LRCD Welcomes New Board MembersWe are pleased to announce the addition of Shannon Casey of Laconia, Steven Dwyer of Moultonborough, Leslie McEvoy of Laconia, and Tate Miller of Laconia to LRCD’s Board of Directors. The Board provides leadership for carrying out the organization’s mission to create affordable housing and empower LRCD’s tenants to achieve economic security. “The unique backgrounds and perspectives of these four new board members will enhance LRCD’s efforts to create more affordable housing in the Lakes Region,” said Lisa Mure of Holderness, who serves as the Chair of LRCD’s Board. First Congregational Church Wolfeboro Offers Match for NH Gives! L to R: Members of the First Congregational Church UCC of Wolfeboro on a visit to the Harriman Hill Phase III site. Faith in Action (FIA) committee member Joyce Chandler Smith, Carmen Lorentz of LRCD, FIA member Bruce McCracken; Pastor Dawn Adams: and FIA member Elissa Paquette. During NH Gives June 9-10, LRCD seeks to raise the rest of the money needed to buy all the appliances for Harriman Hill III in Wolfeboro, where construction will wrap up this summer. To date, we have raised $34,000 toward our $57,000 goal. Members of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Wolfeboro voted recently to share a portion of pledged benevolence funds to help LRCD with this effort. All donations received between now and 9AM on June 9 up to $1,900 will be matched by the First Congregational Church! “It is a privilege and an honor to pass along our commitments and gifts to LRCD to help finish Harriman Hill III,” said Pastor Dawn Adams. “We are happy to welcome new neighbors to the community in this way, and we pray that other people in the area will join us in helping to create new homes for people who need them.” LRCD to Host HOMEteam Seminar in May
Laconia First-Time Homebuyer Seminar Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 193 Court St, Laconia $69 Registration – get $40 off with promo code “Laconia40” Registration fee includes:
Thank you, Children’s Fund! We are grateful to all the volunteers who work hard year-round to raise money for the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Fund. The Fund has been a critical source of support for our efforts to create and operate affordable housing for hundreds of Lakes Region families every year.  Doug Morrissette, Chair of the Fund, and Larry Poliquin, Vice Chair, pose for a grant award photo on March 5th with Kara LaSalle, Real Estate Development Director at LRCD. Legacy Giving: |
 | We are pleased to add a new section to our newsletter where we hear directly from our Resident Services Team about what is happening in their world. In this installment, Melissa Shadden-Cyr shares information about how the new work requirements for food stamps are impacting LRCD tenants. Click here to read more. |
Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund
Good news! LRCD recently received a grant from the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund to help replenish our Good Neighbor Fund, which provides LRCD tenants in crisis with much-needed financial support to maintain housing stability.
The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund makes grants to tax-exempt organizations without regard to religious affiliation for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs. The Fund is operated by the Bishop of Manchester and a volunteer board of lay men and women Directors who make recommendations to the bishop for grants to organizations in New Hampshire whose mission is consistent to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The Fund raises money through solicitation of individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund makes grants to tax-exempt organizations without regard to religious affiliation for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs. The Fund is operated by the Bishop of Manchester and a volunteer board of lay men and women Directors who make recommendations to the bishop for grants to organizations in New Hampshire whose mission is consistent to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The Fund raises money through solicitation of individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
CATIC Foundation 25th Anniversary
 | Shout-out to the CATIC Foundation, which recently awarded LRCD a micro-grant as part of their 25th anniversary celebration. The CATIC Foundation is committed to “Building Communities Together” by providing support to non-profit organizations engaged in charitable works in their respective local communities. CATIC, along with its sister company, CATIC Title Insurance Company, is the premier underwriter exclusively for independent agents. CATIC offers standard ALTA policies and expanded protection policies for both residential and commercial properties. |
By Melissa Shadden-Cyr, LRCD Resident Services Coordinator
On November 1, 2025, the state of New Hampshire began to implement new work requirements for the SNAP program. Under these new rules, any person deemed an ABAWD (Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents) receiving SNAP benefits (also known as Food Stamps) would be required to demonstrate that they are working, volunteering, or participating in a work program for at least 80 hours per month. The work rules themselves are not new, however under new regulations, more people are being considered ABAWDs.
