Weirs Beach Waterslide to be Torn Down

[Just Sold]

From the Laconia Sun today:

Weirs Beach Water Slide to be torn down soon (http://www.laconiadailysun.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/73599-water-slide-to-be-razed)

<DL style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 24px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; MARGIN: 0px; OUTLINE-STYLE: none; OUTLINE-COLOR: invert; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; OUTLINE-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 11px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; OVERFLOW: hidden; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" class=article-info><DD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; MARGIN: 0px 16px 0px 0px; OUTLINE-STYLE: none; OUTLINE-COLOR: invert; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; OUTLINE-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; FLOAT: left; FONT-SIZE: 11px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" class=published>Published Date Thursday, 05 December 2013 01:30</DD></DL>LACONIA — The Weirs Beach Water Slide, among the most venerable and visible attractions at Weirs Beach, is slated for demolition early next year.
The owner, Robert Csendes of Bedford, doing business as 45 Endicott, LLC, said yesterday that he has nearly completed an application for a demolition permit and expects to raze the facility sometime in January. He explained that the attraction is in disrepair and costly to insure or renovate.
Csendes said that intends to lease the 2.4-acre property at the corner of Endicott Street North (Rte. 3) and Lakeside Avenue overlooking the iconic Weirs Beach sign where he would construct a building to suit the needs of a long-term tenant. He indicated that he has discussed the redevelopment of the site with several interested parties. At the same time, he anticipates leasing space on the property to vendors during Motorcycle Week in June.
The water park features four slides with a 75-foot drop, several waterfalls and a 110-foot tunnel passing through what is billed as the tallest man-made volcano in the world, marked by the remains of a crashed airplane protruding from its flank. The slides wrap around an 18-hole miniature golf course that meanders through the water park. According to a city property tax card, the attraction was built in 1979.
Cesendes acquired the property for $580,000 at auction in January, 2010 after Bank of New Hampshire foreclosed on the property when Lawrence Baldi,II, whose family had owned the water park since 1995, was defrauded by Financial Resources Mortgage, Inc. of Meredith and defaulted on loans totaling $703,000. The property is currently assessed at $540,900.
The other water park at The Weirs, Surf Coaster USA, which was built at the corner of White Oaks Road and Endicott Street East in 1983, closed after the 2006 season and has been for sale ever since.

[Silver Duck]

Sad news, but I was afraid that would happen.

[WeirsBeachBoater]

Property has become an eyesore in the last few years. However, I cringe to think we will be staring at another empty lot. No doubt it will become one of the many pieces of property in that area, that the owner pulls money out of bike week, and then, us local residents have to stare at the ugly unmaintained lot for the other 50 weeks of the year. :(

[MeredithMan]

Agree with WBB. We lose an eyesore, but gain an empty lot. Like swapping deck chairs on the Titanic...

So this will join the empty lot at the old Karl's restaurant; the empty lot at the old Wide Open Saloon; the empty lot next to The Lobster Pound; the empty lot near The Cumby's gas station; the empty lot just up 11B heading toward Gilford....have I missed any?

MM

[Jeanzb1]

I am truly sad to learn this news. The Water Slide has been a Weirs icon for decades. Even at age 66, I loved sliding with the granddaughters who are going to cry when they hear this news. And, by the way, we also miss the other water slide that has been closed for quite a few years.:(

[Orion]

Seems like a potential opportunity for some development group (similar to Meredith) to combine all those properties and build a first class resort area and shops in what seems to be a prime location.

[BroadHopper]

Liability insurance is at an all time high. Many Mom and Pop ski areas have folded as well as water attractions and ride attraction to name a few. Now we have to pay outrages fees at the ski area, water countries and amusement parks so the few who makes a living suing people and companies can sponge off of us.

I will never forget a 20/20 segment on a man in California that actually make a living suing in court. He will actually travel and find a way to sue someone and gets away with it. They have also found others who do the same.

It is a sad situation.

[webmaster]

Seems like a potential opportunity for some development group (similar to Meredith) to combine all those properties and build a first class resort area and shops in what seems to be a prime location.A few years ago I heard through the grapevine that a group was considering purchasing the property by the roundabout where the Logs of Fun arcade, mini-golf, post-office, etc. are located, tearing it all down and building a Church Landing style Inn. If I remember correctly they wanted to build a new footbridge over the Weirs Channel to the beach and also invest in and upgrade the beach.

It could have just been a rumor and I never heard anything else about it. It certainly would have changed the Weirs.

