LACONIA — Requests for Proposals for the purchase of the former Laconia State School property are expected to go out to the public this week, according to officials at the Department of Administrative Services.

The 200-plus acres of open fields and rolling farm land between Lake Opechee and Lake Winnisquam were once the site of a state home for those with developmental disabilities and then a medium-security prison.

City Manager Scott Myers said Monday that the city is still very interested in the Lakes Region Facility.

The Legislature wanted $10 million for the parcel. It first offered it to the city and then to Belknap County.

In April, Laconia offered $2.16 million for the property at the corner of Meredith Center Road and North Main Street.

The offer was never accepted nor rejected, but the tract was then offered to Belknap County for $1.7 million based on what the state considered “fair market” value.

The county declined to make an offer in August, with commissioners indicating they wanted to see the land go to the city. Councilors said they have no specific plan for its development, but want to control its future.

The site has a number of buildings that may contain hazardous materials; city officials have said they are willing to apply for federal Brownfields funding for cleanup.

The law now calls for the Department of Administrative Services to offer the land to the public.

The sale would have to be approved by the Governor and Executive Council.

Myers said Councilor Matt Lahey suggested at last week’s council meeting that the city formally withdraw its offer so it can start over with the process.

“We want to look at the RFP that is developed by the state and see what it says,” and then respond accordingly, Myers said.

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