UPDATE: City officials in Nashua are voicing strong discontent with state lawmakers after an unsuccessful bid for funding to acquire the long-vacant former Daniel Webster College property. Mayor Jim Donchess returned from a meeting with the Senate Finance Committee, where he sought $20 million to enable the city to purchase the 53-acre site, which has been largely unused since its sale to Chinese investors for nearly $12 million in 2017.
The former college campus, located just yards from Boire Field, Nashua’s airport, raises significant security concerns due to its proximity to vital infrastructure such as the Pennichuck water supply and defense contractor BAE Systems. With a less than 1% vacancy rate for apartments in the city, the need for housing development on the site is increasingly urgent.
During the meeting, Donchess was accompanied by state Senator Cindy Rosenwald, who emphasized the importance of state support. “We need to act now to secure this property for future development,” said Donchess, highlighting the skyrocketing value of single-family homes in the area.
However, the response from state Senate Republicans was less than supportive. Senate Majority Leader Regina Birdsell criticized the request, stating, “I don’t think the state should be asking the rest of New Hampshire residents to pay for this.” Birdsell placed the blame squarely on Nashua City Hall for the initial sale to foreign entities.
“Does a state senator who represents New Hampshire really think that Nashua City Hall could block a sale in the private market?” Donchess argued, expressing frustration over the lack of state support.
Prominent Nashua Alderman Michael O’Brien Sr. backed Donchess, calling the situation shameful and urging residents to pay attention during state elections. “About 75% of the income generated for the state comes from the Greater Nashua area,” O’Brien noted, advocating for a fairer distribution of resources.
The tension underscores a broader conflict over resource allocation between Nashua and the state government. As local officials push for development to address housing shortages, the lack of state funding leaves them in a precarious position.
As Nashua residents await further developments, the pressure mounts for state lawmakers to reconsider their stance. What happens next could significantly impact the city’s future and its ability to provide adequate housing for its growing population.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to voice their concerns and engage in upcoming discussions surrounding this critical issue.
