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Residents back $81,000 Downtown TIF landscaping plan; council approves funding
Summary
Citizens spoke in favor of an $81,000 downtown landscaping and maintenance package proposed by the Downtown TIF Advisory Board; the council approved the request and noted the district balance is roughly $7.45 million.
The Laconia City Council approved a Downtown TIF Advisory Board proposal to spend $81,000 on downtown landscaping, window boxes and maintenance at its March 10 meeting after a public hearing.
Why it matters: The council action directs funds toward visible downtown improvements — plantings, window boxes built by local trade students, and maintenance of parks and pedestrian areas — and commits TIF resources rather than general fund dollars.
At the public hearing resident Warren Clement of Old North Main Street said he supported the project and described plans to focus on Stewart Park, Rotary Park and other downtown areas. Patrick Wood of Shore Drive, Ward 1, also spoke in favor, saying, “I’m very much in favor of this,” and urged beautification as a signal of community pride.
City staff and the project proponents told councilors that the TIF balance currently stands at $7,446,689.99 and that the $81,000 would include both installation and an annual maintenance plan. The Special Events Review Commission previously approved the boardwalk concert logistics that will use the same receptacles as vendors.
The motion to approve the TIF funding was recorded in the minutes as unanimous (6–0 in favor). Council members noted an anonymous letter about the proposal had been received but said the application and project plan were vetted by the advisory board and planning staff.
Ending: With council approval, Parks and Recreation and project organizers will finalize installation and maintenance schedules ahead of the summer season.