Prior to November of 2025, work requirements were imposed upon people between the ages of 18-54 without dependents under the age of 18. Exemptions were given to those who were veterans, aging out of foster care, or experiencing homelessness. Under new federal legislation, the defined age of an ABAWD expanded to 18-64, and the age of eligible dependents dropped from 18 to 14. Moreover, the important exemptions were removed.
Many LRCD residents are eligible for SNAP. Our community is made up largely of working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. While some of our residents will be exempt from these new work rules, many will not.
One resident, a 63-year-old with a disabling back condition, learned that he will need to document these hours to continue receiving around $150 per month in food assistance. He tried for many years to get SSDI benefits (“disability”), but as anyone who has been through the application process can testify, it’s nearly impossible to get approved without an attorney.
After receiving a denial notice, he ultimately decided he would just wait to be retirement age and make do with SNAP, working side jobs when his body would allow. When he learned that he would need to start documenting 20 hours per week of work activities, he was optimistic. “I’d like to volunteer,” he told me, but then explained that most of the places he could volunteer have waitlists, and cannot offer a consistent 20 hours per week.
Due to his disability, as well as transportation issues, it will be difficult to find a job that is manageable, and flexible enough to allow him to attend doctors’ appointments. Some work programs that might help him develop new job skills, such as Operation Able (formerly known as CSEP) have also been under federal fire recently, and their future is somewhat unknown. Others are notoriously difficult to enter due to high demand, and limited resources.
Work requirements have been demonstrated to be ineffective at increasing employment or earnings, because they do not address barriers to employment. For LRCD tenants who are not working but are also considered “ABAWD”, transportation is a major barrier. Jobs are often too far from residential areas for those who would have to walk, public transportation is virtually non-existent, and the price of a vehicle is prohibitive for someone without steady income.
Work requirements, are, however, good at causing people to lose food assistance. These new regulations will shift the burden to our already strained network of food pantries and charitable organizations. Ultimately, they will result in more members of our community struggling to access food, opting instead to ration or go hungry.
On November 1, 2025, the state of New Hampshire began to implement new work requirements for the SNAP program. Under these new rules, any person deemed an ABAWD (Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents) receiving SNAP benefits (also known as Food Stamps) would be required to demonstrate that they are working, volunteering, or participating in a work program for at least 80 hours per month. The work rules themselves are not new, however under new regulations, more people are being considered ABAWDs.
Prior to November of 2025, work requirements were imposed upon people between the ages of 18-54 without dependents under the age of 18. Exemptions were given to those who were veterans, aging out of foster care, or experiencing homelessness. Under new federal legislation, the defined age of an ABAWD expanded to 18-64, and the age of eligible dependents dropped from 18 to 14. Moreover, the important exemptions were removed.
Many LRCD residents are eligible for SNAP. Our community is made up largely of working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. While some of our residents will be exempt from these new work rules, many will not.
One resident, a 63-year-old with a disabling back condition, learned that he will need to document these hours to continue receiving around $150 per month in food assistance. He tried for many years to get SSDI benefits (“disability”), but as anyone who has been through the application process can testify, it’s nearly impossible to get approved without an attorney.
After receiving a denial notice, he ultimately decided he would just wait to be retirement age and make do with SNAP, working side jobs when his body would allow. When he learned that he would need to start documenting 20 hours per week of work activities, he was optimistic. “I’d like to volunteer,” he told me, but then explained that most of the places he could volunteer have waitlists, and cannot offer a consistent 20 hours per week.
Due to his disability, as well as transportation issues, it will be difficult to find a job that is manageable, and flexible enough to allow him to attend doctors’ appointments. Some work programs that might help him develop new job skills, such as Operation Able (formerly known as CSEP) have also been under federal fire recently, and their future is somewhat unknown. Others are notoriously difficult to enter due to high demand, and limited resources.
Work requirements have been demonstrated to be ineffective at increasing employment or earnings, because they do not address barriers to employment. For LRCD tenants who are not working but are also considered “ABAWD”, transportation is a major barrier. Jobs are often too far from residential areas for those who would have to walk, public transportation is virtually non-existent, and the price of a vehicle is prohibitive for someone without steady income.
Work requirements, are, however, good at causing people to lose food assistance. These new regulations will shift the burden to our already strained network of food pantries and charitable organizations. Ultimately, they will result in more members of our community struggling to access food, opting instead to ration or go hungry.
