Public Meetings - Nashua, New Hampshire

Introductory paragraph: The Planning & Economic Development Committee held its seventh session on the zoning code recodification, led by Planning Manager Sam Durfee. The meeting focused on the proposed use table, site standards, and an inclusionary zoning update. No public comments were offered. The committee discussed simplifying the use table from 293 uses to broad categories, debated the classification of residential uses (including co-living and services), reviewed sign regulations, and provided direction on inclusionary zoning options for payment in lieu, off-site units, and penalties. Discussion Items - Use Table Simplification: Sam Durfee presented a history of 53 use variances over five years, mostly approved. The proposed table reduces uses to categories (e.g., "retail sales of consumer goods") with specific call-outs for uses like funeral services (excluding crematoria). Aldermen questioned the difference between conditional uses and permitted uses; Durfee explained conditional uses require a planning board permit with criteria. The new table would prevent situations like a crematorium in a residential district. - Residential Use Classification: Durfee proposed four residential categories: separate facilities (single-family, multifamily with separate cooking/bath), co-living with shared facilities (e.g., dormitories, room rentals), co-living with services (e.g., halfway houses, assisted living), and commercial lodging. This aligns with state law HB 457, which prohibits regulating based on familial, marital, employment, or educational status. Alderman Clemens argued that co-living operations (e.g., recovery houses) are commercial businesses and should be regulated differently, possibly with occupancy limits per square footage. Alderman Jetty noted that calling a use "single family" might itself violate new state law. Alderman Thibault asked about enforcement and short-term rental regulations. There was consensus to explore occupancy limits for co-living categories but not for standard residential. - Site Standards and Signs: Durfee noted most site standards (fences, walls, landscaping) are being carried over from existing code. Alderman Jetty raised an issue about ground signs: current ordinance restricts only the text area, not the supporting structure, allowing very large sign structures as long as the lettering remains within size limits. He requested clarification to regulate the entire sign structure. Alderman Clemens asked about distinctions between signs and art; Durfee said commercial speech is regulated, but murals not advertising a business are exempt. Alderman Govea confirmed that changes made during COVID (exempting umbrellas) were retained. - Inclusionary Zoning Update: Durfee presented options for payment in lieu, off-site unit construction, and penalties. The committee expressed a strong preference for on-site affordable units. For payment in lieu: Option A (formula based on value gap), Option B (flat fee per square foot, $15–22 range), and Option C (discretionary case-by-case for large projects). Alderman Govea favored Option B for simplicity and ease of inflation adjustment. Alderman Clemens noted that the $15–22 amount is the additional cost to build an affordable unit versus market rate; the payment would capture that delta. For off-site units: Option A (strictly on-site but conditional use permit possible), Option B (with radius requirements), and Option C (developer proposes off-site location subject to city approval). Aldermen favored Option C with guidance (e.g., near bus lines, quality standards), as it allows flexibility and avoids concentration. Alderman Thibault thought Option B was unrealistic given land constraints. - Penalties for Non-Compliance: Options included withholding certificate of occupancy (CO), daily fines, and financial surety (bond/letter of credit). The committee agreed on a combination: start with Option A (no CO until units delivered or payment made) and allow Option C (cash surety) as a backup if a developer demonstrates need, but only via a conditional use permit process. Alderman Clemens stressed that Option C should not be offered upfront to prevent deep-pocketed firms from simply paying a premium. Durfee noted they already use COs for final inspections and could issue floor-by-floor COs. Alderman Jetty asked about protections if a developer goes bankrupt mid-project. Durfee said the market typically steps in and that building inspectors monitor safety. Key Outcomes - The committee generally supported a flat fee per square foot (Option B) for payment in lieu, with the fee set to reflect the cost difference between market and affordable units plus a premium for buy-out. - For off-site units, the committee leaned toward a flexible, case-by-case approach (Option C) with location criteria (e.g., transit access, services) rather than strict radius requirements. - Penalties will use a tiered approach: mandatory no CO until compliance (Option A) with the ability to apply for a conditional use permit to post cash surety (Option C) as an exception. Daily fines (Option B) were considered unnecessary. - The planning manager plans to step away on paternity leave; staff will work on site plan and subdivision regulations. A unified land use code is targeted for Q1 2026 with potential adoption by July 1, 2026. The committee may not meet in October unless legislation arises. - No formal votes were taken; the discussions provided direction for drafting the code.