[Fargo]

Glad to hear it will be torn down. What ever takes its place on that prime corner will set the tone for the next 40 years for the rebirth or death of the Weirs.

[pcmc]

This might be a good spot for a jumbo Ferris wheel. I wonder how the view would be from up there?
Just a thought.

[brk-lnt]

This might be a good spot for a jumbo Ferris wheel. I wonder how the view would be from up there?
Just a thought.

IMO, the area needs more year-round things. Too much seasonal stuff.

On a related note, Laconia should do something to prevent major properties from being "bike week only" use. I really hate to suggest the government step in to more things, but it seems like the alternative is to just sit and watch the area decline.

[secondcurve]

From the Laconia Sun today:

Weirs Beach Water Slide to be torn down soon (http://www.laconiadailysun.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/73599-water-slide-to-be-razed)


http://www.laconiadailysun.com/templates/gk_twn2/images/system/emailButton.png (http://www.laconiadailysun.com/index.php/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&template=gk_twn2&link=bf593a271ec9feef1a967a45e7fde70d6c61053c)
<DL style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 24px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; MARGIN: 0px; OUTLINE-STYLE: none; OUTLINE-COLOR: invert; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; OUTLINE-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 11px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; OVERFLOW: hidden; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" class=article-info><DD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; MARGIN: 0px 16px 0px 0px; OUTLINE-STYLE: none; OUTLINE-COLOR: invert; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; OUTLINE-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; FLOAT: left; FONT-SIZE: 11px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" class=published>Published Date Thursday, 05 December 2013 01:30</DD></DL>LACONIA — The Weirs Beach Water Slide, among the most venerable and visible attractions at Weirs Beach, is slated for demolition early next year.
The owner, Robert Csendes of Bedford, doing business as 45 Endicott, LLC, said yesterday that he has nearly completed an application for a demolition permit and expects to raze the facility sometime in January. He explained that the attraction is in disrepair and costly to insure or renovate.
Csendes said that intends to lease the 2.4-acre property at the corner of Endicott Street North (Rte. 3) and Lakeside Avenue overlooking the iconic Weirs Beach sign where he would construct a building to suit the needs of a long-term tenant. He indicated that he has discussed the redevelopment of the site with several interested parties. At the same time, he anticipates leasing space on the property to vendors during Motorcycle Week in June.
The water park features four slides with a 75-foot drop, several waterfalls and a 110-foot tunnel passing through what is billed as the tallest man-made volcano in the world, marked by the remains of a crashed airplane protruding from its flank. The slides wrap around an 18-hole miniature golf course that meanders through the water park. According to a city property tax card, the attraction was built in 1979.
Cesendes acquired the property for $580,000 at auction in January, 2010 after Bank of New Hampshire foreclosed on the property when Lawrence Baldi,II, whose family had owned the water park since 1995, was defrauded by Financial Resources Mortgage, Inc. of Meredith and defaulted on loans totaling $703,000. The property is currently assessed at $540,900.
The other water park at The Weirs, Surf Coaster USA, which was built at the corner of White Oaks Road and Endicott Street East in 1983, closed after the 2006 season and has been for sale ever since.

First the Woodshed, now the Weirs Beach Waterside, what is next the sinking of the Mount Washington in the Broads?

[fatlazyless]

It just seems like the City of Laconia missed the boat a little bit when it comes to the physical appearance of the new Weirs Beach traffic roundabout. This new roundabout, built in 2012, is not particularly attractive looking when you compare it to the Meredith roundabout that's about five miles north in neighboring Meredith.

So, what is the difference? It is all about the smooth concrete outer circular apron of smooth concrete that is so visible at the Weirs. In Meredith, a few hundred grey granite cobbles were used as opposed to smooth concrete, and it makes a big difference in how the whole roundabout looks.

Weirs Beach has a very ugly roundabout, and Meredith has a very attractive roundabout ...... due to the concrete vs granite cobbles difference.....suggest you go take a look-see yourself....and see if you agree on this.

[MeredithMan]

very true. Weirs rotary is drab and un-inviting and unattractive. When they were building it, I assumed the smooth drab concrete and lack of attractive landscaping was only temporary....that they would finish it to look like the Meredith rotary. Wrong! Since the rotary is one of the first things that visitors to the area see, one would have thought that the town would have made it much more attractive, especially being a tourist area.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

It just seems like the City of Laconia missed the boat a little bit when it comes to the physical appearance of the new Weirs Beach traffic roundabout. This new roundabout, built in 2012, is not particularly attractive looking when you compare it to the Meredith roundabout that's about five miles north in neighboring Meredith.

