Nashua Homeless Encampment Relocation From Railroad Tracks Continues

NASHUA, NH — The relocation of the homeless encampments, and clearing of the areas adjacent to railroad tracks continues in downtown Nashua.

The city of Nashua notified people who had encampments along the CSX rail that they would be removed in October. The people were asked to relocate their belongings to a field next to an unused park and ride that was about half a mile away. Residents and businesses in the neighborhoods surrounding the park and ride were caught off guard and unaware of the relocation efforts.

In walking along the railroad area, which runs parallel to Temple Street, more than three dozen encampments could be seen before the relocation efforts began. Many of the encampments appeared to be collapsed and unoccupied, others were occupied by people who said they had been there for months.

After the deadline for relocation approached, about a dozen people relocated their belongings and set up tents and temporary structures in the newly designated area. In the first week of the relocation, a resident on Chase Street allegedly confronted a homeless woman and was accused of firing a gun in the area.

In late October, many people at the new location were transported by private vehicles to Motel 6 on Spit Brook Road. Sources indicated that people who were in addiction recovery or had previous addiction issues had the opportunity for hotel rooms that were paid for using funds from the city or state.

After a short time, some people relocated to the hotel and returned to the encampment.

This week, contractors for CSX worked on removing brush and encampments on the sides of the CSX tracks where no trespassing signs had been posted. Firefighters from the Nashua Fire could be seen walking along the tracks with the contractor at one point. Sources indicate some of the area directly along the river is owned by Eversource, and Eversource contractors will clear those areas.

An aerial view shows several piles of materials left behind after the clearing of the brush. Crews prepared to deal with Haz-mat materials will work to remove these items and properly dispose of them.

The process of clearing the areas around the CSX tracks will take several weeks. Once the areas are cleared, it will allow CSX and their contractors to do repairs and upgrades to the tracks.

At this time, there is no information available on when the project is expected to be completed.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news