 Melissa Shadden-Cyr, MSW, LICSW | |
Help Us Finish Harriman Hill III
Construction continues to hum along at Harriman Hill III, which will add 30 beautiful new apartments to the Wolfeboro market this summer.
We continue our campaign to raise $57,000 to buy all the appliances for this new apartment complex so that the units will be ready for people to move in as soon as construction is finished.
Thanks to support from many of you, we have already raised $30,280! We are more than halfway to the goal! Click the button below to help ensure this critical housing development is move-in ready by the end of June.
We continue our campaign to raise $57,000 to buy all the appliances for this new apartment complex so that the units will be ready for people to move in as soon as construction is finished.
Thanks to support from many of you, we have already raised $30,280! We are more than halfway to the goal! Click the button below to help ensure this critical housing development is move-in ready by the end of June.
Faces of Affordable Housing: Carrie Duran
 | You may recognize the smiling faces in the photo above! Carrie Duran is a former member of our Board of Directors. She and her daughters have lived at Harriman Hill since 2014. Carrie’s story illustrates how workforce housing supports families caring for a family member with a disability. In Carrie’s case, it also helped her give generously of her time and advocacy skills to make New Hampshire a better place for all of us. Read Carrie’s story here. |
Millview Solar Complete
We finished installing rooftop solar arrays on three of the buildings in our Millview Apartments complex in Laconia. We built this property back in 2004. Last year, we assembled over $700,000 in grant funding to install new siding, new roofs, and rooftop solar.
This system is made up of 60 panels and three inverters and will generate approximately 30,497 kWh of electricity annually. Funding for this system was provided by the New Hampshire Department of Energy’s LMI Community Solar Grant Program.
We now have rooftop solar on 14 of our buildings in Laconia, comprising 38 residential apartments and our office building. These projects reduce our carbon footprint and produce cost-savings that make LRCD operations more sustainable.
This system is made up of 60 panels and three inverters and will generate approximately 30,497 kWh of electricity annually. Funding for this system was provided by the New Hampshire Department of Energy’s LMI Community Solar Grant Program.
We now have rooftop solar on 14 of our buildings in Laconia, comprising 38 residential apartments and our office building. These projects reduce our carbon footprint and produce cost-savings that make LRCD operations more sustainable.
State Policy Updates
In positive news, earlier this month, the NH House of Representatives voted down several bills that would have reversed important regulatory reforms that make it easier to create housing, including expanded approval of accessory dwelling units, parking reform, and access to manufactured housing opportunities.
Unfortunately, the NH House also voted to repeal the Housing Champions Program, a voluntary, incentive-based program adopted created in 2023 to encourage communities to take steps to build more housing. Here in the Lakes Region, Meredith and Plymouth, have benefitted from this program. The bill repealing the program (HB 1196) now advances to the NH Senate.
To follow and take action on housing-related proposals in the NH Legislature, subscribe to Housing Action New Hampshire’s newsletter.
Unfortunately, the NH House also voted to repeal the Housing Champions Program, a voluntary, incentive-based program adopted created in 2023 to encourage communities to take steps to build more housing. Here in the Lakes Region, Meredith and Plymouth, have benefitted from this program. The bill repealing the program (HB 1196) now advances to the NH Senate.
To follow and take action on housing-related proposals in the NH Legislature, subscribe to Housing Action New Hampshire’s newsletter.
New Poll: Housing is a Top Concern for NH Voters
According to a new statewide poll, 87% of New Hampshire voters agree that the state legislature should take action to address the costs and availability of homes. The survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Housing Action New Hampshire assessed residents’ priorities, their views toward the current state of the housing market, and their support for new policies that would expand housing availability and affordability in the state. Click here to read about the survey results in more detail.
Lakes Region Community Developers (LRCD) is pleased to announce the addition of Shannon Casey, Leslie McEvoy, and Tate Miller, all residents of Laconia, to LRCD’s Board of Directors. The Board provides leadership for carrying out the organization’s mission to create affordable housing and empower LRCD’s tenants to achieve economic security.
Shannon Casey is an Associate Broker Realtor with Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty. She was born and raised in the Lakes Region and earned her Bachelor’s degree in finance from Franklin Pierce University. Before starting her real estate career in 2018, she was the CFO of Bigcatcoffees.com. Shannon is a Director for the Lakes Region Board of Realtors, a member of the Commercial Board of Realtors, and served for many years on the board of the Franklin Business & Industrial Development Corporation. She is passionate about all things planning and zoning and enjoys mentoring other realtors. In her spare time, she studies saxophone at the Music Clinic in Belmont.