So, what is the difference? It is all about the smooth concrete outer circular apron of smooth concrete that is so visible at the Weirs. In Meredith, a few hundred grey granite cobbles were used as opposed to smooth concrete, and it makes a big difference in how the whole roundabout looks.

Weirs Beach has a very ugly roundabout, and Meredith has a very attractive roundabout ...... due to the concrete vs granite cobbles difference.....suggest you go take a look-see yourself....and see if you agree on this.

I'm glad they built the roundabout. When I have to drive by the Weirs I go around the circle several times. I get dizzy enough so when I cross the bridge I can't make out the depressing landscape of that corner.

[Lakesrider]

I might gets some angry replies, but I have always thought the whole strip should be torn down. It needs to get completely rebuilt into something more akin to the Lake George Boardwalk area. You should see the tourism that Lake George gets compared to the now sparse visiting that the Weirs gets. I think it is really sad that there is such potential in that little strip of land and the surround area, and it sits there looking like a slum. Sorry. Just the way I see it. That area needs a planning committee that will step up and control what goes in there. Not people that just buy and put things in hither thither and mess the place up. Laconia is lost in the planning process of just about everything they do...:(

[Chaselady]

I might gets some angry replies, but I have always thought the whole strip should be torn down. It needs to get completely rebuilt into something more akin to the Lake George Boardwalk area. You should see the tourism that Lake George gets compared to the now sparse visiting that the Weirs gets. I think it is really sad that there is such potential in that little strip of land and the surround area, and it sits there looking like a slum. Sorry. Just the way I see it. That area needs a planning committee that will step up and control what goes in there. Not people that just buy and put things in hither thither and mess the place up. Laconia is lost in the planning process of just about everything they do...:(

Believe it or not, I totally agree with you.

[HellRaZoR004]

And demolish and rebuild the docks. They are way too narrow.

[Fargo]

I just returned from having lunch in Kennebunkport. We thought this would be their off season and a quiet day since it was raining. The place was packed with people and 90% of the businesses were open. Low key Xmas decorations, beautiful hand carved business signs, all the store fronts were painted and windows were washed. No vacant lots and no broken down chain link fences. What isn't there is a beautiful lake and mountain views you'd think the Weirs would want to capitalize on and be open for business year round. Go figure.

[AKADQ]

A few years ago I heard through the grapevine that a group was considering purchasing the property by the roundabout where the Logs of Fun arcade, mini-golf, post-office, etc. are located, tearing it all down and building a Church Landing style Inn. If I remember correctly they wanted to build a new footbridge over the Weirs Channel to the beach and also invest in and upgrade the beach.

It could have just been a rumor and I never heard anything else about it. It certainly would have changed the Weirs.

If I recall and my memory is correct, Rusty who owns that complex was trying to get approved from the city of Laconia a hotel complex for that site but got denied. Not sure if my facts are correct but I think it's close...

[Resident 2B]

I believe what is sorely missing is a master plan for the Weirs Beach area. Something that make sense and is financially viable after considering all the current and potential uses of the area, including how to host Bike Week in any new arrangement. The square footage of the vacant lots is growing faster than the property value of the surrounding real estate is dropping. Piecemeal development without a master plan is doomed to failure.

I do not know why one of the local politicians does not start this ball rolling. What we have now is a big mess that seems to get worse each and every year. This is a beautiful part of the lakes region and it is not being treated with the respect it deserves.

That is my 2-cents worth.

R2B

[secondcurve]

I believe what is sorely missing is a master plan for the Weirs Beach area. Something that make sense and is financially viable after considering all the current and potential uses of the area, including how to host Bike Week in any new arrangement. The square footage of the vacant lots is growing faster than the property value of the surrounding real estate is dropping. Piecemeal development without a master plan is doomed to failure.

I do not know why one of the local politicians does not start this ball rolling. What we have now is a big mess that seems to get worse each and every year. This is a beautiful part of the lakes region and it is not being treated with the respect it deserves.

That is my 2-cents worth.

R2B

I couldn't agree more. The leaders of Laconia have totally butchered what should be a jewel of the Lakes Region. I am not sure what the problem is but the result of Laconia's inaction has been to drive commerce to places like Meredith. It likely will get worse before it gets better.

