It was more than 15 years ago but the reporter's comments still ring in my ears.
I had just started working for the Laconia Citizen, just beginning to grasp the complex task of telling to people the daily story of how their communities developed. What happened at local board meetings, school group gathering, public business forums, etc., was often tedious.
But this was an honorable task.
So as much as I could, I tried to learn from the more seasoned reporters.
And I clearly remember the day one came into the newsroom after his first view of the land now known popularly as the "Laconia State School Property" - the hundreds of acres that had formerly housed the Laconia State School for “retarded” people under the state’s care.
"Man, what a view," the reporter said, taking off his coat. "There's nothing like it I've ever seen in the Lakes Region... It should be turned into some kind of private resort or something. A golf course. It would be worth millions. It would bring in millions of dollars of taxpayers money."
The remarks echoed in my head again this week with the news that the state-owned property may soon be in the hands of Laconia. Elected state officials in Concord appear to be moving closer and closer to letting the Lake City buy the land for its approximate currently appraised cost of about $2.16-million. The City Council has already approved the figure.
But a question remains.
If Laconia buys the land, what should be done with it?
Some folks say it shouldn’t even consider taking the land – that there's already too much "tax-exempt" property in Laconia and there are environmental clean-up issues at the old school that could cost additional millions to resolve.
“If the $2.16-million is such a good price why hasn't a private developer expressed interest in the land,” one asked in a recent public letter.
Others talk about turning huge acreage into some kind of recreational center or even a nature preserve.
Still other folks see the huge parcel on the north end as perhaps Laconia's last and best chance to manage its development.
“If the city decides wisely, the Laconia State School property could become an engine for our economy that attracts young professionals to Laconia, increases surrounding property values and contributes to the revitalization of downtown," one resident wrote. Without that involvement, an independent developer could build a project that has negative long-term impacts on the city and the region, he adds.
It's not hard to see how a municipally based project can have a positive impact on a community. Just look at Baltimore's seaport area or the tourism town of Cape May, NJ. Both were severely depressed before the communities sought improvements.
And it's just as easy to identify government-led projects that ended up costing millions and screwing up major redevelopment. Who’s old enough to remember the demolition of Boston's old Scully Square and the horrid Government Plaza area that replaced it? Or many of the federal Urban Renewal Projects – including the local one that nearly demolished the Historic Belknap Mill?
But what may be most important about what evolves with the old state school land is not just the local impact but the unique opportunity it provides for all of the towns around Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Opechee, etc.
The Lakes Region is no longer a group of small towns loosely connected by common themes and history. It is now a multi-faceted, interconnected entity. And its future – for good or for bad – is shared.
The reality is that Laconia - as the "big brother" in the family - has a unique place and responsibility.
So when the serious discussions begin – and sometime soon, we hope – make sure there's room around the table for everyone: local political, business and educational leaders, as well as knowledgeable representatives from Meredith, Gilford, Belmont - even Wolfeboro and Center Harbor.
Some decisions will be made.
Let's pray they're wise ones for all the Lakes Region.
