The Department of Public Works has officially begun the pre-demolition process at the former Nancy Loud School, following a recent decision by City Council.

In accordance with best practices and with approval from the NH Department of Environmental Services, the team has spent the past few weeks safely mitigating a small amount of asbestos located in two roofs and the cupola.

The demolition is tentatively scheduled to begin in the first week of November and is expected to be completed by the end of the month. During this time, Public Works advises all residents to avoid the immediate area for their safety.

At a neighborhood listening session in November 2023, attendees overwhelmingly advocated to replace the existing playground and maintain the parcel as a public park.

The Rochester Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager, will host a second listening session in November to gather additional input from neighbors regarding the new playground and future park design.

Details on the upcoming listening session are forthcoming and will be shared on the city’s website, www.rochesternh.gov, and The Rochester Post, news.rochesternh.gov.

For questions regarding the new public park and playground, contact the Recreation Department at (603) 332-4120. For concerns related to the demolition, contact Public Works at (603) 332-4096.