Shannon Casey is an Associate Broker Realtor with Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty. She was born and raised in the Lakes Region and earned her Bachelor’s degree in finance from Franklin Pierce University. Before starting her real estate career in 2018, she was the CFO of Bigcatcoffees.com. Shannon is a Director for the Lakes Region Board of Realtors, a member of the Commercial Board of Realtors, and served for many years on the board of the Franklin Business & Industrial Development Corporation. She is passionate about all things planning and zoning and enjoys mentoring other realtors. In her spare time, she studies saxophone at the Music Clinic in Belmont.
Shannon Casey, Realtor, Keller Williams Coastal Lakes & Mountains
Steve Dwyer is a semi-retired independent consultant who lives in Moultonborough. After a career as a team builder, CFO and business partner in the Asia-Pacific region, Steve applied his skills to the non-profit sector in California, serving as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County and then executive director of Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara. Shortly after he and his wife moved to New Hampshire in 2020, Steve worked as a consultant for LRCD on its Harriman Hill III project. He is the Treasurer for his HOA and spends time renovating his home and hiking and fishing in the summer.
Steve Dwyer is a semi-retired independent consultant who lives in Moultonborough. After a career as a team builder, CFO and business partner in the Asia-Pacific region, Steve applied his skills to the non-profit sector in California, serving as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County and then executive director of Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara. Shortly after he and his wife moved to New Hampshire in 2020, Steve worked as a consultant for LRCD on its Harriman Hill III project. He is the Treasurer for his HOA and spends time renovating his home and hiking and fishing in the summer.
Steve Dwyer, Independent Consultant and LRCD Board Member
Leslie McEvoy has lived at LRCD’s Millview Apartments for seven years, bringing her important perspective as one of LRCD’s tenants to the LRCD Board. Leslie is a trumpet player and former music educator for 25 years. She has performed in concert bands, big bands, churches, brass ensembles, pit orchestras for high school musicals, and parades all around New England. She had a unique opportunity to perform at the Vienna International School in Austria with the Plymouth State Wind Ensemble in 2002. Leslie is a former member of the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra and Carter Mountain Brass Band. She currently performs with the NH Philharmonic and Belknap Brass.
Leslie McEvoy has lived at LRCD’s Millview Apartments for seven years, bringing her important perspective as one of LRCD’s tenants to the LRCD Board. Leslie is a trumpet player and former music educator for 25 years. She has performed in concert bands, big bands, churches, brass ensembles, pit orchestras for high school musicals, and parades all around New England. She had a unique opportunity to perform at the Vienna International School in Austria with the Plymouth State Wind Ensemble in 2002. Leslie is a former member of the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra and Carter Mountain Brass Band. She currently performs with the NH Philharmonic and Belknap Brass.
Leslie McEvoy, resident at LRCD’s Millview Apartments and LRCD Board member
Tate Miller is a Commercial Loan Officer with Meredith Village Savings Bank, based out of MVSB’s Laconia branch. He began his career with MVSB in 2022 as a Commercial Loan Apprentice, working alongside several members of the Bank’s commercial lending team to learn key aspects of lending, credit analysis and business networking. Prior to joining MVSB, Tate gained experience in marketing and customer service roles. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in business and marketing from Plymouth State University. In addition to serving on LRCD’s Board, Tate volunteers with the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, Hands Across the Table, Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction and New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival.
Tate Miller is a Commercial Loan Officer with Meredith Village Savings Bank, based out of MVSB’s Laconia branch. He began his career with MVSB in 2022 as a Commercial Loan Apprentice, working alongside several members of the Bank’s commercial lending team to learn key aspects of lending, credit analysis and business networking. Prior to joining MVSB, Tate gained experience in marketing and customer service roles. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in business and marketing from Plymouth State University. In addition to serving on LRCD’s Board, Tate volunteers with the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, Hands Across the Table, Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction and New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival.
Tate Miller, MVSB Commercial Loan Officer and LRCD Board member
“We are very pleased to welcome Shannon, Leslie, and Tate to the LRCD Board,” said Lisa Mure of Holderness, who serves as the Chair of LRCD’s Board. “Their unique backgrounds and perspectives will enhance LRCD’s efforts to create more affordable housing in the Lakes Region.”