The Division of Public Works Retirement System Board convened on September 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. to conduct routine business, including approval of prior meeting minutes, personnel benefits, financial reports, and a fee reduction from the board’s wealth management advisor. Key actions included approval of death benefits, member contribution refunds, a monthly distribution of funds, and an advisor fee change. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 11, 2025, regular meeting: Motion to approve by an unidentified member, seconded by Terry Harris. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Minutes of August 29, 2025, special meeting: Motion to approve by an unidentified member, seconded by Dan Hudson. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Personnel & Benefits - Death benefit – Louise A. Dion and Peter A. Dion: The board approved the customary $3,000 death benefit for each. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Return of contributions – J. Larrow: Approved refund of contributions plus 4% interest, as Larrow served only a short period. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Agenda addition – Adam P. Cordeiro: Not originally on the agenda. A motion to suspend the rules to add his item was made and seconded, then approved unanimously by voice vote. His return of contributions was subsequently approved as part of the same motion. Financial Reports & Fee Changes - Approval of distribution of funds for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025: The board approved the monthly payment of $329,220.90, lump-sum payment of $8,545.60, and services of $195.00, for a total of $337,962.50 for the period. Motion by an unidentified member, seconded, approved by voice vote. - RBC Wealth Management advice fee change: The board approved a reduction in the advisory fee to 0.3500%. Motion by an unidentified member, seconded by Terry Harris, approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Update on ordinance changes for IRS: The board reported that the attorney in Manchester (John) promised completion within two weeks. The revised ordinance will need endorsement from the Board of Aldermen. - Goals for fiscal year 2026: The board discussed the IRS ordinance update, a one-time stipend (RBC is developing an automated service to replace the previous Excel-based process), and a possible fee for trustee of trust fund services, though the board expressed current satisfaction. - Death benefit amount: Trustee Terry Harris raised the idea of increasing the death benefit from $3,000 to $6,000, citing inflation and the program’s healthy financial status. The board agreed to consider the matter further at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Death benefits and contribution refunds: Approved for Louise A. Dion ($3,000), Peter A. Dion ($3,000), J. Larrow (contributions + 4% interest), and Adam P. Cordeiro (contributions + 4% interest). All approved by unanimous voice vote. - Distribution of funds for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025: Approved ($337,962.50 total). - RBC wealth management fee change: Approved (reduced to 0.3500%). - Next steps: The board will await the completed IRS ordinance changes from the attorney before taking further action. The death benefit increase discussion will be placed on a future agenda.

The Committee of Infrastructure met on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber. The meeting included public hearings on street discontinuances for Major Drive and Spaulding Street, a detailed presentation on the Nashua Transit System (NTS), and consideration of several traffic ordinances. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Street Discontinuance Public Hearings: Elizabeth Hardigan, attorney representing the Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Tremont Development, testified in favor of discontinuing Major Drive and a portion of Spaulding Street to facilitate a planned housing redevelopment project (Main and Homes). She stated the project has full Planning Board approval and is one of the last conditions before financing. The city owns the surrounding property, and one abutter (73 Burke Street) has consented. - Yvette (56 Burke Street) expressed concern about the impact on her property. She was assured that the discontinuance only affects the roads themselves, not her property, and that the abutter has agreed. The resident also noted that construction will occur but will not change her access. - No opposition testimony was offered for either discontinuance. Discussion Items - Nashua Transit System (NTS) Presentation: Community Development Director Matt Sullivan and Transit Administrator Camille Correa presented a comprehensive overview of NTS operations, challenges, and future plans. Key points included: - NTS provides fixed-route and demand-response services, with 390,000 boardings in FY2025 (375,000 fixed-route, 15,000 demand-response). - Ridership trends: Growth from 2010-2016, decline after service cuts, steep drop during