Nashua Officials Demand State Support for Former Daniel Webster College Property Acquisition
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess and local officials are advocating for state funding to purchase the former Daniel Webster College property, a 53-acre site bought by Chinese investors in 2017 for nearly $12 million. The property, located near Boire Field, the Pennichuck water supply, and defense contractor BAE Systems, has raised security concerns among residents.
Donchess, alongside state Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, is requesting $20 million from the state for housing development on the site, citing a less than 1% apartment vacancy rate. However, Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Regina Birdsell, have opposed this request, attributing the situation to earlier decisions by Nashua City Hall. Alderman Michael O'Brien criticized the state's treatment of Nashua, emphasizing that the city generates significant revenue for the state but receives inadequate support in return.
