Kenney optimistic about State School sale at chamber annual meeting

MEREDITH — Executive Councilor Joe Kenney assured members of the Lakes Region Chamber that the State School property sale was still set to close, despite the most recent delay, at the chamber's annual meeting Tuesday afternoon.

Kenney, who represents District 1 which includes Laconia, said the lender who planned to fund the project pulled out of the deal after the process took too long. The closing was scheduled for March 13.

“So we got to the last meeting and they say, 'Everything’s great except one thing: the lending company that we were working with, time’s run out and they no longer want to be a part of the project,'” Kenney said. 

The developer, Robynne Alexander of Legacy at Laconia, has come to a letter of agreement with a new lender, Kenney said. 

The group also heard from outgoing Lakes Region Chamber board Chair Ted Fodero, of Meredith Insurance, who said the chamber has grown 7% over the previous year and now has 535 members. 

“It doesn’t matter what your industry is or what business you are in, support is key. Support from like minded people, like all of you, can help you to find success,” Fodero said. “The Lakes Region Chamber should be viewed as your business partner. It is a valuable tool providing many resources that we all tap into.”

During the meeting, held at Church Landing, New board officers for 2024 were recognized. Dirk Nadon, of Lakes Media, is the new chair. Don St. Gelais, of Lakes Region Airport Shuttle, is first vice chair. Connor O’Neill, of Wescott Law, will be second vice chair. Chris Dickinson, of Northway Bank, will be treasurer and Grace McNamara, of Lakes Region Public Access TV, will be secretary. Marci DeCarli, community affairs director at Concord Regional Hospital, and Taylor Laro, marketing and customer experience officer at Bank of New Hampshire, also joined the board. 

“We have three dedicated individuals that are stepping off the board this year. I’d like to ask each of them to join Ted and I up here,” Nadon said. “Each of you brings a unique perspective from your own businesses, your industry sectors and your communities.”

Lisa Byers, Penny Raby and Adam Hirshan were celebrated for service on the board.

The board named winners of the Business Inspiration Awards, given to businesses which invested in new construction, renovation or sustainability projects completed in 2023. 

“We recognize these businesses for not only their investments, but the impact that it makes on our local economy,” Nadon said. “Each project is unique and we are grateful for you.”

Award recipients included The New Hampshire Boat Museum; 51 Elm Street; WORK Lakes Region; MedCheck Urgent Care; Axe & Ale Taphouse; Bonnette, Page & Stone; Smitty’s GameLAB; Four Your Eyes Only; Interlakes Family Dental; and 70 North.

Despite the delay, Kenney remains hopeful about the closing for one of the Lakes Region's largest developments.

“So we had to go into the Wednesday meeting and get an explanation from the developer, who’s now working with a new lender,” Kenney said. “So that lender, they have an agreement, I guess they call it kind of a letter of agreement that both parties will work through there so they’ll lend them the money.”

Kenney said Gov. Chris Sununu wants confirmation of the sale moving forward by the first week in April.

“But with that said, everything is positive right now. We’re on track to sell this property,” Kenney said. “I think it’s going to be a boon once it is sold and they develop the property. It’s going to have a lot of major economic impact for the area.”

The property, which was once a residential school for people with intellectual disabilities, is slated to be redeveloped to include workforce and market-rate housing, assisted living and health care housing, Kenney said. It’s planned to include 750 units.

“As you know, there are many mothball buildings there. It has a wonderful history which we want to capture on the new development plan,” he said. “But we found out there’s a lot of different intricacies about this property that it would take a special developer to want to take on this property.”

But the sale will likely happen one way or another, even if it means finding another buyer, Kenney said. 

“Here’s the great thing: all of the work that the Lakeshore Redevelopment Commission has done for five years, all the assessment of the soil, of the historic value, of the easements, all that’s done,” he said. “So anybody can walk in and have a project right in front of them. Not only that, but the state has done all its due diligence.”

Kenney said he’s confident the development will become a reality. 

“If this development team doesn’t take it, we’re gonna have many other people that want to take it, so something positive is gonna happen on this site,” he said. 

The development, although complicated, could bring great benefits to the city, he noted. 

“Put this back on the tax roll, so they can start collecting taxes for the City of Laconia, create some jobs, meet some of the housing challenge,” he said. “I’d like to see a child care center there, because I think child care is very important.”