GOV Board of Aldermen 9 22 2026

The Nashua Board of Aldermen meeting on September 22, 2026, focused heavily on discussions around the Elm Street Middle School site redevelopment, including housing priorities and the preservation and renovation of the Keefe Auditorium. The mayor emphasized a compromise approach to enable housing development while retaining the possibility of auditorium improvements funded through a combination of TIF revenues, sale proceeds, and fundraising. The Keefe Auditorium Commission presented detailed renovation options ranging from $18 million to $55 million, highlighting phased funding and operational models involving nonprofit management. Concerns were raised about fundraising feasibility, project timelines, and community impact, with no immediate bonding but plans for future public hearings. Additionally, the board considered multiple bond authorizations totaling tens of millions for wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer infrastructure, solid waste equipment, public pools, library renovations, fire station improvements, and a new public works garage. Several resolutions were assigned to budget and public works committees with public hearings scheduled. The meeting also included a contentious vote on a 7% wastewater rate increase, which passed 9-3 amid concerns about financial impacts on residents. Overall, the meeting addressed significant capital improvement projects, funding strategies, and procurement planning for Nashua's infrastructure and community facilities.