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Project Update # 6: Nashua Code Week
Reflecting on Code Week
May 31, 2024
Nashua re-CODE: Code Week in Review
From May 6-10, Nashua residents, community leaders, and city planners gathered to discuss refinements to the current city zoning ordinances. This effort aims to create a more livable, accessible, and vibrant city. The updates to the zoning code will implement recommendations from the Imagine Nashua Master Plan.
Code Week began with a series of open sessions and activities, engaging participants in meaningful dialogue about the city’s development needs. Residents shared their ideas on urban design improvements, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and better access to community amenities. The collaborative environment fostered innovative thinking and community-driven solutions.
During the interactive workshops, participants could view the proposed changes and provide input on draft zoning updates. These sessions allowed for real-time feedback and adjustments, ensuring that the proposed changes truly reflect the community’s needs and aspirations.
The week concluded with a presentation showcasing the collective efforts, providing a comprehensive overview of the proposed zoning updates and their potential impact on Nashua’s neighborhoods. The updated zoning map takes a more fine-grained approach than the current zoning map, better accounting for the existing neighborhood fabric in Nashua. A proposed update to Nashua's ADU policy aims to allow ADUs in all residential zoning districts, making it easier for homeowners to add small living spaces like backyard cottages or in-law suites.
Looking ahead, the full first draft of the revised zoning code will be completed in the fall. At that point, Nashua re-CODE will host workshops to gather additional public input, ensuring community voices continue shaping the final code.
We invite you to view the Code Week gallery page to learn more about the event and see the highlights of our collective efforts. Your involvement is crucial as we continue to work towards a brighter future for Nashua.
Project Update # 5: Nashua Code Week
Code Week is Coming!
April 29, 2024
Interested in Nashua’s Future? Take Part in Nashua Code Week — May 6 through 10
Your voice. Your city. Building a better Nashua — together.
It’s your chance to shape Nashua’s future.
We’re calling on the Nashua community to join us for Nashua Code Week. Featuring a series of interactive sessions during the week of May 6-10, Code Week is your opportunity to share thoughts on what you love about Nashua — and what you’d love to change.
Make Plans to Participate: Nashua Code Week Calendar and for more information visit nashuarecode.com
From housing and community spaces to commercial redevelopment and business district redevelopment, Code Week workshops are your opportunity to listen, learn, and offer your hopes and dreams for Nashau’s future. Join fellow residents, community leaders, and planners to make sure your voice and your vision are shared — and heard.
As you look over the calendar below, It’s important to keep one thing in mind: Nashua Code Week is for you. Because you live and work in Nashua every day, these sessions are designed to gather your input on what’s working, and where changes can make a meaningful difference. So take a close look at the schedule — and get ready to get involved!
Code Week Kick-off Workshop
We’re making a new zoning map for the city! Let's collaborate and shape the future together!
What it is: Join us for an exploration of zoning districts, building type identification, and transformational area design to guide our city's development.
Why it matters: This session will provide lots of helpful background on the Nashua re-CODE project — giving you a chance to learn, share, and ask questions.
Monday, May 6, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Location: 3rd Floor Auditorium, City Hall
Workshop 1: Commercial Redevelopment
Let's envision the future of our city together!
What it is: In this session, we’ll explore targeted redevelopment strategies and neighborhood revitalization plans. We’ll consider new zoning districts and make decisions about development concepts aimed at creating walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.
Why it matters: Life is easier and more enjoyable when you have access to the essentials and services you need, when and where you need them. This session invites your feedback on the location and intensity of commercial redevelopment and how your community’s design can better meet your needs.
Tuesday, May 7, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Hunt Memorial Library
Workshop 2: Enhancing Housing Options
Let's shape a more inclusive and sustainable housing future for Nashua together!
What it is: During this session, we’ll discuss opportunities to enhance housing options in Nashua. Where does housing go? What kind of housing? What form should it take?
Why it matters: If you’re concerned about housing, this is the session for you. Join the discussion on how we can encourage housing for all through new innovative zoning approaches, and explore amendment options to the City’s accessory dwelling unit and Inclusionary Zoning policies.
Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Nashua Public Library Theater
Workshop 3: Redeveloping Downtown
Let’s revitalize downtown Nashua together!
What it is: This session will take a close look at Downtown revitalization opportunities by exploring various redevelopment incentives and regulatory tools. We’ll explore density and height, design and use, public space and how to get around.
Why it matters: By examining examples of undesirable development elsewhere, we'll collectively strategize on ways to avoid pitfalls and foster sustainable growth in our urban center.