In 2025, LRCD finished construction of 15 units of supportive housing in Laconia, invested over $750,000 in strengthening its Laconia portfolio, started construction of a new apartment complex in Wolfeboro that will add 30 affordable apartments to the market, and started construction on the Gale School redevelopment project in Belmont.
To learn more about Lakes Region Community Developers and/or its leadership team, visit LRcommunitydevelopers.org.
“We are very pleased to welcome Shannon, Leslie, and Tate to the LRCD Board,” said Lisa Mure of Holderness, who serves as the Chair of LRCD’s Board. “Their unique backgrounds and perspectives will enhance LRCD’s efforts to create more affordable housing in the Lakes Region.”
In 2025, LRCD finished construction of 15 units of supportive housing in Laconia, invested over $750,000 in strengthening its Laconia portfolio, started construction of a new apartment complex in Wolfeboro that will add 30 affordable apartments to the market, and started construction on the Gale School redevelopment project in Belmont.
To learn more about Lakes Region Community Developers and/or its leadership team, visit LRcommunitydevelopers.org.
Miracle Farms Supports Harriman Hill III
(L to R): Hayden Maroun, Madelyn Maroun, Chris Maroun, and Andy DuBois of Miracle Farms present a check in support of Harriman Hill III
Miracle Farms of Moultonborough purchased $100,000 in CDFA Tax Credits to support our latest workforce housing project, Harriman Hill III in Wolfeboro.
As the Lakes Region’s premier full-service landscape and property maintenance company, Miracle Farms employs a sizable and growing team. With their focus on caring for their employees, they know first-hand the significant need for workforce housing in the area. We are grateful for their partnership and support which makes it possible for us to finish the 30 new affordable apartments at Harriman Hill III by this summer.
If your business would like to partner with us to create workforce housing, please Contact Carmen Lorentz at [email protected] today.
Miracle Farms of Moultonborough purchased $100,000 in CDFA Tax Credits to support our latest workforce housing project, Harriman Hill III in Wolfeboro.
As the Lakes Region’s premier full-service landscape and property maintenance company, Miracle Farms employs a sizable and growing team. With their focus on caring for their employees, they know first-hand the significant need for workforce housing in the area. We are grateful for their partnership and support which makes it possible for us to finish the 30 new affordable apartments at Harriman Hill III by this summer.
If your business would like to partner with us to create workforce housing, please Contact Carmen Lorentz at [email protected] today.
Big Milestone for Gale School Project
Construction progress on the Gale School in Belmont
Although we started construction on the rehabilitation of the historic Gale School in Belmont last summer, we continued to work through the fall to finalize all the financing for the project.
We are happy to report that on December 18, we closed our New Markets Tax Credits deal with Evernorth and Capital One, putting in place the final piece of the financing stack and ensuring the project will be completed in late spring.
Although we started construction on the rehabilitation of the historic Gale School in Belmont last summer, we continued to work through the fall to finalize all the financing for the project.
We are happy to report that on December 18, we closed our New Markets Tax Credits deal with Evernorth and Capital One, putting in place the final piece of the financing stack and ensuring the project will be completed in late spring.
Faces of Affordable Housing: Judi Donnelly
It was such a pleasure to interview Judi Donnelly, a resident of our Harriman Hill apartment complex since 2014. Judi’s story illustrates how workforce housing benefits retirees. As our local workforce ages in place, it is important that we provide quality housing options where people can afford to live out their retirement in comfort and dignity. Read Judi’s story here.
Your Support Helped Us Do So Much!
As the year draws to a close, we are reflecting on the ways in which supporters like you helped us make a dent in the housing crisis. This year, you helped us:
Please consider making your tax-deductible donation to LRCD by December 31st to help us purchase the appliances needed to put the finishing touches on this project so people can move in next summer without delay.
We are so close to finishing this project – your support today will help us get there!
- Finish construction of Bay Street Apartments in Laconia, which now provides 12 units of supportive housing for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
- Finish construction of Jameson Street Apartments in Laconia, which offers 3 units of supportive housing for people with developmental disabilities.
- Break ground on Harriman Hill III in Wolfeboro, which will provide 30 units of affordable housing.
Please consider making your tax-deductible donation to LRCD by December 31st to help us purchase the appliances needed to put the finishing touches on this project so people can move in next summer without delay.
