CONCORD: Housing supply across the state increased by an estimated 4,446 units in 2020, which is 37 fewer than the year before, according to a report released by the Department of Business and Economic Affairs. It marks the first dip since 2013. The number of building permits peaked at more than 9,000 building permits in 2004, according to the report. The state had a total of 638,354 units as of April 1, 2020. The NH Housing Finance Authority says there is a need for between 20,000 and 30,000 housing units to meet current housing demand.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A bill introduced by a group of U.S. senators in northern New England would allow a 10-year reauthorization for a commission that provides funding and jobs for economic development projects across the region.

The Northern Border Regional Commission bill “encourages business retention and expansion, invests in public infrastructure and promotes tourism,” a news release from New Hampshire U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s office said. The bill also adds New Hampshire’s Merrimack County and Maine’s Lincoln County as newly eligible to receive funds.

BELMONT: The Belknap Mall in Belmont, one of the largest retail complexes in the Lakes Region, has been sold to a commercial real estate firm that plans a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the facility, which has experienced increasing vacancies over the past 20 years. The property was sold by Belknap Realty LLC to Verno Belknap LLC. The purchase price was not immediately disclosed. Belknap Realty purchased the mall just under two years ago for $4.25 million.

Verno Belknap is managed by Vernet Property Inc., a Massachusetts commercial real estate holding company that also owns two retail complexes and a restaurant in the southern part of the state, in addition to commercial property in the Bay State.

PORTSMOUTH: The Portsmouth City Council has voted to create a Housing Committee, which is aimed at addressing the lack of affordable housing in Portsmouth, which was a frequent topic in last year’s municipal elections. The committee will review “all current zoning and policy surrounding housing and development to encourage sustainable, diverse and affordable development, including expanded, multi-modal transportation,” said City Councilor Beth Moreau, who proposed creation of the committee.

CONWAY: Conway selectmen said they are planning to appeal a Superior Court judge’s January ruling in favor of a short-term rental operator whom they sued last year. Their decision flew in the face of requests from several short-term rental supporters asking them not to do so. But Selectman Steven Porter said the decision is “a representation of the voters of this community,” because last April voters said with their ballots that they don’t believe short-term rentals belong in residential areas.

BELMONT: The Lakes Region Casino on Route 106 in Belmont has been sold by Potts NH RE LLC to Belknap Gaming LLC of Las Vegas, Nev., for $3 million, according to records at the Belknap County Registry of Deeds. The sale was recorded on Jan. 12. The casino is a charitable gaming facility which offers a variety of table games, as well as a restaurant and bar, according to its website. Potts, with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona, purchased the facility in 2011 for $1.3 million, according to official records.

PLYMOUTH: NH Electric Cooperative has launched a nationwide search for its next chief executive officer. The utility’s new CEO will replace Jim Bakas, who has been serving as interim general manager since Steve Camerino’s departure last July to become CEO of the McLane Middleton law firm. Bakas will resume his role as vice president of operations and engineering upon the hiring of a new CEO.

CONCORD: An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has found the owner of the Dos Amigos Burritos restaurant in Concord improperly included managers in its tip pool, resulting in the recovery of $61,788 in tips and liquidated damages for 39 employees.

The division said its investigation also identified three 15-year-olds working in violation of the child labor hours restrictions at the Dos Amigos restaurant in Portsmouth. The employer paid $2,073 in civil money penalties to resolve these child labor violations.