Wednesday, May 8th, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location: Hunt Memorial Library
Workshop 4: Redeveloping Post-Industrial Areas
Let’s support industry where it’s working — and reshape it where it’s not!
What it is: Join us as we delve into the future of post-industrial areas within our city.
Why it matters: This session provides the opportunity to weigh in on which zones should remain industrial — and which ones should transition into vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where the community can connect.
Wednesday, May 8th, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Hunt Memorial Library
Closing Presentation + Code Party
Zoning is FUN!
What it is: After a week of co-creating Nashua’s new zoning code, we’ll be presenting a new zoning map, draft codes, and key policy moves that will move Nashua toward its community development goals.
Why it matters: This is your chance to see and add your input in real-time. You’ll find code sheets hung up on the walls and plenty of red pens to offer constructive feedback. Team members — including city staff — will be available to answer your questions and hear your comments and concerns.
Friday, May 10th, 2024, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Location: MakeIt Labs
Nashua is your city, and Code Week is your chance to impact policy decisions that will shape its future. With information and discussion events planned for residents of all ages, it’s an opportunity you and your family won’t want to miss.
If you’re unable to attend the scheduled events — we still want to hear from you. Drop by the Code Week studio at Hunt Memorial Library at your convenience or take the survey at nashuarecode.com. We’ll be in the studio Monday, May 6th through Friday, May 10th from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Project Update # 4: Nashua Vision Week
Vision Week Recap
April 23, 2024
West Hollis St Existing Condition
West Hollis St Conceptual Sketch
To see more sketches of ideas generated during vision week, visit the Vision Week Gallery page.
With a successful Vision Week behind us — and Code Week just around the corner — Nashua re-CODE is picking up steam!
In March of 2024, residents of Nashua’s Amherst Street and Tree Street neighborhood joined community leaders and planners to take part in Vision Week. Designed as a kickoff for the first stage of Nashua’s ambitious re-CODE project, participants shared their vision of a brighter future for Nashua.
The week began with a number of open informational sessions and activities designed to engage dialogue on what people like about their city — and about their hopes for improvements that will make their neighborhoods more accessible, livable, and vibrant.
Vision Week culminated in a presentation and gallery walk showcasing the collective efforts and ideas generated during the sessions. To view this work, visit the Vision Week Gallery page. While residents from both Amherst and Tree Streets shared ideas specific to their neighborhoods, there were clear similarities in the input received, resulting in a number of common threads.
Both neighborhoods expressed ideas calling for changes to both areas’ urban design, focusing on daily needs, access to services, and increased opportunity for community interaction. By strategically placing amenities like parks, community centers, and community establishments within walking distance, the shared visions aspired to create vibrant and cohesive neighborhood hubs.
Another focal point for both study areas was the reimagination of street infrastructure to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit while balancing vehicular traffic. Intersection improvements, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures were common suggestions. To optimize near-term impacts, Vision Week participants embraced “Tactical Urbanism” demonstration project strategies designed to test temporary interventions and gather community feedback before implementing permanent changes.
The team also explored opportunities for housing developments, green spaces, and civic amenities, aiming to create inclusive and attractive environments for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Participants also encouraged actions to leverage and improve access to existing assets, including the rail trail and Mine Falls Park.
Overall, Nashua Vision Week showcased a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to urban planning, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, sustainable design, and space creation to enhance the quality of everyday life. Going forward, the ideas and feedback gathered during this event will serve as a foundation for efforts to shape the future of these neighborhoods into thriving, connected, and livable communities.
The findings and proposals from this visioning work will play a crucial role in informing the upcoming updates to the citywide zoning code. We invite everyone to participate in the next event, Code Week, scheduled for May 6-10, where we'll delve deeper into these discussions and seek input for shaping the future Nashua.
Nashua re-CODE Continues: Join us for Nashual Code Week
Nashua is your city, and Code Week is your next chance to help shape its future. With information and discussion events planned for residents of all ages, it’s an opportunity you and your family won’t want to miss.
For more information on Nashua re-CODE and Code Week, click here to visit the home page.
Project Update # 3: Nashua Vision Week
Nashua Vision Week is Here!
March 11, 2024
With events scheduled throughout the week of March 11 through 16, Nashua Vision Week officially kicks off the next phase in Nashua’s re-CODE project.
If you’re a resident of Nashua’s Amherst Street or Tree Streets neighborhoods, this week is your chance to share your thoughts on what’s working in Nashua — and what you’d like to change as we design new zoning codes and move toward the future.
