i Sacanay & = CGarpounaisl
Caring for Our Community Since 1900
Dear members of the Committee on Infrastructure and Nashua Board of Aldermen, | am writing to you
regarding the installation of barriers for the purpose of extended dining. Our company along with those
who signed the previously forwarded petition including many businesses and customers are vehemently
against the proposed extension of Jersey barriers on Main Street. We ALL are extremely supportive of
our restaurants and the continuation of traditional, pre-pandemic, outdoor seating. For the following
reasons the barriers should not be restored next spring.
First, as a business owner | am very concerned at the harm the barriers are doing while not creating the
alleged benefit we have been told about. We typicaily have over a hundred customers a day and we are
a non-seasonal business. When the barriers went up we noticed a considerable drop off in both regular
customer visits and walk in traffic. Our turns on inventory have dropped significantly. This leads to an
increase in holding costs while having cash flow tied up for longer periods of time. Both issues most
businesses strictly avoid.
Second, the Jersey barriers detract from the beauty of downtown Nashua. They are certainly not
creating a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere. From 8AM Monday morning to 6PM Friday night
downtown Nashua looks tike a ghost town only worse due to Jersey barriers lining the streets. For a few
hours Friday and Saturday nights there appears to be more interest, however, it does not seem to
require the expansion of tables onto the streets. The downtown appeal is lost with extensive traffic
backups. In general, our customers say they tend to avoid the downtown area if possible. Ona regular
basis we would be asked for lunch or dinner recommendations. Now our customers just want to be on
their way and visit areas with better traffic flow and parking.
Third, there is ample space to continue with traditional outside dining on the sidewalks. Most, if not ail,
of the local businesses and residents support and enjoy the plentiful sidewalk dining experience. Having
parking next to the sidewaiks actually creates a great buffer for those sidewalk tables. Much better than
sitting directly next to a travel lane with truck noise, exhaust fumes, and loud music.
Finally, there ought to be a better system in place to explore future infrastructure changes in the
downtown area. The pull the proverbial cart before the horse is just not working. A committee could be
formed to create new spaces downtown that still provides store front parking, traditional outside dining,
social spaces for a casual get together and more. All of which would be a complement to the new
performing arts center. Yet we cannot continue with the barricades in place.
As a steward of an over 120 year ald business on Main Street, | respectfully ask you to permanently
remove the barriers.
Respectfully,
Derick Anderson, PharmD
Owner
129 Main Street * Nashua, New Hampshire 03060 + (603) 882-9733 » Fax (603) 882-9734
