Public speakers urge Nashua aldermen not to table gap‑analysis on homelessness; board ultimately tables resolution

Multiple residents urged the Board of Aldermen to reject indefinite postponement of R‑26‑049, a proposed homeless‑service gap analysis, arguing the city needs immediate remedies as well as analysis.

“Repealing the survival bans will not result in another large encampment,” Eve Arnold said during public comment, urging aldermen to oppose tabling and to support Alderman Gregg’s proposed gap study. Ben Heaney, who also spoke during public comment, told the board that the ordinance banning survival behaviors has harmed residents and that “we were frustrated because after we spoke at the ballot boxes and removed members who supported the bans, the ordinances remained in effect.” Both asked the board to keep the gap analysis moving rather than pushing it aside.

Aldermen discussed timing and whether a 90‑day study would delay work on a resource center and other operational responses. Some members argued the analysis could bring needed stakeholders together; others said it risked halting progress on near‑term resource‑center plans. Chair recognized a motion to table the resolution; the motion for indefinite postponement carried after a voice vote and associated procedural steps. There was no formal roll call published in the transcript for the final tabling line, but the board followed parliamentary procedure to adopt the postponement.

Why it matters: Residents framed this as an urgent humanitarian and policy issue; the board’s decision to table the gap‑analysis resolution shifts how and where the city will pursue both study and immediate shelter planning.