Next steps include staff refining cost estimates, identifying funding, engaging with the Property Possible developer to reduce spillover, and preparing a formal proposal for the full Board of Aldermen.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.