We are so close to finishing this project – your support today will help us get there!
Grants for Housing!
We are incredibly grateful for operating support from two funds at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: the Lakes Region Community Fund and the Chandler Family Fund.
Operating support helps us pay our dedicated and talented staff to do the difficult work of siting, designing, permitting, funding, and overseeing construction of affordable housing.
Thank you to these generous donors of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for supporting the work we do.
Operating support helps us pay our dedicated and talented staff to do the difficult work of siting, designing, permitting, funding, and overseeing construction of affordable housing.
Thank you to these generous donors of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for supporting the work we do.
Gale School Update
Construction at the Gale School continues to move forward on schedule. The project is now over 40% complete. JH Spain and their subcontractors are doing a great job!
On the outside, crews have finished the new roof, have made repairs to the siding, and have put a coat of primer on the building.
A significant part of the project is to add an elevator to make the building fully accessible. The foundation and steel frame for the elevator tower have been constructed at the back of the building.
All the interior demolition is complete, including remediation of asbestos and lead paint. Interior framing is now underway.
On the outside, crews have finished the new roof, have made repairs to the siding, and have put a coat of primer on the building.
A significant part of the project is to add an elevator to make the building fully accessible. The foundation and steel frame for the elevator tower have been constructed at the back of the building.
All the interior demolition is complete, including remediation of asbestos and lead paint. Interior framing is now underway.
How Does the Federal Government Support Housing?
Check out this new report from the Urban Institute:
The federal government supports the US housing market through dozens of initiatives administered by several agencies—in total, spending hundreds of billions of dollars each year. These initiatives support over 15 million home-owning and renter households by subsidizing housing costs, reducing housing tax burdens, securing mortgages, and incentivizing new housing development. Together, federal housing supports form the scaffolding that holds up the national housing market.
The federal government supports the US housing market through dozens of initiatives administered by several agencies—in total, spending hundreds of billions of dollars each year. These initiatives support over 15 million home-owning and renter households by subsidizing housing costs, reducing housing tax burdens, securing mortgages, and incentivizing new housing development. Together, federal housing supports form the scaffolding that holds up the national housing market.
Buy an Appliance at Harriman Hill III on Giving Tuesday
We are participating in Giving Tuesday on December 2nd. Early donations for Giving Tuesday start today!
Your gift will help us purchase the appliances for the 30 new apartments at Harriman Hill III in Wolfeboro, which is currently under construction.
You can choose from a menu of appliances needed to put the finishing touches on our latest housing development, including ranges with range hoods, refrigerators, and through-the-wall air conditioning units.
Thank you for helping to make Harriman Hill III possible!
Your gift will help us purchase the appliances for the 30 new apartments at Harriman Hill III in Wolfeboro, which is currently under construction.
You can choose from a menu of appliances needed to put the finishing touches on our latest housing development, including ranges with range hoods, refrigerators, and through-the-wall air conditioning units.
Thank you for helping to make Harriman Hill III possible!
Hodges Pledges $25,000 in Tax Credits for Harriman Hill III
Pictured above L to R: Diane Benoit, Harry Wieman, and Larissa Barcala of The Hodges Companies and Carmen Lorentz of LRCD
The Hodges Companies has been our steadfast partner for over 20 years, providing quality property management services to our rental portfolio.
Hodges recently made a $25,000 pledge to support Harriman Hill III using NH tax credits available through NH Community Development Finance Authority.
We still have $145,000 in tax credits to sell this year. By purchasing some of our tax credits, your business can help us build Harriman Hill III.
Tax credit donors get a NH state tax credit worth 75% of their donation, which can be used to reduce their NH Business Enterprise Tax (BET) or Business Profits Tax (BPT).
This program is a great way for you to keep your state business tax dollars in your local community.
If you’d like to learn how your business can be part of the solution to our workforce housing challenge, please contact:
Carmen Lorentz
[email protected]
(603) 524-0747 x110
The Hodges Companies has been our steadfast partner for over 20 years, providing quality property management services to our rental portfolio.
Hodges recently made a $25,000 pledge to support Harriman Hill III using NH tax credits available through NH Community Development Finance Authority.
We still have $145,000 in tax credits to sell this year. By purchasing some of our tax credits, your business can help us build Harriman Hill III.