COVID-19 pandemic, then recovery to 390,000 boardings in FY2025. - On-time performance: 90%+ for fixed-route, 95%+ for ADA paratransit for 2020-2024. - Fleet diversity: 22 revenue vehicles using CNG, hybrid, and unleaded fuels; three older diesel buses being replaced. The city maintains fuel diversity to ensure reliability. - NTS assisted in emergency reunification on Saturday, September 20, 2025, moving approximately 150 people from Spitbrook Road to the Sheraton hotel within two hours. - Funding: 52% federal grants (5307, 5310), local allocation doubled to $800,000 in FY2025 due to expiring COVID-19 relief funds. Fare revenue is $1.25 per ride (unchanged since 2012). - Upcoming technology: Real-time bus tracking via Transit App and Swiftly, demand-response app via Spare, and bus stop improvements (modifications to 20+ stops for safety and efficiency). - Challenges: Increasing operational costs, federal funding uncertainty, potential state budget cuts, and the need for sustainable funding. Three potential solutions discussed: a local transportation option fee (up to $5 per vehicle registration), fare increases (survey planned), and increased local allocation as a last resort. - A comprehensive plan update (2025-2035) will be presented for adoption later in the session. - Alderman Clee raised concerns about a dangerous bus stop on Chandler Street; NTS agreed to re-engage with residents to explore options. - Ordinances (presented by Alderman Senate): - O-25-065: No parking on a section of the west side of Marshall Street to improve visibility and safety. Approved. - O-25-066: Stop signs on Harbor Avenue at Bower Street to address a dangerous intersection with frequent accidents. Approved. - O-25-067: Replace a yield sign with a stop sign on Crown Street at Arlington Street to improve safety, especially with new housing development nearby. Approved. - O-25-068: Stop signs on Underhill Street at Newbury Street to make the intersection consistent with others in the neighborhood. Approved. - Street Discontinuance Votes: Following the public hearings, the committee voted to grant the street discontinuances for Major Drive and Spaulding Street (both portions). The motion carried unanimously. - Resolution R25-203: Authorizing sale of tax-deeded property at 227 Pine Street to former owner. Approved. Key Outcomes - Street Discontinuances (Major Drive and Spaulding Street): The committee voted to recommend discontinuance of both streets (motion carried unanimously). This is a condition of approval for the Main and Homes housing redevelopment project. - Resolution R25-203: Recommended final passage for sale of tax-deeded property at 227 Pine Street. - Ordinances O-25-065, O-25-066, O-25-067, O-25-068: All recommended for final passage unanimously. - Future Actions: NTS will present a fare increase proposal and comprehensive plan for adoption later in the session. The committee will hold public hearings on any fare changes. The city will also participate in the Governor's Advisory Committee on Intermodal Transportation (GASET) hearings on October 7, 2025, to advocate for Nashua's projects in the ten-year plan.

The Nashua Board of Aldermen convened on September 23, 2025 at 7:43 PM (recorded as September 24, 2025) for a regular meeting. The meeting began with a roll call (13 present, 2 absent), prayer, and pledge. Mayor Jim Donchus addressed the board regarding a tragic shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club on Saturday, September 20. The board then proceeded with consent items, unfinished business resolutions, and member remarks. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the regular Board of Aldermen meeting of August 12, 2025 were accepted and placed on file. - Communication from Alderman Melbourne Moran explaining absence for the September 23 meeting was accepted (one objection noted). - Reports of the Finance Committee (August 20, 2025) and Planning and Economic Development Committee (August 21, 2025) were accepted and placed on file. - Oral report from the Budget Review Committee: Resolution R25198 (applying fund balance to reduce tax rate) passed unanimously at the committee meeting. Mayor's Remarks - Mayor Donchus reported on the September 20 shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club, where a gunman entered the restaurant, shot three people, killing Robert De Caesar and critically injuring another. A 150‑person wedding was evacuated. The mayor praised the coordinated response by police, fire, emergency management (led by Emily Marticello), and other agencies. Two heroes tackled the shooter, ending the attack. The victims have not all been publicly identified. The mayor expressed sadness and gratitude to first responders. He also noted upcoming meetings with downtown business owners regarding the unhoused population and endorsed the budget committee's recommendation to use $6 million of surplus to reduce the tax rate. Unfinished Business Resolutions - R25196: Transfer $15,000 from street lighting to hydrant fees. Passed 13‑0. - R25198: Apply $6 million