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Descant · 03-31-2024, 02:22 PM

I rem ember "urban renewal" in the 60's and 70's, not just in Laconia. But there really wasn't much vision. Relying on a few weeks of tourism doesn't build an economy with year round jobs. Yes, we need workforce housing, but that doesn't bring in growth type jobs or businesses. Urban renewal in Laconia upgraded the downtown, but the growth went to the Belknap Mall. Tilton and in the other direction, McIntyre Circle. If you're going for the "party" plan start with a huge convention center that can function year round. Something easily convertible to a casino. The State School would be ideal, but make it 100% commercial and forget about mixed use. Golf, perhaps. People that vote for networks of hiking trails don't spend money.

03-31-2024, 02:22 PM	#171
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,055 Thanks: 1,219 Thanked 1,527 Times in 988 Posts	I rem ember "urban renewal" in the 60's and 70's, not just in Laconia. But there really wasn't much vision. Relying on a few weeks of tourism doesn't build an economy with year round jobs. Yes, we need workforce housing, but that doesn't bring in growth type jobs or businesses. Urban renewal in Laconia upgraded the downtown, but the growth went to the Belknap Mall. Tilton and in the other direction, McIntyre Circle. If you're going for the "party" plan start with a huge convention center that can function year round. Something easily convertible to a casino. The State School would be ideal, but make it 100% commercial and forget about mixed use. Golf, perhaps. People that vote for networks of hiking trails don't spend money.