Graham, Donna
From: Lori Breen
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2022 11:31 AM
To: Board of Aldermen
Ce: Lopez, Thomas; Wilshire, Lori
Subject: Downtown Barriers
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unknown.
Dear Board of Alderman,
| am writing in opposition of the proposal to install concrete barriers for expanded outdoor dining for
the next three years. I've been a citizen of Nashua for most of my life and | take pride in my
community. This decision, at minimum, should not be rushed into without taking the time to ensure a
true compromise is reached for everyone; restaurant owners, retail establishments, and members of
the public. Even if outdoor dining has the support of the city, this version of the proposal has not
been adequately discussed. The City should want all downtown businesses to succeed - this feels
like only a select, hand-picked few have been chosen and that simply is not right.
The first year the concrete barriers where installed, | understood that it was extraordinary times that
required extraordinary measures and | wrongly assumed it was a one-time occurrence. When the
barriers were installed last year, | honestly wasn't pleased, nor did | support them being there for a
number of reasons.
1) The City spent a lot of money (tax payer's money) improving Nashua's downtown and the barriers
ruin those improvements - they make downtown look awful.
2) The congestion created by the installation of these barriers is significant. Main Street has two
lanes for traffic in each direction for a reason; the barriers create significant bottlenecks - try getting to
the hospital from the other end of Main St. Don't expect that short distance to quick trip - not for the
citizens of Nashua, the general public, or emergency vehicles. It shouldn't take as long as it does in
Boston, especially since we don't live in Boston.
3) The exhaust fumes that linger while you are waiting in traffic during the hot summer are significant
and uncomfortable, as well as unhealthy.
4) When barriers are in place, there is truly next to no available parking.
5) Navigating downtown becomes unmanageable and often unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclist.
To reiterate my position, | am opposed to installing concrete barriers, particularly for the next three
years and | strongly request you vote against the proposal. If you are not prepared to vote against it
today, | am asking you NOT to rush this decision through without first taking the time to reach a real
compromise for all businesses and every citizen of Nashua.
Thank you for serving our City and doing what is in the best interest of all of us, not just a select few.
Sincerely,