from unassigned fund balance to reduce the tax rate. An amendment to increase to $9 million was proposed by Alderman Sullivan. Following discussion about bond rating implications, future tax rate impacts, and the need for further analysis, the amendment failed 3‑10 (Yea: Thibodeau, Govella, Sullivan; Nay: O'Brien, Lopez, Clemens, Senate, Jetty, Tebow, Clee, Dowd, Kelly, Wilshire). The original resolution then passed 13‑0. - R25199: Authorize Pennichuck Waterworks Inc. to issue bonds not exceeding $99 million. Passed 12‑1 (Alderman Clemens voted nay). - R25201: Accept $650,000 Granite Shield grant from NH Department of Safety for police substance abuse reduction. Passed 13‑0. - R25202: Accept $48,200 NH Highway Safety grant. Passed 12‑1 (Alderman Thibodeau voted nay). - R25204: Accept $68,250 capital match and $534,638 operating match from NH DOT for transit grants. Passed 12‑1 (Alderman Thibodeau voted nay). - R25209: Increase Pennichuck PFAS remediation loan from $11.45 million to $17.5 million. Passed 13‑0. Board Member Remarks - Multiple aldermen expressed condolences to victims and gratitude to first responders. Alderman Kelly read a statement emphasizing unity and resisting calls for more violence. - Alderman Tebow raised concerns about downtown business issues and a letter from Alderman Moran, arguing that small businesses need support and that the board must listen to both businesses and the unsheltered. He objected to the communication from Alderman Moran being accepted. - Alderman Lopez noted that trauma can cause different reactions, urged support for mental health, and invited colleagues to a Continuum of Care meeting on October 1. She also highlighted volunteer opportunities for the warming station. - Alderman Jetty promoted a Mine Falls Park cleanup event on September 27. - Alderman Clemens thanked first responders and mutual aid from surrounding towns. - Alderman O'Brien announced an Infrastructure Committee meeting on September 24. Key Outcomes - All second‑reading resolutions were adopted as listed above. - The amendment to increase the fund balance application to $9 million failed. - The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 PM by a roll‑call vote of 12‑1 (Alderman Senate voted nay).

The Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment met on September 24, 2025, to consider two variance applications. The board approved both applications unanimously. The meeting also included approval of minutes from August 26, 2025, with corrections, and scheduling of next year's meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition for either variance application. Discussion Items - Application 1: Stephen Kelly and Ann Marie Gifford, 56 Raleigh Drive – Requested variances to construct an attached 24x27 garage encroaching up to 3 feet into the 10-foot left side yard setback, and a 22x12 deck encroaching 1 foot 10 inches into the 30-foot rear yard setback. The applicants stated the property has a walkout basement with a slider that currently lands on the ground, and the rear setback abuts Old Maid's Brook. A retaining wall built in 2005 for a two-car garage exists. The neighboring house already has a similar encroaching garage. The board found the variances met the criteria, citing commonality of garages and decks, the need for safe access, and no public opposition. - Application 2: Carrie Quintero Norina, 121 Linwood Street – Requested a variance to encroach 7 feet into the 20-foot front yard setback on Brewster Street to construct an 8x10 shed. The applicant explained that the backyard is sloped and floods, and the garage is now used for a car. The shed would be placed on the only feasible side. The board noted the property has three front setbacks due to street orientation, and the location is reasonable. The variance was approved. - Minutes Approval – Corrections were proposed by member Patrick for the August 26, 2025 minutes. The board approved the minutes as amended. - Next Year's Agenda – The board reviewed proposed meeting dates for 2026, noting no conflicts with elections. Dates will be posted online. - Board Discussion on Motion Language – Member Neely suggested that when addressing the property value criterion, the board should state an affirmative finding (e.g., "we believe there will be no effect") rather than simply noting the absence of testimony. The board agreed to incorporate this practice. - Request for Site Plan – For upcoming cases at the Four Hills property, the board requested a site plan or master plan to better understand the layout and connectivity of the two proposed applications. Key Outcomes - Variance for Kelly/Gifford (56 Raleigh Drive) – Approved unanimously. Motion by Vice Chair Neely, seconded by Joseph Potri. 30-day appeal window. - Variance for Quintero Norina (121 Linwood Street) – Approved unanimously. Motion by Member Boucher, seconded by Joseph Potri. 30-day appeal window. - Minutes of August 26, 2025 – Approved with corrections. - Next Meeting – Scheduled for October 14, 2025, with two applications for the Four Hills property.

The Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on September 24, 2025, to receive a presentation from the library director, trustees, architects, and construction consultants on four renovation and construction scenarios for the Nashua Public Library. The presentation included cost estimates, design concepts, and community feedback, followed by a question-and-answer session with aldermen. Discussion Items - Library Director Jennifer McCormick introduced the presentation, emphasizing the need for proactive action to address aging infrastructure and inefficient space allocation. - Linda LaFlam, Library Board Chair, recapped the 2022 facility study showing $16–19 million in base repairs and $23–29 million for a total upgrade. She highlighted that a subsequent space needs assessment confirmed the current 57,000-square-foot footprint is appropriate but poorly allocated. - Architect Ben (Design Lab) presented four options: - Renovation: Full gut renovation of the existing building, maintaining the structure but replacing envelope, systems, and interior. New entry and vertical circulation. Estimated total project cost: $34–39 million. - Addition: Demolish part of the existing building and build a new addition to create a new entry sequence and connection to the river. Estimated total project cost: $38–44 million. - Replacement: Demolish the entire existing building and construct a new building on the same site. Estimated total project cost: $44–51 million. - Relocation: Build a new library on the adjacent parking lot site, requiring full utilities and three stories. Estimated total project cost: $51–58 million. - Keith Kelly (Harvey Construction) explained cost escalation (8% since 2022) and that the estimates include a 20% design and estimating contingency, escalation to 2028, and soft costs (fees, FF&E, owner contingency, potential temporary space). - Community feedback from two workshops and surveys (nearly 300 responses) showed no clear preference among options but strong appreciation for the current location and desire for improved accessibility, parking, and river connection. - Aldermen raised questions and concerns regarding: - Phasing of construction and bonding costs. - Inclusion of security cameras, outdoor lighting, and high-impact glass. - Solar panel capacity on the roof. - Coordination with planned plaza renovation. - Parking availability (especially if building on the lot). - Accessibility for strollers and mobility-impaired patrons. - Life expectancy of a renovated building (estimated 30–50 years). - Thermal efficiency of proposed glass. - Heating/cooling of large open spaces. - Potential duplication of theater space given the nearby Court Street Theater. - Glare from new windows affecting residents across the river. - Storage space for the Friends of the Library book sale. - Architects responded that these issues could be addressed in the design phase, and recommended forming a joint building committee between the Board of Aldermen and library trustees. Key Outcomes - The presentation served as a feasibility study; no vote was taken on the options. - Alderman O'Brien moved to adjourn, and the motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (13-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. - The library trustees and city staff will likely proceed with recommendations for next steps, including the formation of a joint building committee.

