Graham, Donna
From: MaryRose Dowling McMahon Gentes edit Salaanna.
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2022 5:33PM
To: Board of Aldermen; Jette, Ernest
Subject: Downtown Barriers
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unknown.
Good Afternoon!
I am emailing today regarding the use of downtown barriers on Main Street. I urge you all to please vote
against this!
I would like to introduce myself (I am a lifelong resident of Nashua, born and raised):
Mary Dowling-McMahon
17 Delaware Road
Nashua, NH 03062
| have seen a lot of growth and evolution in the city in my life and for the most part have agreed with the
majority, however, I cannot support these barriers any longer. Not only are the barriers an eyesore (despite
being painted), the use of taxpayer money/space; in parking spaces/lanes is outrageous. While at the height of
the Pandemic I could support this but not now.
Not to mention the safety of ail of Nashua Citizens with Main Street being 2 lanes? It is my understanding that
the NPD and NFD have weighed in on this and spoke against it and this is a HUGE safety concern from both
NPD and NFD!
Beyond that: I have handicap placards issued from the State of New Hampshire for a walking
disability! During a non barrier time it is hard enough for me to find parking downtown close enough to where
I needed to visit. Are there days I can walk a bit longer, yes, but most days NO! Why is the handicap parking
not accessible? Why do these barriers prevent parking of Handicap? This is very disturbing . . . In fact last year
during a social event (I was gathered with friends for a going away party for | participant, an Alderman was in
attendance--FAR from Main Street but still in Nashua), I had the opportunity to speak to an alderman and this
issue came up and he advised me to park at Elm Street Garage and walk??? Even after I let him know I had
handicap tags for a walking disability... I was very upset and dang near told him off, to be honest, but I
refrained--very disrespectful as a City of Nashua Representative to say that to a handicap person! Holy
Smokes! If] could walk that far from ESPG to let's say Martha's as an example, why would I need Handicap
tags? I could go on and on about the folks walking their dogs and dog fights ensuing down the middle of the
expanded area, the extra folks walking through who are smoking or when dining being placed against said
barrieres with exhaust, loud car music and other extras going on. At least prior to the barriers there was a line
of cars parked minimal distarations and roped off.
All these downtown Main Street restaurants, because that is what this is all about, survived for how many years
prior to COVID with their then outside dining designation? This is just about the restaurants and nothing
more! This is very much not keeping all businesses in mind that operate on Main Street.
