Residents raise property dispute, ICE concerns, and ideas for economic development during public comment

Several residents used the public-comment period to press the Council on separate issues. Richard Mason, a condo owner on Weirs Boulevard, said a neighbor is building a house six feet from his property on a taller footprint than the prior building and that the construction "is going to impact the value of his home." Mason said he has spoken with planning and code staff and the building inspector advised him to "get a lawyer;" Manager Beattie told the Council he has met with Mason, contacted the city attorney and is looking for work to be done to remove the permit if appropriate. Councilor Conant said he inspected the property and "something definitely doesn’t look right." Council asked staff to compile a timeline of permitting and hearings for the property.

Lisa Morin (Ward 2) expressed concerns about ICE and asked whether federal immigration enforcement is operating in Laconia and what the city proposes to do, saying she was worried about giving up constitutional rights. Doug Robinson (Ward 5) congratulated newly elected officials but urged honesty and transparency, questioned whether unanimous votes indicate independent thinking, and urged the city to develop an economic plan tied to the state school redevelopment and master plan. Gregg Hough (Ward 2) recommended exploring ways to increase revenue from the Colonial Theater — suggesting the venue be booked more frequently, including regional competitions and recitals, with potential revenue from ticket surcharges, concessions and merchandise sales to help cover its debt.