NASHUA — While neighbors of the Four Hills Landfill are torn on whether the city should acquire three parcels of adjacent land, most agree they do not want the area to be commercialized.

Aldermen initially tabled discussions about the potential purchase of the three tracts of land along West Hollis Street several months ago, but they are now planning to revisit the proposal on Tuesday.

This week, an information meeting was held in Ward 5, seeking thoughts from residents who may be affected by the future purchase of 836, 844 and 848 West Hollis St. for $650,000.

“I’ve heard a lot of great ideas,” said resident Wanda Kennerson. “But I certainly don’t want commercial there.”

Ward 3 Alderman Diane Sheehan described the nearby landfill as a 300-acre eyesore. She supports purchasing the land from the two homeowners who lived there before the dump was built.

“To me, it is remediating and making whole what we have done to these people,” said Sheehan. She stressed that only commercial offers have been made on the properties, and neighbors are intent on keeping the area zoned as primarily residential space.

Not everyone agrees that purchasing the three parcels is a wise investment for the city.

Paula Johnson, a former alderman, argued that without any formal, long-term plans for the properties, the city should hold off on any acquisitions.

While the possibility of consolidating four public works facilities on the property has been floated, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau previously asked aldermen to separate the two projects and focus solely on the requested $650,000 acquisition.

“I want a plan on what we are going to do,” said Johnson. “Give us a plan — that is all we are asking for. … We are tired of the city just spending our money.”

Ward 5 alderman Mike Tabacsko explained that a $15 million consolidation of the public works facilities could take place without the city purchasing these three properties. Still, he stressed that there is no plan for the site because nothing will be done with the property in the short term.

“Its value, at $650,000, is worth it alone,” Lozeau told the crowd of about 50 residents gathered at Main Dunstable Elementary School for the meeting. She explained that it can be used as a buffer between the landfill and nearby homes, or help with the flow of traffic entering and exiting the landfill.

Lozeau has already drafted a purchase and sale agreement with the Docos Family Revocable Trust of 2009 and Robert and Gail Brown to buy the properties. The purchase and sale agreement was written up in February, but has not yet been authorized by the board of aldermen.

Local resident Mike Gallagher said he does not want West Hollis Street to become a commercial zone, but questioned why the city is trying to make a major land deal with a whirlwind of ideas instead of a formal plan.

“I am hopeful that we can prevent a development on that corner that we don’t want,” said Lozeau, explaining that Tedeschi Foods previously tried to build a store on the property but it was rejected by the planning board. A similar proposal will likely happen again, she said, adding that businesses could legally fight the city and potentially win if they really want to develop there.

“I would like to see the whole plan before I can commit taxpayer dollars,” said Alderman-at-Large James Donchess. If neighbors want to keep the area residential, Donchess said that by putting the city’s public works garage at the site, it will virtually guarantee that the location will become commercial.

“It would be a city-owned commercial facility. That is a stronger case than they have now, so I am not sure how well this has been thought out,” said Donchess.

- - - - - - - -

Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.