Quote:
Originally Posted by Descant
This is not new territory for Laconia. Recall the building in Lakeport developed and leased to Lakeport Landing. At the end of the lease the building was sold to a high bidder. Lakeport Landing then made a deal with the city to develop Lakeport Fire Station.
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I agree. That transaction was handled poorly. 30+ years ago, the city leased the land to Lakeport Landing, because they were the first to make an inquiry. More recently, they requested bids from only two bidders, after botching private negotiations. The proper way to handle both of those transactions would have been to advertise the property publicly, and solicit proposals from any party that might be interested. The award should have been based on the proposal that provides the best economic benefit, taking into account all factors, such as acquisition/lease price, future tax revenue, employment levels, and aesthetic improvement. In the end, all the city got was the best price offer from two marinas, and the same old building with a new paint job.
If you were selling your house, would you want to solicit offers from only one or two interested parties? Most would answer "no", unless you were disinterested in the best economic outcome.