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Put project on hold

Long has the Nashua Performing Arts Center been a dream. Prior to the pandemic – and even recently – that dream has started to materialize, bit by bit.

The $23-plus million project has the potential to transform downtown Nashua and make it a destination for all of New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.

Since COVID-19 hit, the project has chugged along; however, with fundraising on hold, the dream has faded slightly.

Last week, officials reported the project was on track, and announced design changes that would allow for an approximately 4-foot overhang on West Pearl Street. In addition, committees still are meeting and chipping away at what is certainly a long to-do list.

That said, we at The Telegraph wonder if – given the current situation – it is wise to continue moving forward on this project.

We have long supported a Performing Arts Center in downtown Nashua – and will continue to do so; however, given the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, we think it would be wise for officials to put the entire project on pause.

The pandemic is far from over, and with uncertain economic times stretching out for what could be years, officials should err on the side of caution and table the matter – for now.