URGENT UPDATE: New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has officially requested a review by the state’s attorney general regarding a controversial sale of a property in Nashua to a major Chinese company. This development comes as questions loom over the $67 million purchase of an empty warehouse at 80 Northwest Boulevard, a deal reported to be four times higher than its assessed value of $15 million.
The warehouse was acquired by Nongfu Spring, China’s largest water packaging supplier, prompting concerns about foreign ownership of New Hampshire property. Governor Ayotte expressed her worries, stating, “We don’t want the Chinese Communist Party owning property in New Hampshire at all.” She emphasizes the need for transparency, calling for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this significant purchase.
The sale, first reported by News 9 Investigates earlier this month, raises alarms within the local government. The mayor of Nashua claims that under the Sununu administration, the state’s Division of Economic Development facilitated the introduction of Nongfu Spring to the area, a claim that has heightened scrutiny on the transaction.
Ayotte’s request for an investigation comes amid a backdrop of rising tensions over foreign investments in U.S. properties. “I decided to ask the attorney general to do a full examination of the facts and circumstances of this purchase and what the purchase was made for and how this came about,” Ayotte explained.
Officials from the Division of Economic Development have voiced their support for the review but are limited in their comments due to the ongoing investigation. They, too, are concerned about the implications of allowing foreign entities to acquire significant assets within the state.
As this story develops, residents and officials alike are left wondering what the implications of such a sale could mean for the local economy and security. The governor’s call for scrutiny reflects a growing sentiment among New Hampshire residents who are wary of foreign influence.
Next Steps: The attorney general’s office is expected to respond to the governor’s request shortly. Residents are urged to stay informed as this critical investigation unfolds.
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