Committee approves R26-046 to release right-of-way for RFP aimed at multimodal connections

The Nashua Board of Aldermen Infrastructure Committee voted July 22 to authorize staff to dispose of an approximately 4-acre linear right-of-way near Veterans Memorial Parkway through a request-for-proposals process under resolution R26-046. Committee members heard from Matt Sullivan, community development director, who said the parcel sits north of Veterans Memorial Parkway adjacent to the Mohawk tannery remediation area and could be used to create a multimodal pathway and improve pedestrian and bicycle connections to Mine Falls and downtown.

Sullivan told the committee the city’s objective is to issue an RFP that could both support redevelopment opportunity and allow land-protection options. He said the site’s configuration includes a wetland that divides potential developable pockets and constrains access; any redevelopment would be subject to existing zoning and the full planning-board and public-review process.

Alderman Richard Dowd asked whether new curb cuts onto Veterans Memorial Parkway would be permitted. Sullivan said additional curb cuts are not the preferred access and would require a developer to demonstrate through traffic study and design that a curb cut could be safely accommodated and meet federal, state and city approvals. He noted the tannery off-site plans call for a blinking (flashing) signal initially with the capability to convert to a full signal if later traffic volumes require it.

Committee members also pressed staff on how proceeds from any sale would be split among partnering agencies. Sullivan said the city is still working to understand the exact proceeds disposition with Federal Highway and other partners and offered to return with details. He repeated that the underlying zoning (RC, residential) would control permitted uses and that wetlands or buffer impacts would trigger conservation commission and zoning-board review.

The chair called for a voice vote on R26-046; members signified their assent and the motion carried. The committee recorded no amendments and asked staff to bring back any clarifying information about proceeds and access requirements.