Nashua Anti-Panhandling Proposal Up for Another Vote

NASHUA, NH — The Nashua Board of Aldermen next week will vote again on a controversial anti-panhandling law.

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The proposed law is being championed by Alderman Michael Soucy, who argued it will make city streets safer for drivers and pedestrians. He claims homeless people can often be seen downtown and near the Pheasant Lane Mall asking drivers for handouts—creating dangerous situations.

Aldermen approved the law by an 8-7 vote in October but Mayor Donalee Lozeau vetoed it, arguing the law isn’t the right solution.

“(The anti-panhandling law) will not eliminate panhandling,” Lozeau wrote in her veto statement. “I believe we should continue to work to connect people in need with the right resources thereby reducing the practice of panhandling across the city.”

That didn’t deter Soucy, who revised his proposed law, which would now prohibit anyone from standing on streets and accepting items from drivers.

The board could vote on the revised law at its next meeting Tuesday.

Photo credit: kinglasher13 via Flickr