Laconia schedules CDBG public hearings for emergency Belknap House sewer repairs

The Laconia City Council on Dec. 20 voted to schedule two public hearings on Jan. 12, 2026, to consider applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for emergency sewer repairs at Belknap House, a family shelter at 200 Court Street.

City staff said the shelter has a leaking sewer line that received a temporary repair but needs a sustainable replacement. The city will act as the grantee and a subrecipient agreement would subgrant up to $100,000 to Belknap House; up to $15,000 of the award would be retained by the city to cover administrative and labor‑compliance costs associated with the project. Officials said relocation of residents is a possibility for a short period if sewer service is interrupted, and relocation plans and costs would be part of the public hearing review.

Council voted (voice vote recorded as six in the affirmative) to schedule the hearings and to hold a second hearing on the anti‑displacement and relocation assistance plan required for CDBG projects that could affect occupants.

City staff said emergency CDBG funds are rarely used, and the request is still being priced while the shelter secures quotes and finalizes the scope. A municipal representative will run the public hearings and present details when formal applications are filed.