NASHUA — Proposed funding for downtown sidewalk improvements has created a storm of questions from some Nashua aldermen who would like to see a detailed and comprehensive plan before any additional money is allocated.

This week, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau responded to those concerns, saying she hopes to present a comprehensive sidewalk plan to the Board of Aldermen this month, possibly on July 23.

During an aldermanic Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, board members were asked to approve a contract award in the amount of $20,000 for the purchase and installation of sidewalk curbing along Main Street.

The recommendation was approved, but Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly did not support the vote, saying aldermen have been “disregarded” in the downtown sidewalk project. Pressly is also interested in revisiting architectural work already completed on the newly designed Main Street Bridge walkway.

“There are many flaws in it,” Pressly told the mayor, alleging it is not properly centered.

“That is your opinion,” Lozeau told Pressly, adding that the city has department staff skilled in sidewalk design. The mayor disagreed with Pressly's claim that aldermen have been disregarded in the project, but confirmed that she would provide the board with detailed information in the coming weeks. Just last month during budget deliberations, the aldermanic Budget Review Committee originally eliminated $250,000 from the proposed budget that was reserved for economic development and downtown sidewalk improvements.

However, after pleas from several downtown business owners to reconsider the funding, the committee essentially reversed its decision and restored the money.

At the time, Alderman-at-Large James Donchess noted a provision in the city charter that gives the Board of Public Works jurisdiction over streets and sidewalk work.

“I don't think the public understands the transition of power or authority that has taken place,” said Donchess, claiming major decisions such as downtown improvements are now the responsibility of the public works department.

Donchess argued that the public expects aldermen to have authority over large ticket projects such as a major downtown sidewalk plan, but that is not occurring.

“It diminishes the responsibility and the importance of this governing board to be spending money before it is formally introduced,” agreed Pressly, explaining the best way to deal with it is through the Board of Aldermen.

It is the city's intention to complete the Main Street Bridge sidewalk work and repair sidewalks up to Water Street on the west side and up to Park Street on the east side, in addition to the path from West Pearl Street to City Hall, according to Lozeau, stressing the Main Street Bridge sidewalk work was presented to aldermen more than a year ago.

“It is our intention to continue the work we are trying to start down there,” she told city officials last month. Along with the repaired sidewalks, the downtown improvement plan also includes new trash cans, park benches, street lights, parking meters and newspaper honor boxes.

Several downtown business owners attended a recent meeting to discuss the downtown, maintaining that the space should be revitalized and restored.

“The sidewalk is in dire need of repair,” said Marylou Blaisdell of DesignWares in Nashua. “It is a matter of safety at this point.”

Chris Williams, president of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, said the downtown needs to remain vibrant. He presented city officials with letters from downtown business owners encouraging support of funding for downtown improvements.

khoughton@newstote.com