What is Vision Week?
During Vision Week, we’ll begin the process of transforming Nashua’s comprehensive plan into zoning codes — beginning with Amherst Street and Tree Street neighborhoods. To ensure the new zoning code serves the needs and aspirations of the community, we’ll be working with Principle Group, a New England-based planning and design firm, to gather input from the city’s citizens to understand and form a clear vision for Nashua’s future.
So take a look at this week’s event schedule (see below) and seize the opportunity to learn more — and to share your thoughts. And if you have an idea outside of the scheduled events, feel free to stop by the studio at Hunt Memorial Library anytime Monday through Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm.
Here’s the full Vision Week schedule:
Kick Off Workshop. During this workshop, we’ll share details on the code development process — and invite your input on Nashua’s past, present and future.
Amherst Street, Monday, March 11 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ City Hall, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Thursday, March 14 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ City Hall, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Codes & Coffee. During this casual forum, you’ll have the chance to meet with the people tasked with developing Nashua’s new zoning code. Bring your questions and ideas.
Amherst Street & Tree Streets Neighborhoods, Saturday, March 16 from 10:00am - 12:00pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Community Builders & Leaders Meeting. These sessions welcome community leaders to meet with the code development team to share insights, ask questions, and ensure community voices are heard.
Amherst Street, Tuesday, March 12 from 10:00am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 10:00am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Shop Owners & Businesses Meeting. Join local business owners to share your concerns and hopes for Nashua’s future development — and the codes that will shape it.
Amherst Street, Tuesday, March 12 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 5:30 - 6:30pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Kids of Tree Streets. This session is just for kids — and just for fun. A great opportunity to introduce the youngest members of the neighborhood to city planning.
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 2:30pm - 4:00 pm, Meet @ Nashua PAL facility at 52 Ash Street
Historic District Walking Tour. Join longtime planner, Scott McPhie from the City’s Planning Department, for a walking tour to learn about the history of Nashua’s neighborhoods.
Nashua Historic District, Friday, March 15 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
All-Ages City Scavenger Hunt.
Amherst Street and Tree Streets Neighborhoods, Friday, March 15 from 10:30am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Why should you participate in Vision Week?
Nashua is your city, and Vision Week is your chance to help shape its future. With events planned for residents of all ages, it’s an opportunity you and your family won’t want to miss.
For more information on Nashua re-CODE and Vision Week, click here to visit the project home page.
Project Update # 2: Nashua Vision Week
Nashua Vision Week is Coming Up Soon!
March 7, 2024
The Nashua re-CODE project is underway. Take part in special Nashua Vision Week Projects from March 11 through 16 — and share your thoughts on the future of Nashua’s neighborhoods.
Nashua’s re-CODE project gets underway during Vision Week — with a series of events scheduled throughout the week of March 11 through March 16th. During Vision Week, residents of Amherst Street and Tree Streets neighborhoods will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on what they love about Nashua, and about the changes they’d like to see for the future.
What is Vision Week?
During Vision Week, we’ll begin the process of transforming Nashua’s comprehensive plan into zoning codes — beginning with Amherst Street and Tree Street neighborhoods. To ensure the new zoning code serves the needs and aspirations of the community, we’ll be working with Principle Group, a New England-based planning and design firm, to gather input from the city’s citizens to understand and form a clear vision for Nashua’s future.
From March 11 through 16, Principle’s Vision Week activities will include a series of public forums designed to invite neighborhood-specific input from the residents of both Amherst Street and Tree Street residents — and you’re encouraged to take part. These forums include:
Kick Off Workshop. During this workshop, we’ll share details on the code development process — and invite your input on Nashua’s past, present and future.
Amherst Street, Monday, March 11 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ City Hall, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Thursday, March 14 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ City Hall, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Codes & Coffee. During this casual forum, you’ll have the chance to meet with the people tasked with developing Nashua’s new zoning code. Bring your questions and ideas.
Amherst Street & Tree Streets Neighborhoods, Saturday, March 16 from 10:00am - 12:00pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Community Builders & Leaders Meeting. These sessions welcome community leaders to meet with the code development team to share insights, ask questions, and ensure community voices are heard.
Amherst Street, Tuesday, March 12 from 10:00am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 10:00am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Shop Owners & Businesses Meeting. Join local business owners to share your concerns and hopes for Nashua’s future development — and the codes that will shape it.
Amherst Street, Tuesday, March 12 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 5:30 - 6:30pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Kids of Tree Streets. This session is just for kids — and just for fun. A great opportunity to introduce the youngest members of the neighborhood to city planning.