The joint special meeting of the Board of Aldermen and the Budget Review Committee convened on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber, with Alderman Samet participating remotely due to illness. The meeting included a public hearing on a supplemental appropriation for affordable housing and consideration of several resolutions, including a PILOT agreement for the Maynard Homes redevelopment, use of fund balance to mitigate the tax rate increase, and funding for a Keefe Auditorium study. Consent Calendar - R25151 (bonding for Public Works garage) was tabled by request, with a 6–0 roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Joseph Olafrovich, 35 Newbury Street, member of the Keefe Auditorium Commission, spoke in favor of R25206. He emphasized that the commission cannot develop a proper scope without architectural studies and urged the committee to approve the $75,000 transfer to fund three design scenarios (bare minimum, medium scope with expansion, and full performing arts center). He noted that Keefe is crucial for Symphony New Hampshire and the Actorsingers, as the city lacks another egress venue for their full-scale productions. Discussion Items - R25205 – Supplemental Appropriation for Housing Revolving Fund: Director Matt Sullivan explained that $25,000 in unanticipated revenue from the Clock Tower project refinancing would be redirected from the general fund to the housing revolving fund. He noted that the fund currently has four conditional awards, including a $1.5 million loan for the Maynard Homes project. Alderman Lopez asked about the definition of affordable housing; Sullivan clarified it generally means households at or below 80% of area median income, with the fund prioritizing deeper affordability (60%, 50%, 30% AMI). Alderman Lopez also asked about the fund’s name change from ‘trust’ to ‘revolving’ to allow loans. The public hearing had no testimony for or against. The committee later voted 6–0 to recommend final passage. - R25197 – Maynard Homes Phase 1 PILOT Agreement: Sullivan presented the development agreement for the redevelopment of Maynard Homes (Burke Street). Phase 1 will demolish 70 existing units and replace them with 179 affordable units, split into 4% and 9% tax credit projects. Key terms: a 12-year PILOT agreement with zero taxes during construction (2026–2029), followed by payments starting at $139,650 (4% project) and $48,300 (9% project), escalating at 3% annually through 2041. Fee waivers of up to $425,000 (sewer, building permit, school impact fees) are included. The developer will build a trailhead off Engel Street, maintain the bus shelter, and upgrade on-site stormwater infrastructure. Streets will become private. Lynn Lombardi (Nashua Housing Authority) confirmed that 20 families have been relocated using tenant protection vouchers, and all residents will have the right to return to the new units. Aldermen discussed the loss of tax revenue versus the value of affordable housing; Sullivan argued the payments reflect cost of services and the project would not be feasible without concessions. The committee voted 6–0 to recommend final passage. - R25198 – Use of Fund Balance for Tax Rate: Chief Financial Officer Don Enright proposed using $6 million from the unassigned fund balance to reduce the tax rate increase from 6% to 3.7% (a reduction of 2.3%). After this, the unassigned fund balance would be $41.1 million, or 11.4% of FY26 appropriations (above the 10% minimum). Aldermen questioned why not use more; Enright cautioned against creating a structural deficit for future years. The committee voted 6–0 to recommend final passage. - R25206 – Keefe Auditorium Architectural Study: Alderman Clemens moved to transfer $75,000 from the general contingency account to fund three conceptual designs and cost estimates for the Keefe Auditorium. Options range from minimal preservation to full renovation. Joseph Olafrovich (Keefe Commission) added that the study will evaluate structural viability, potential for public-private partnerships, and the needs of arts organizations. Alderman Sullivan voted yes but stressed this does not endorse city ownership; Alderman Kelly voted no, citing the already high 6% tax rate increase and other fiscal pressures. The committee approved the motion 5–1. Key Outcomes - R25205 (Housing Revolving Fund appropriation): Recommended 6–0. - R25197 (Maynard Homes PILOT): Recommended 6–0. - R25198 (Fund balance use for tax rate): Recommended 6–0. - R25206 (Keefe Auditorium study): Recommended 5–1 (Alderman Kelly dissenting). - The special Board of Aldermen meeting was adjourned at 7:12 PM, and the Budget Review Committee adjourned at 8:38 PM.

