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Tri-party lease, $4'$5M budget and a 40-year term under negotiation for Seminary Hill childcare center
Summary
Lebanon staff said the Boys & Girls Club, the SAU and the city are negotiating a tri-party lease for a Seminary Hill childcare center; about $3 million is committed toward an estimated $4'$5 million cost, leaving roughly $1 million unsecured. A 40-year lease term is requested and timelines for grant applications are tight.
City staff reported that negotiations are underway for a proposed childcare center at Seminary Hill involving a three‑party lease among the city, the local school administrative unit (SAU) and the Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire.
The City Manager said the project is a "tri‑party negotiation on a lease," and estimated total development and site costs at roughly $4 million to $5 million. He said the project currently has "a little over $3,000,000 committed" and that "there's still about $1,000,000 in unsecured funds." The manager cited financing pieces that are already in place, including a congressionally directed spending (CDS) earmark secured by Congresswoman Custer, Northern Border funding, CDFA tax credits and a grant from the Burn Foundation.
The Boys & Girls Club has requested a 40‑year lease to support long‑term operations, the manager said, and the SAU has tentatively agreed in principle to a similar term. The manager added that the club is expected to be responsible for fundraising, building and operating the facility.
Commissioners asked about site plans and who is preparing them; the manager identified architect Frank Anzalone and said he has been working with the Boys & Girls Club to address concerns from the city and the school board. Commissioners also raised equity and land‑use questions: Commissioner Laurie Key said she is "a little... skeptical" about whether the trade of green space in West Lebanon offers a fair financial return to residents and asked whether residents were fully informed about lease economics.
City staff said timing is a practical concern: several grant application deadlines and elements of the funding stack have to align or the project could be delayed by a year or longer. The manager characterized the effort as "a work in progress" and said negotiations continue daily.
Next steps: staff will continue lease negotiations with the SAU and Boys & Girls Club, refine site plans with the project architect and pursue remaining funding. No formal vote by the commission was recorded on June 24; commissioners signaled they expect future updates as the parties resolve outstanding terms.
