Land trust holds annual meeting

Having achieved remarkable success in providing affordable housing to low and moderate income singles and families over the past several years, the Laconia Area Community Land Trust, Inc. (LACLT) has no intentions of slowing down.

“We have 64 additional units in the pipeline for the coming year,” said Bob Reals Jr., LACLT’s Housing Development Director, who joined the organization this past year. While waiting last evening for the start of the group’s annual meeting at the Belknap Mill, Reals spoke passionately about LACLT’s mission to provide quality, affordable, energy efficient housing.

“We’re using the latest technology to minimize utility costs,” he said, explaining that the newly developed units at the old Mechanic Street School will use less energy for heat than for hot water.

Having built an inventory of 104 “permanently affordable” housing units in Laconia since its inception in 1992, the Land Trust has been lauded for its accomplishments, earning a multitude of awards over the years, including in 2006 the Business Excellence Award in the Non-Profit Category by NH Business Review; the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award from the National Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition; Honorable Mention in the Rural Housing Category for its Millview housing complex on Union Avenue; the Corporate Soul Award presented by the Belknap County Economic Development Council for its deep commitment to the essence of community and its work with families and children; an award for Excellence in Urban Redevelopment by the Laconia Planning Board for the Millview housing complex; and the Greater Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce Golden Hammer Award for the Millview housing complex.

Laconia Mayor Matt Lahey, in addressing the annual meeting, recalled how the Land Trust began its work in the community at the same time he was first elected to a seat on Laconia City Council. “I want to thank you for all of the good work and service you bring to the city,” Lahey told the group. “Citizenship is doing something good for the community, and that’s how I see the Laconia Land Trust.”

Newly elected Board Chair Patty Pike took time to compliment departing Chair Robert Curtis, Vice Chair Denise Hubbard, and long-time board member Peter Brothers. “Under your tenure and leadership, LACLT has realized remarkable growth and achievements,” she noted. “With your leadership and strategic planning, LACLT has strengthened its organizational capacity and health, developed new initiatives, created numerous partnerships, delivered programs of recognized excellence, and created permanent assets.”

Pike observed that the Land Trust's combined net assets have increased 280-percent, from $5 million to $13 million during their tenure. In the coming year, an additional $5.3 million will be added as Maple Hill Acres, a 32 unit project in Belmont, is constructed.

Matt Leahy, project director for U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, read a letter from the senator congratulating the Land Trust for its success, And Claira Monier, Executive Director of the NH Housing Authority, praised the organization for having played a vital role in helping to improve the city’s housing stock.

“The Lakes Region desperately needs affordable housing,” she said, pointing out that over the past few decades the economy has moved from being manufacturing based to service based. “That’s created a need for below market rents.”

Although the Land Trust is a non-profit organization that could be exempted from paying property taxes, both Pike and Curtis pointed out that it remains committed to contributing tax dollars to the community. “LACLT will pay its 1 millionth tax dollar this December,” Pike said.

Joining Pike in being elected officers were Nancy LeRoy, Vice Chair; Stephan Nix, Treasurer; and Karen Gallant, Secretary. In addition, Ellen Castro, Carol Bickford, Kim Cedarstrom and Elaine Miller were elected to the board of directors.

Next Friday at 1 p.m., LACLT will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Mechanic Street development, its latest project to be completed in Laconia. It's also proceeding with a plan to construct a 32 unit complex in Meredith.