The Nashua Planning Board met on September 19, 2025 (note: the meeting transcript calls the meeting to order on September 18, 2025, creating a date discrepancy with the official record). The board reviewed two site plan amendment applications, considered referrals from the Board of Aldermen regarding street acceptance and a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement, and discussed the 2026 meeting schedule. Minutes Approval - The board approved the minutes from the September 4, 2025 meeting by a vote of 3-0-2 (three in favor, two abstentions). Discussion Items Case A25-0125: 87 Deerwood Drive – Site Plan Amendment - Attorney Andy Perlman presented on behalf of the property owner, seeking to legalize an existing apartment that was constructed without permits. The building houses an auto repair shop and warehouse; the apartment was converted from office space around 2000. The applicant requested a modification of design standards to allow residential use on the ground floor (typically required on the second floor in the mixed-use overlay). Staff recommended cleanup of parking and driveway compliance. - Board Action: The board unanimously granted the design standard modification and then granted final site plan amendment approval, subject to conditions in the staff report (with a corrected date in condition D). Both motions passed with all in favor. Case 825-0129: 18 Abbott Street – Site Plan Amendment - Paul Chisholm (Kech Nordstrom Associates) presented for the owner, seeking to add three residential units to an existing four‑unit building in the RB zoning district and historic overlay. The project had received a density variance from the ZBA. The plan involves reconstructing parking, reducing curb cuts, and constructing new sidewalk along French Street. The applicant withdrew a waiver regarding sidewalk fee‑in‑lieu and agreed to build the sidewalk. Four waivers were requested for reduced driveway widths, existing conditions disclosure, and underground utilities. - Board Action: The board granted all four waivers as presented, citing that strict conformity would pose unnecessary hardship and that the waivers would not undermine the spirit of the regulations. Final site plan approval was granted with conditions A through O, including a revision to condition B to reference a September 16, 2025 letter from staff. Motion passed unanimously. Sanders Street Acceptance – Referral from Board of Aldermen (R-25-197) - Staff explained that a portion of a newly constructed right‑turn lane onto Bridge Street needed to be dedicated to the city for maintenance and liability reasons. Board member Dan Hudson noted a prior maintenance agreement with the developer and supported the petition. - Board Action: The board made a favorable recommendation to the Board of Aldermen, with no objections. Maynard Homes Redevelopment – PILOT Agreement Referral - The Board of Aldermen referred a request to authorize a developer agreement including a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for Phase One of the Maynard Homes redevelopment by the Nashua Housing Redevelopment Authority. Discussion included the project’s affordable housing component, a significant drainage trunk line improvement, and the structure of the PILOT payments (zero dollars in early years with compounding escalation). Some board members expressed a desire for more context on PILOT mechanics, but ultimately supported the referral. - Board Action: The board voted 4-0-1 (four in favor, one abstention) to issue a favorable recommendation to the Board of Aldermen. Other Business - 2026 Meeting Dates: A draft calendar was presented for review. Board member Hudson suggested moving the second June meeting to June 25 and the July 2 meeting to July 9 or later to avoid holiday conflicts. No formal action taken. - Tentative Agenda – Regional Impact: The board determined that no upcoming development qualifies as a development of regional impact, by unanimous vote. Key Outcomes - Case A25-0125: Design standard modification granted; final site plan approval granted. - Case 825-0129: Four waivers granted; final site plan approval granted with amended conditions. - Sanders Street: Favorable recommendation to Board of Aldermen. - Maynard Homes PILOT: Favorable recommendation (4-0-1). - Next regular meeting: October 16, 2025 (October 2 meeting canceled).

On September 19, 2025, the Nashua Board of Aldermen held a special meeting at the National Public Library to hear directly from downtown business owners and stakeholders about escalating safety, cleanliness, and public health issues related to the unhoused and transient population. The meeting was called after a prior gathering of business owners with city staff revealed urgent concerns. Alderman Wilshire summarized themes of safety, cleanliness, human waste, and the negative impact on business perception. Business owners described daily encounters with human waste, syringes, aggressive panhandling, theft, and customers feeling unsafe. They requested support for three short-term solutions: a full-time downtown clean team, increased police patrols (already begun as a two-month pilot with two officers per shift from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and public restrooms such as the vandal-resistant Portland Loos. Aldermen expressed shock and commitment to act, though some noted that similar recommendations had been made months earlier by nonprofits without business owner attendance. Discussions also addressed the need for broader state/federal funding, the limitation of pushing the homeless to other areas, and the connection to encampments in Mine Falls Park. No formal votes were taken, but several aldermen pledged to