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 2:30pm - 4:00 pm, Meet @ Nashua PAL facility at 52 Ash Street
Historic District Walking Tour. Join longtime planner, Scott McPhie from the City’s Planning Department, for a walking tour to learn about the history of Nashua’s neighborhoods.
Nashua Historic District, Friday, March 15 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
All-Ages City Scavenger Hunt.
Amherst Street and Tree Streets Neighborhoods, Friday, March 15 from 10:30am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Why should you participate in Vision Week?
Nashua is your city, and Vision Week is your chance to help shape its future. With events planned for residents of all ages, it’s an opportunity you and your family won’t want to miss.
For more information on Nashua re-CODE and Vision Week, click here to visit the project home page.
Project Update # 1: Nashua Vision Week
Join us for Vision Week — and Share Your Vision for Nashua’s Future
February 28, 2024
March 11-16 is Nashua Vision Week — the time to make your mark on the zoning, investment, and development that will shape the future of your Nashua neighborhoods
Over the course of the next several months, the City of Nashua will begin the process of transforming the recently published comprehensive plan into zoning codes — beginning with Amherst Street and Tree Street neighborhoods. To ensure the new zoning code serves the needs and aspirations of the community, we’ll be working with Principle Group, a New England-based planning and design firm, to gather input from the city’s citizens to understand and form a clear vision for Nashua’s future.
What is Vision Week?
Vision Week marks the beginning of the Nashua Re-CODE project, and the first opportunity for residents of Amherst Street and Tree Streets neighborhoods to share their thoughts on Nashua’s current pros and cons — and on how it might look and feel in the future. And while most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about zoning codes, citizen input is critical to ensure that zoning codes reflect their views.
City codes are developed to accomplish two very important objectives. First, codes must be deliberately designed to define the vision of what kind of growth communities want. Second, codes must provide clear, equitable guidance for development — paving the way for investors to propose and create neighborhood assets that make sustainable economic sense.
Once city codes are adopted they have lasting impacts to neighborhoods. Because of their longevity, it’s absolutely critical that they effectively reflect the community’s vision for the future. Vision Week enables residents to express their concerns and aspirations for their neighborhood, ensuring that they’re reflected in the codes that will control development for decades to come.
What happens during Vision Week?
During Vision Week, Principle will host a series of public forums designed to invite neighborhood-specific input from the residents of both Amherst Street and Tree Street residents. These forums include:
Kick Off Workshop. During this workshop, we’ll share details on the code development process — and invite your input on Nashua’s past, present and future.
Amherst Street, Monday, March 11 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ City Hall, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Thursday, March 14 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ City Hall, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Codes & Coffee. During this casual forum, you’ll have the chance to meet with the people tasked with developing Nashua’s new zoning code. Bring your questions and ideas.
Amherst Street & Tree Streets Neighborhoods, Saturday, March 16 from 10:00am - 12:00pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Community Builders & Leaders Meeting. These sessions welcome community leaders to meet with the code development team to share insights, ask questions, and ensure community voices are heard.
Amherst Street, Tuesday, March 12 from 10:00am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 10:00am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Shop Owners & Businesses Meeting. Join local business owners to share your concerns and hopes for Nashua’s future development — and the codes that will shape it.
Amherst Street, Tuesday, March 12 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 5:30 - 6:30pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Kids of Tree Streets. This session is just for kids — and just for fun. A great opportunity to introduce the youngest members of the neighborhood to city planning.
Tree Streets Neighborhood, Friday, March 15 from 2:30pm - 4:00 pm, Meet @ Nashua PAL facility at 52 Ash Street
Historic District Walking Tour. Join longtime planner, Scott McPhie from the City’s Planning Department, for a walking tour to learn about the history of Nashua’s neighborhoods.
Nashua Historic District, Friday, March 15 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
All-Ages City Scavenger Hunt.
Amherst Street and Tree Streets Neighborhoods, Friday, March 15 from 10:30am - 11:00am, Meet @ Hunt Memorial Library
Why should you participate in Vision Week?
Nashua is your city. You know the strengths and shortcomings of your neighborhood. You know what you want for yourself and your family. And you care about the impacts that will shape Nashua’s future. Vision week gives you the opportunity to share your hopes, fears, and aspirations for the city — and the neighborhoods — you call home.
In short, your participation will help preserve the things you love about Nashua today, and will help build the Nashua you hope to see in the future.
For more information on Nashua re-CODE and Vision Week, click here to visit the project home page.