Governor Ignores Legislature
Moves Ahead With Plans To Quickly Sell Former State School Property
Acting against a 2017 legislative effort to develop a comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of the former Laconia State School property, the state’s executive branch is seeking out a buyer for the 213-acre property that includes 27 buildings. The Department of Administrative Services has advertised an “as-is” sale to unload the property as quickly as possible.
The legislature created the Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission to take a measured approach similar to the planning for the former Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth. The panel has been working toward a comprehensive mixed-use development that would include housing.
Mayor Andrew Hosmer opposes the quick sale, which could result in development of the land along North Main Street without making good use of the rest of the property.
Governor Chris Sununu had added language to an addendum of the state budget which gave the executive branch sweeping authority to dispose of the property.
Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission Chair George Bald said the group will continue doing its work to develop a comprehensive plan that would attract developers. “[The Department of Administrative Services] is doing what the governor is telling it to do, and we’re going to continue doing what the Legislature has told us to do,” Bald told the Laconia Daily Sun.
Details Of ‘Soft’ Infrastructure Plan Released
Democrats have released the full text of their “safe” infrastructure proposal that includes $726 billion for universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, child care, and two years of tuition-free community college, among other things; $198 billion for “clean” electricity and related spending; and $37 billion to electrify the federal vehicle fleet and federal buildings, as well as improving cybersecurity infrastructure and better border management.
Other provisions of the plan include $135 billion for conservation, drought, and forestry programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions and preventing wildfires, including funding for a Civilian Climate Corps.
They plan to pass the bill through reconciliation, a process that requires only a majority vote in Congress.
Declassifying 9/11 Information
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Department of Justice has pledged to conduct a fresh review of the files with the possibility of publicly releasing information on the alleged role of Saudi government officials in the attacks.
A group of 9/11 survivors, first responders, and victims’ family members have been seeking more information about the attacks, and they have told President Joe Biden that they do not want any memorial events unless the government releases the information.
In response, the president said, “As I promised during my campaign, my Administration is committed to ensuring the maximum degree of transparency under the law, and to adhering to the rigorous guidance issued during the Obama-Biden Administration on the invocation of the state secrets privilege.”
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