seek funding for the police patrols, open City Hall bathrooms (currently closed after 5 p.m.), and explore Portland Loos at an estimated $125,000–$165,000 each with 3–4 month lead time. The meeting included public comments from Mine Falls Advisory Committee members and nonprofit leaders, stressing that the problem extends beyond downtown and requires a coordinated approach. Public Comments & Testimony - Alyssa O'Mara (Downtown Association): Expressed support for the proposed solutions; noted that business owners are cleaning up human waste and syringes, experiencing theft, and feeling unsafe. She read letters from other business owners unable to attend. - Mary Lou Blazedale (Design Wares, 21 years downtown): Praised police and public health responsiveness but stated this year has been the hardest; customers are staying away due to safety perceptions; warned that businesses are on the tipping point of closing. - Alyssa Drift (Local Street Eats): Described human waste, needles, aggressive behavior, employees being followed home, and customers asking what is being done; called for a safe, clean environment. - Amber Morgan (Port Engage, Coffee & Kindness): Shared that her staff asked to close early due to safety; she encounters human waste, needles, and verbal harassment while walking with her young daughter; stressed need for both long-term planning and immediate band-aids. - Rich Lannon (owner of two mixed-use buildings): Reported residential tenants leaving due to safety, people defecating in buildings, and concerns that the two-month police pilot may not be sustained; expressed skepticism about public restrooms being abused but supported exploration. - Stan Tremble (Liquid Therapy): Expressed outrage that people high on drugs are not arrested; described guests witnessing drug use; criticized lack of consequences; called for action. - Fouad Ma'ayeh (PRG Rugs): Emphasized that the business community approaches issues with empathy; experienced a broken window costing $1,200 during a downtown event; noted downtown is otherwise thriving. - Letters read by Alyssa O'Mara: Included concerns from the Chamber of Commerce (installed cameras, locked doors), Bar Harbor Bank (thousands spent on deterrents, urine smell, customers unable to use ATM), NBT Bank (baby monitor to watch ATM), and Rochette Funeral Home (a man intruded into a funeral mass asking for money). - Public comments: Paula Lockhead (Mine Falls Advisory Committee) reported human waste and trail closures due to encampments; Lee Riley (Nashua Children's Home) described unwelcome guests near children; Kerry Baxter (retired city employee) noted a victim of crime in Mine Falls; David Silva (Mine Falls Advisory) reported a knife incident, out-of-state vehicles, and a no-go zone in the park; Steve Kenny (co-chair) urged clearing the park; Bob Keating (retired mental health professional) reminded that homeless voices need to be included and that housing is the ultimate solution; Ken Lewis (Hart's Pierce Support Center) noted increased demand and offered collaboration with public health using opioid abatement funds. Discussion Items - Alderman Dowd: Declared the situation unacceptable and vowed to support any funding to address it. - Alderman Teble: Expressed shock at the severity; called for giving police more authority beyond moving people along. - Alderman Moran: Noted that he had previously called for a special committee and held joint PEDC/Human Affairs meetings, where the same recommendations (community policing, public bathrooms) were made months ago but not funded; criticized that it took business owners' outcry to spur action; emphasized need for collaboration. - Alderman Clemens: Proposed legislation to fund the police patrols through the end of the fiscal year and to open City Hall bathrooms immediately; urged advocacy at state/federal level, warning that cuts to Medicaid/food stamps will worsen the crisis. - Alderman O'Brien: Supported opening City Hall bathrooms but noted they were closed for security reasons; advocated for patience and a comprehensive plan; mentioned the opioid settlement money should help. - Alderman Clee: Revealed ongoing discussions with police about the issue; noted that patrol cars are visible but boots on the ground are needed; acknowledged that simply pushing homeless to other areas is not a solution without housing; called for regional and state coordination. - Alderman Wilshire: Expressed sadness that communication broke down; emphasized that aldermen-at-large are available to listen. - Economic Development Director Liz Hanum: Provided cost estimates: police patrols $500,000 annually (4 full-time staff); clean team $300,000–$400,000 annually; Portland Loos $125,000–$165,000 each plus utilities (3–4 month lead time). Noted City Hall bathrooms are open 5 p.m. only, leaving 15 hours uncovered; issues peak at evening/night. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on funding or specific measures. - Aldermen committed to: (1) pursuing legislation to continue the police patrol pilot beyond two months, (2) exploring opening City Hall bathrooms during evening hours, (3) obtaining quotes for Portland Loos and identifying funding sources. - The police department already initiated a two-month pilot with two officers on duty from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. - The meeting highlighted the need for a coordinated response involving police, public health, nonprofits, business owners, and state/federal partners. - Several aldermen urged business owners and residents to contact their state and federal representatives about funding and policy changes. - The meeting adjourned with a motion by Alderman Clemens, seconded and approved.