Tax credit donors get a NH state tax credit worth 75% of their donation, which can be used to reduce their NH Business Enterprise Tax (BET) or Business Profits Tax (BPT).
This program is a great way for you to keep your state business tax dollars in your local community.
If you’d like to learn how your business can be part of the solution to our workforce housing challenge, please contact:
Carmen Lorentz
[email protected]
(603) 524-0747 x110
Statewide Survey on Voter Attitudes on Affordable Housing
Last month, Saint Anselm College’s Initiative for Housing Policy and Practice released its annual statewide survey of voter attitudes toward affordable housing in New Hampshire. The Initiative’s 2025 survey results demonstrate pro-housing attitudes across demographic groups and support for expanded tools to address the affordable housing shortage. In short, the 2025 results signal that New Hampshire voters are not feeling relief in the housing market as they call on lawmakers to expand the range of solutions.
The poll was conducted by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center from August 20 to August 21, 2025. A total of 1,209 registered New Hampshire voters were surveyed, with a margin of sampling error of +/- 2.8% and a confidence interval of 95%
View Survey Results Here: Annual Statewide Survey of Voter Attitudes on Affordable Housing
The poll was conducted by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center from August 20 to August 21, 2025. A total of 1,209 registered New Hampshire voters were surveyed, with a margin of sampling error of +/- 2.8% and a confidence interval of 95%
View Survey Results Here: Annual Statewide Survey of Voter Attitudes on Affordable Housing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LRCD Files Complaint Against the Town of Ashland Over Denial of Mill Pond Applications
Lakes Region Community Developers (LRCD) filed an appeal in Grafton County Superior Court, seeking to reverse the recent denial by the Ashland Planning Board of LRCD’s subdivision and site plan applications for the Village at Mill Pond housing development. In the same complaint, LRCD filed claims for damages based on the Town’s violations of LRCD’s right to substantive due process under State and Federal law and based on the Town’s violations of the Federal Fair Housing Act.
The Village at Mill Pond, proposed at 35 Mill Pond Lane in Ashland, is designed to offer 76 units of affordable rental housing, as well as four single-family lots to be developed in partnership with Pemi Valley Habitat for Humanity.
“There are news stories almost every week about how average people can no longer afford to live in New Hampshire,” said LRCD Executive Director Carmen Lorentz. “We need 3,000 more units of affordable housing in the Lakes Region by 2040 to achieve a more balanced housing market. The Mill Pond project is part of the solution, and we remain focused on our mission to create affordable housing opportunities for people who live and work in the Lakes Region.”
The 86-page complaint details the Planning Board’s improper conduct during a 12-month long review of LRCD’s applications, including:
LRCD Files Complaint Against the Town of Ashland Over Denial of Mill Pond Applications
Lakes Region Community Developers (LRCD) filed an appeal in Grafton County Superior Court, seeking to reverse the recent denial by the Ashland Planning Board of LRCD’s subdivision and site plan applications for the Village at Mill Pond housing development. In the same complaint, LRCD filed claims for damages based on the Town’s violations of LRCD’s right to substantive due process under State and Federal law and based on the Town’s violations of the Federal Fair Housing Act.
The Village at Mill Pond, proposed at 35 Mill Pond Lane in Ashland, is designed to offer 76 units of affordable rental housing, as well as four single-family lots to be developed in partnership with Pemi Valley Habitat for Humanity.
“There are news stories almost every week about how average people can no longer afford to live in New Hampshire,” said LRCD Executive Director Carmen Lorentz. “We need 3,000 more units of affordable housing in the Lakes Region by 2040 to achieve a more balanced housing market. The Mill Pond project is part of the solution, and we remain focused on our mission to create affordable housing opportunities for people who live and work in the Lakes Region.”
The 86-page complaint details the Planning Board’s improper conduct during a 12-month long review of LRCD’s applications, including:
- Forcing LRCD to follow an ever-shifting, extremely cumbersome process to obtain commentary from Town Department heads.
- Failing to timely notice the applications following their formal submission, and refusing to schedule a special meeting in order to comply with the statutory timeframe within which the Planning Board was required to render a completeness determination.
- Inaccurately accusing LRCD of failing to provide information and of hiding information.
- Refusing to open the public hearing on the applications following the Board’s completeness determination, and refusing to allow LRCD to make a presentation on the applications until nearly three months after it submitted them.
