Gregg Hough: Housing 'crisis' is excuse to expand government programs

To The Daily Sun,

My opponent, Bob Soucy, wrote about a “housing crisis” in Laconia. But the numbers tell a different story.

Laconia’s population has held steady for decades, hovering around 16,000 to 17,000 people since the 1970s. We’re not seeing explosive growth. In fact, other towns in Belknap County have more land and fewer people. Belmont has 30 square miles of land with only 7,300 residents. Meredith has 40 square miles and just 6,600 residents. Gilford has nearly 39 square miles with 7,700 people.

Laconia, by comparison, covers about 20 square miles with 17,000 residents. That makes us more compact, yes, but hardly in crisis. That framing opens the door to costly projects, grant-driven developments, and programs that expand government obligations far beyond what taxpayers expect or can afford.

So, we should ask: why is Councilor Soucy pushing this “crisis” narrative? The facts don’t support it. Our population is stable. Our density is higher than our neighbors, roughly 850 people per square mile. Whereas towns like Gilford have about 198 people per square mile. Laconia does not need to destroy itself with overcrowding and unnecessary over development. Our city is beautiful, but it won’t be if we cram in another 6,000, 8,000, 10,000 people.

Before we rush into expensive commitments, let’s demand evidence, not rhetoric. Laconia residents deserve a clear explanation: is there really a crisis, or just a political story being told to justify decisions? There is plenty of room in our neighboring towns, and they too have our central New Hampshire beauty and charm.

We all put up with tourist season and breathe a sigh of relief when life reverts to the locals. Imagine tourist season year ‘round. That’s not what Laconia is or has ever been. We must choose wisely in the November city elections.

Gregg Hough

Laconia