Up to $6M sought to help develop State School property

LACONIA — A bipartisan effort is underway to provide $1 million in state money per year for six years to redevelop 200 acres of state-owned land that was formerly home to the Laconia State School.

State Rep. Peter Spanos, R-Laconia, said Monday at the Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission meeting that he and Republican Sens. Chuck Morse and Harold French and GOP Rep. Frank Tilton have signed on as sponsors of a legislative service request for a bill containing the funding.

Democrats who have signed on are Reps. Patricia Lovejoy, David Huot and Charlie St. Clair.

The money would help support the authority that will be the successor to the commission now charged with planning economic development for the site.

“The good news is, I was able to get six co-sponsors, three Republican and three Democrats,” Spanos said. “Regardless of which way the pendulum swings next year, an election year, I think that puts this particular piece of legislation in good stead.”

Development anticipated for the site include a sports complex, homes, a hotel, a health and wellness center and agricultural uses.

The state money would be matched with grant money to pay for the $12 million worth of roads, water service and other infrastructure necessary to make the land suitable for development.

A second bill to be considered by the Legislature will contain a proposal to end the commission in favor of a new organization, the Lakes Region Development Authority, that would eventually transfer the property into private ownership so that it could be developed. Revenue from those transactions could help defray the state’s investment.

The land is located at Meredith Center Road and North Main Street near Ahern State Park. 

Commission Chairman George Bald said Monday there have been initial discussions with the state Division of Parks and Recreation about upgrading Ahearn Park, which borders on Lake Winnisquam.

“Parks would like to develop it a little bit more and have it be a much nicer place for families to be able to go,” Bald said.

New neighborhoods that are likely to take shape on the former State School property should also bring more people to the park, he said. Trails through those neighborhoods could bring people to the park.

Chris Gamache, public trails chief for the state, said he has had some discussions with commission members about possible improvements at the park.

"The goal would be to make a gem of a property a better asset to the citizens," he said.

Possible improvements could include installing rest rooms, having an attendant on duty, improving beach management and maintenance.

It's also possible that, if improvements are made, a day-use fee could be imposed on those who use the park, which is now free, he said.