- Repeatedly discussing the applications at meetings during which no public hearing was noticed, including on one occasion engaging in an in-depth discussion with a third-party engineer regarding the applications without notice to LRCD and despite LRCD having asked the Board to refrain from engaging in this practice.
- Allowing a member of the Selectboard to make presentations advocating against the project, including at one meeting where LRCD was not present because the project was not scheduled to be discussed.
- Asserting the property was not zoned Commercial, which allows for multi-family use by right, when the property is, in fact, zoned Commercial.
- Denying a waiver that LRCD requested despite the Town’s own third-party engineer opining that the waiver request was reasonable.
- Withholding documentation relative to the project from LRCD.
- Allowing the Town Manager to speak against the project during a public hearing on the applications.
- After a 12-month review, suddenly identifying a provision of the Town’s Site Plan Regulations which LRCD had indisputably complied with, and inaccurately using that provision to deny the applications.
- Including inaccurate information in both the meeting minutes and the Notice of Decision in relation to the denial.
LRCD Breaks Ground on Harriman Hill III
On October 9th, LRCD celebrated the groundbreaking for Harriman Hill Phase III in Wolfeboro. The gathering included local, state, and federal officials, several funders, and a few residents from Phases I & II.
This important milestone marks the culmination of more than 15 years of work to fully build out the Harriman Hill development. Pre-development work for Phase III began over seven years ago. There were many challenges along the way, and quite a few moments when we were not sure the project would come to fruition.
We are grateful to the following partners and funders for their commitment and support. We would not have made it to this point without them!
Harriman Hill Phase III will provide 30 affordable rental units. It is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026.
This important milestone marks the culmination of more than 15 years of work to fully build out the Harriman Hill development. Pre-development work for Phase III began over seven years ago. There were many challenges along the way, and quite a few moments when we were not sure the project would come to fruition.
We are grateful to the following partners and funders for their commitment and support. We would not have made it to this point without them!
- Eastern Lakes Region Housing Coalition
- Town of Wolfeboro (Selectboard, Zoning Board, Planning Board, and Conservation Commission)
- Beck Fund
- Evernorth and Evernorth Loan Fund
- TD Bank
- NH Housing
- NH Community Development Finance Authority
- Northpoint Engineering
- Stewart Associates Architects
- Norway Plains and Associates
- Sheehan Phinney
- North Branch Construction
Harriman Hill Phase III will provide 30 affordable rental units. It is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026.
Jameson Street Ribbon Cutting
LRCD’s Asset Management Director, Caitlin Meaney, cuts the ribbon at Jameson Street Apartments surrounded by key partners and funders.
On September 19th, we cut the ribbon on our supportive housing project at 11 Jameson St, Laconia. This adorable three-unit building will provide affordable housing for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in partnership with Lakes Region Community Services.
Thank you to NH Housing, NH Community Development Finance Authority, NH Department of Business & Economic Affairs (InvestNH), Lakes Region Community Services, and all of our 2025 NH Gives donors for making this project possible.
The development team included Stewart Associates Architects and Hollis Construction Management.
On September 19th, we cut the ribbon on our supportive housing project at 11 Jameson St, Laconia. This adorable three-unit building will provide affordable housing for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in partnership with Lakes Region Community Services.
Thank you to NH Housing, NH Community Development Finance Authority, NH Department of Business & Economic Affairs (InvestNH), Lakes Region Community Services, and all of our 2025 NH Gives donors for making this project possible.
The development team included Stewart Associates Architects and Hollis Construction Management.
Bay Street Solar Installed
Thanks to NH Community Development Finance Authority’s LMI Solor Grant & Loan Program, we were able to install 74 rooftop solar panels, three inverters, and one battery back-up at Bay Street Apartments in Laconia, which opened this spring.
Not only is this something we can do to help address climate change, it also means that tenants in this supportive housing property won't have high utility bills.
Not only is this something we can do to help address climate change, it also means that tenants in this supportive housing property won't have high utility bills.
LRCD Honored by Business NH Magazine
LRCD Executive Director Carmen Lorentz on the cover of Business NH Magazine (bottom row, second from left)
We are pleased to share that LRCD has been named one of the top 100 women-led businesses and non-profits in New Hampshire by Business NH Magazine in their October issue.
We are pleased to share that LRCD has been named one of the top 100 women-led businesses and non-profits in New Hampshire by Business NH Magazine in their October issue.
