Board of Aldermen — 9/12/17 Page 9
wave of revolutionaries bringing brick and mortar shops back to downtown. They’ve been an excellent addition
to the fabulous ones that we already have from Fresh, to Designworks, to Myoptic, and anyone else that I’ve
forgotten. | can only speak for myself, however, | feel that the performing arts center would be a huge draw to
Nashua and the downtown area. It could breathe new life into the city and a time when arts programs are
being pushed aside, reduced, or cut completely in so many places nationwide, let Nashua step forward. Let
Nashua show our youth that the arts are not only alive in our city but are supported and nurtured. That having
a passion and love for creating is at the core of both business and the arts. Pass the performing arts center
this evening and help create the ripple that has the potential to become a tidal wave for change in Nashua and
other small communities. Thank you.
Dave Tencza, 10 Monica Drive
Thank you very much. Dave Tenza — 10 Monica Drive, Ward 8 here in Nashua. | appreciate the chance to
speak in favor of this project. | really think this project is about the future of Nashua which is | think what
everyone has been saying here tonight. | have two children. They've involved in lots of activities here in the
city. They benefit from the sports programs. They benefit from the great parks and recreation area we have
here in Nashua and | see this arts center as an investment akin to those investments that this Board has
already made. The reason | say that is because this summer my two kids fell in love with the program that
they have over at the Palace Theater. They went once a week to see the shows that they have that are
specifically for younger kids. They’re quick shows but they love them. Every week they look forward to them.
Every week my wife took them out to eat in Manchester. One thing that | am afraid that we’re teaching my kids
is that if they want to go to a show, if they want to go have some culture, they have to go to Manchester, or
they have to go to Concord. | think building this arts center having it down here would be a great signal to
them that Nashua is a great place to live. There’s a lot for them to do. It’s a place that they want to grow up
and stay as they get older.
| think the other thing about the program up in Manchester is that every time they would go during the day,
there were groups from the various camps, different programs. So this arts center is not just going to benefit
people who can afford to buy tickets. It’s going to benefit youth in the city, a lot of collateral groups. It’s going
to have a lot of collateral benefits that maybe are not going to be discussed tonight and we can’t even think of
but certainly it is an important message to send.
Finally just as far as the future of downtown, the future of the city is concerned, its vote is being taken tonight. |
heard one of the speakers before say this was looked into 30 years ago. The city cannot wait another 30 years
to develop a project like this. We have an opportunity now. We have an opportunity in a parcel of land that
may never become available again. Tonight's the night to vote on this and | ask that you support this measure.
Thank you.
Lisa Bissonnette
Thank you. I’m reading a letter on behalf of Meri Goyette. She’s at 63 Forest Park Drive in Nashua. “As
someone who’s been passionate in the arts in the City of Nashua and has played a significant role in
leadership, advancing and honoring the arts in the city, | believe that this is the time for the community to
support and create a performing arts center that will not only help our community to thrive but will also provide
a pivotal commitment that the arts play in our community. This decision to support the performing arts center
did not come quickly or easily for me despite my passion for supporting all things cultural in my city but after
much soul searching, | believe that this is the time for people to come together to support the performing arts
center in the downtown. The key word is “together” to describe Nashua. Thank you. Meri Goyette”.
Eileen Beckhardt Freedom, 42 Raymond Street
Good evening. | actually was never intending to speak but | do feel very passionately about this program
project. I’ve lived in Nashua since 1974. | was a long-time teacher at Elm Street Junior High School and up
until just recently, | owned Beckonings on Main Street for 15 years. | have a pretty good sense of what a
wonderful city we have and what a better city we could have. | feel that we have this opportunity. When
