The shaded area depicts the 13-acre "Barker Forest," the name given to the land that surrounds the former Barker residence at 15 Bartlett Avenue and abuts Greeley Park.

NASHUA — The Board of Aldermen finished off the 2020-21 term last week by tabling a resolution that called for the appropriation of $2.5 million in bonds for the city to purchase the so-called Barker Forest adjacent to Greeley Park, then passing an amended version that simply authorizes the mayor to negotiate with the sellers to purchase the property.

The buyer who was interested in the property, a Massachusetts-based developer who proposed constructing a sizeable, upscale condo complex on the property, has since withdrawn his proposal and is no longer pursuing the property.

The full board was present, either in person or via Zoom, for the final meeting of the term, which concluded with some members bidding farewell to their colleagues and others looking forward to the start of the next term, which begins with Inauguration Day on Sunday, Jan. 9.

The program begins at noon in the auditorium of Nashua High School North, 8 Titan Way. Facemasks will be mandatory. The program will be broadcast on Nashua CTV.

The amended resolution, after a period of discussion, passed on a 10-4-1 vote, the abstention being alderman at large David Tencza, who works in the same law office as an attorney who is representing neighbors of the property.

Voting “no” were alderman at large Michael O’Brien Sr., Ward 2 alderman Rick Dowd, Ward 7 alderwoman June Caron and Ward 6 alderwoman Elizabeth Lu.

Two other ordinances that were dealt with at the final meeting both passed on 15-0 votes.

One of them has to do with the realignment of the city’s ward boundaries, which is required under the city charter. The descriptions of the changes in boundaries can be found at www.nashuanh.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6959.

The other ordinance, titled “Inclusionary Zoning,” is aimed at creating more affordable housing in the city. Details can be found at www.nashuanh.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6957.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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