Latest News - August

LRCD's First Single-Family Development

We are officially in the pre-development phase of our first single-family home project, Harriman Hill Homes in Wolfeboro. Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Eastern Lakes Region Housing Coalition, a pre-development loan from NH Housing, an award of NH business tax credits from NH Community Development Finance Authority, and a grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission, we are planning to break ground next summer on this development of 20 affordable single-family homes.
 
For the past 25 years, we have developed multi-family rental properties that primarily serve families who make up to 60% of the area median income (about $45,000 for a family of four). We have some apartments, mostly in Laconia, that we can rent to families making up to 80% (about $65,000 for a family of four). Unfortunately, it is typical for us to have to turn away families in need of healthy housing because they make too much money to qualify for any of our apartments.
 
At present, there are no resources available in the State of New Hampshire to help non-profit organizations like us develop a housing product that meets the needs of working families who make too much to qualify for affordable rentals but who are shut out of the home purchase market due to limited inventory and rising prices. This shortage of suitable and affordable housing for young workers and their families is seriously hindering the ability of companies to attract and retain skilled workers.
 
In response to this need, we are working with Lakes Region communities and with our funders to get creative and figure out how to develop this “missing middle housing.” We have defined this housing product as single-family homes that are affordable to families who earn 75% to 120% of area median income (about $65,000 to $85,000 for a family of four).
 
We are very excited to be working with the Town of Wolfeboro and Eastern Lakes Region Housing Coalition to address the need for this type of housing. They were extremely forward-thinking with their vision several years ago to develop a beautiful campus of affordable rentals and single-family homes. We are honored that they have chosen to work with us to implement their vision.
 
If your community is talking about the need to diversify its housing stock to accommodate young workers and their families, please reach out to Carmen Lorentz at (603) 524-0747 ext. 110 or [email protected].

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Playground Build

We will build the playground at Lochmere Meadows on September 12th, as part of Granite United Way Day of Caring. We need volunteers! Click here and scroll down to Tilton Playground Build for more details and to sign-up for a fun fulfilling day.

Thanks to the generous donations of so many people and businesses the Lochmere Meadows dream playground is becoming a reality! Special thanks to EPTAM Plastics, Lakes Region Community Services, the Annette P. Schmitt Foundation, the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, Franklin Savings Bank, Heart and Hands Thrift Store, and KaBOOM! for their support of this project! See the awesome design our young tenants chose.

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Putt Putt Tournament

Don’t forget to register your foursome for our 3rd Annual Putt Putt Tournament on Saturday, September 29th from 10 AM to 2 PM at Pirate’s Cove Winnisquam. If you can’t make the tournament, you can still support this critical LRCD fundraiser by sponsoring a team for one of our tenant families.
 
For some families, a day of mini-golf and lunch out is just too expensive. Your $100 sponsorship makes it possible for one of our families to enjoy a fun day out together, which is important for family bonding. Click the image below to sponsor a team. Thank you!

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DipJar at 48 Main Café

The LRCD DipJar has moved to Meredith for some delicious coffee and crepes at 48 Main Café. Offering local roasted coffee and teas, fresh ingredients for one of a kind sweet and savory crepes, local bagels, freshly baked pastries, salads, gluten-free and vegan options!

Visit the friendly staff, pick-up a treat, and do something sweet for the region - Dip for LRCD!

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TAC Turns 1!

This July marked one year since the Lakes Region Community Developers’ Tenant Advisory Committee (TAC) was formed. The committee is composed of LRCD tenants, staff, and non-tenant board members. The committee facilitates tenant input into LRCD’s strategic planning and formulates policies and programs for full Board consideration that respond to the needs of LRCD’s tenants. Mike, a Lochmere Meadow’s tenant, said this about his service on the TAC: "I enjoy serving on the tenant advisory committee because I know that my fellow neighbors’ concerns and opinions are being heard!”

The TAC recently reviewed LRCD’s Resident Handbook to clarify some rules and make the language more consumer-friendly. They have also been planning community engagement events at several properties. Peg Colburn and Megan Fairbanks are both LRCD tenants who have served on the committee since the beginning (Megan is also on LRCD’s Board of Directors, as was Peg for one year). Newer tenant committee members include Mike Murray, Carrie Duran, and Natalie Smith. The TAC is pleased to have representation from LRCD properties in Meredith, Laconia, Tilton, and Wolfeboro. They look forward to growing their ranks to include a tenant representative from every LRCD property.

Pictured (L to R) Tenant Advisory Committee Members: Natalie Smith, Peg Colburn & Megan Fairbanks

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Building Community at River's Edge

Residents at River’s Edge in Laconia had a very special presentation from Officer Eric Adams. Officer Adams is the Prevention Enforcement and Treatment Officer for the Laconia Police Department. Officer Adams is on the Board of Directors for the Prevention Coalition, Stand Up Laconia, is President of the Board of Directors for Navigating Recovery. and is part of many other local and state initiatives. Officer Adams is a strong, positive presence in the community.

During his presentation to tenants, Officer Adams talked about Substance Use Disorder and how it is affecting our community. He shared tips on what people can do to keep themselves safe, prevent substance use in youth, how to connect people to treatment, and help reduce the stigma attached to Substance Use Disorder. A question and answer session followed and his information was well received by all!

Residents also were given medication lock-boxes to ensure that their medications are kept out of the hands of little people. Stand Up Laconia provided the boxes and has spear-headed the city-wide “Lock It Up” campaign. If you would like information on resources for Substance Use Disorders or to obtain a medication lock-box, please contact Kerri Lowe, Resident Services Coordinator, at 524-0747 Ext. 103.

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Green Tip - Rain Barrels

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When mother nature gives you rain, collect it and save on your water bill!Conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff: In the summer months, outdoor tasks such as watering lawns and gardens typically make up about 40% of household water use. With seasonal droughts, restrictions, and bans on lawn watering, and the increasing cost of water, it makes sense to use rainwater instead of municipal water for outdoor uses. Unless it is collected, rainwater runs off impervious surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, gathering pollutants which often end up in local streams, rivers, pond, lakes and marine waters. Keeping and using rainwater on your property helps reduce pollution, erosion and improves local watershed health.

Water quantity: Just 1/4 inch of rainfall on a typical roof will fill a rain barrel. A modest amount of rainfall can supply much or all of your outdoor watering needs - a full rain barrel will water a 200 square foot garden.
Water quality: Rainwater is "soft," or free from minerals and chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride, and calcium that are often present in municipal water. Rainwater is considered ideal for watering plants or washing cars and windows.

LRCD residents use rain barrels in their community gardens and love them!