Shaping Our Future: Nashua Region 2030
NRPC's Regional Plan
The Nashua Region has experienced 40 years of rapid growth, driven in large part by our high quality of life. With the challenges of this additional growth comes the opportunities to make this region an even better place to live. The Regional Planning process will help to ensure that the Nashua Region’s high quality of life is maintained for years to come.
NRPC took a five step approach to its regional planning process.
1. Where does the region stand & where is it going in the next 20 years?
To begin answering this question, NRPC conducted a Region-wide Buildout Impact Analysis in 2005 and studied various growth trends in the region. The results of this research and analysis were presented in a variety of forums to communities across the region.
2. What are the most important issues facing us in the next 20 years?
Shaping Our Future: Nashua Region 2030 kicked-off early in 2007 when the NRPC asked citizens to identify the most important issues facing the region in the next 20 years. Click here for a summary of public input on the issues.
3. Which of these issues can we impact as a region?
NRPC’s Commissioners then defined these issues more narrowly, placing special emphasis on those we could impact as a region.
4. What strategies could be used to address these issues?
In November of 2007, NRPC invited community leaders, experts in the field, and interested citizens to participate in a series of forums and provide additional feedback on how best to address these issues at the regional level. Forums were held on the topics of Energy & Green Building, Water Resources, and Transportation. Click here for a summary from the forums.
5. How can we work together to implement these strategies?
NRPC continues to develop policies and build programs around the goal of working in partnerships to implement the strategies that have emerged during the regional planning process.
Background
In 2005, NRPC conducted a study analyzing maximum buildout conditions and anticipated impacts. This study was completed for each community and then aggregated to produce region-wide results. The goal of this analysis is to provide policy makers and the public with information needed to make informed choices regarding the future growth of the region.
What is Buildout?
“Buildout” is a theoretical condition that exists when all available land suitable for residential and nonresidential construction has been developed. Within the set parameters, buildout represents the carrying capacity of an area, community, or region. By examining development requirements, past development patterns, and an inventory of developable space, a community can produce an estimate of the type and amount of future growth it can expect.
The Analysis Process
Using GIS, NRPC determined the total number of acres in each community that would be developed at buildout. Next, a population at buildout was derived based on current land use and household patterns. This population was then used to determine the impact of buildout on a number of areas, including: students, water demand, solid waste, traffic, emergency services, and housing.
Documents
Region-wide Buildout Impact Analysis ~ final report
Buildout Analysis by Community
Buildout Fact Sheet
Buildout Footprint Map
New Lots at Buildout
Project Poster
Final Presentation
Over the past 40 years, the Nashua Region has been part of a growth wave stemming from the metropolitan Boston area. The greatest increases in population density occurred in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, though the region is still facing development pressure today.
Documents
Growth Trends Presentation*
Growth Trends Animation*
Growth Trends Fact Sheet
*These documents require a Flash Player to view. If your computer does not have Flash already, click here to download it for free.
Links
Nashua Regional Planning Commission
9 Executive Park Drive, Suite 201
Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone ~ 603.424.2240 | Fax ~ 603.424.2230