Commission may guide State School property

LACONIA — The former Laconia State School property may have a commission similar to that which led the redevelopment of Pease Air Force Base as an economic powerhouse on New Hampshire’s Seacoast guiding its future development.

New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem) said Tuesday that the Senate Finance Committee recommended an amendment to HB 340 should pass, which would establish the Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission to re-evaluate the Laconia State School property and move forward with redevelopment plans.

This legislation also repeals the current statute requiring the state to sell the property, which has long been unsuccessful.

“I am pleased by the Senate Finance Committee’s support on this proposal, enlisting the support of the community of Laconia to work on a solution aimed at economic development that will benefit the entire region,” said Morse.

The nine-member commission would have three members with either real estate or business experience appointed by the governor and Council, one member appointed by the Belknap County Commission with business experience, two members appointed by the mayor and City Council of Laconia, one member with business experience appointed by the Speaker of the House, one member with business experience appointed by the Senate president and a chairperson appointed by the governor.

The commission will be charged with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the property and formulating a plan for potential alternative uses, including a change of ownership, as well as formulating recommendations regarding each existing building. It will also look at partnership models and agency structures, including a state authority similar to the Pease Development Authority.

“The former Pease Development Authority Commission that helped to redevelop and grow the seacoast’s economy served as the model for the Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission outlined in this legislation,” said Morse.

The amendment empowers the commission to name a coordinator, who will be the chief executive officer of the commission. It also makes a capital appropriation of $115,000 for use in employing a consultant with real estate or business experience to possible sale of the property and an appropriation of $250,000 for the commission to carry out its duties.

“This new commission offers both a great opportunity and the resources needed for community leaders to work together with the state, including the Legislature and governor, to produce a plan for future use of the Laconia State School property.” said Morse.

He added “New members of this commission will have experience in business and real estate development and will be encouraged to introduce new ideas and proposals to be brought forward for the future of the Laconia State School property as a self-sustaining economic driver that will bring businesses and good jobs to the Lakes Region.”

Laconia Mayor Ed Engler praised passage of the amendment. “I commend Senator Morse for leading the way to taking an economic development-centered approach to the future of the former State School property. Who actually owns the property is not as important as what the owner plans to do with it and the Senate president clearly sees its potential as an economic driver for Laconia, Belknap County and the state.”