[birchhaven]

I couldn't agree more. The leaders of Laconia have totally butchered what should be a jewel of the Lakes Region. I am not sure what the problem is but the result of Laconia's inaction has been to drive commerce to places like Meredith. It likely will get worse before it gets better.

I could not agree more. I wrote in another post this exact situation, that bike week drives development away because a land owner can generate income with no improvements, making the land owners pretty much lazy, where as anywhere else you need to improve the land to make a buck. I know for a fact that the powers that be, take the attitude that, it is what it is, and who are they to change it, really great planning attitude.
Speaking of Laconia planning, the new steep slope ordinance pretty much makes all of the weirs need a zoning variance, so they just keep adding regulation to stop development. That entire area is over 25% slope (so is pretty much the entire lakes region). So anyone looking to buy up and revamp the Weirs has a serious up hill battle and a lot of extra expense to make that area into the great place we all know it could, simply because of Laconia. Not only that but they are adding more regulations.
I have never understood the steep slope ordinances towns put in place, if you want a walk out basement on your house it requires a lot with greater than 25% slopes pretty much, yet with these regulations it makes an area like that unbuildable.
I could go on about this for a while... :)

[JasonG]

It's been a few years since I have been up there so I may be out of date. Could the problem be the lack of activities during the off season, thus no tourists to generate revenue then?

Bottom line...having a business that is only operational 4 months a year is tough to push on any investor. As someone else said, Meredith is where money is going. Why not? They make things interesting year round.

[secondcurve]

It's been a few years since I have been up there so I may be out of date. Could the problem be the lack of activities during the off season, thus no tourists to generate revenue then?

Bottom line...having a business that is only operational 4 months a year is tough to push on any investor. As someone else said, Meredith is where money is going. Why not? They make things interesting year round.

Meredith is in the same geography with a similar asset and it has been able to flourish. What Laconia has in the Weirs is irreplaceable. That being said, any high caliber asset can be mismanaged and that is what we have seen the leaders of Laconia do with the Weirs.

[JasonG]

Meredith is in the same geography with a similar asset and it has been able to flourish. What Laconia has in the Weirs is irreplaceable. That being said, any high caliber asset can be mismanaged and that is what we have seen the leaders of Laconia do with the Weirs.

So the general feeling is the existing businesses (most?) could be managed correctly for a year round appeal? However, the effort has not come?

[birchhaven]

So the general feeling is the existing businesses (most?) could be managed correctly for a year round appeal? However, the effort has not come?

Management is part of it, but more importantly the lack of investment in the properties and also a serious lack of imagination. The whole place needs to be torn down and rebuilt.

[Colby]

The area can not support a water slide? What's happened to our Weirs?
There used to be three water slide areas around Laconia. The SurfCoaster, Part of the Alpine Slide Gunstock ski area and the Weirs Beach water slide. Now we are losing the last waterslide.

When I try to encourage friends to visit the area they talk poorly about the Weirs. They call it a honky tonk atmosphere. Run down, nothing to do. Great scenery though.

Those who are black, gay or Jews feel unwelcome. Real or perceived that is how they feel.

What was the Weirs Water Slide land used for in the past? Will it be abandoned and just exist except for Bike week+ ?

It's awful to watch the area get so run down. :(

[ishoot308]

"Those who are black, gay or Jews feel unwelcome. Real or perceived that is how they feel."

What!?? While the Weirs may have issues, racism certainly is NOT one of them!!

Give me a break!

Dan

[dykg]

What I don't understand is why aren't these properties being developed? There is a carrying cost of owning these properties. They tear down the structures ie Karl's steak house and now the water slide with no plans to replace with an attraction or something that will draw people to the area. Am I missing something here? Is there just a lack of investment interest? If you drive further down lakeside ave to Lookoff Rock, they are building & selling high end town homes.
Go figure.

[fatlazyless]

Compared to any of the other local super-pumper gas stations in the area including the Irving and Mobil on Rt 104 at Exit 23, New Hampton, or the Irving in Meredith next to the new Rite Aid, the Cumberland Farms gas station at the Weirs always seems like it has very few customers for a gas station of its size. Like, where are all the customers at the Weirs Beach Cumberland gas station? Becuz with maybe ten different gas pump stations, they is all usually empty of gas customers.

I travel through Laconia and stop in there for gas while enroute to the Gilford Lowe's or the Gilford Wal-Mart and typically buy a newspaper and get gas, and with all those different gas pumps, the Cumby management has got to be very disappointed with their gallons sales numbers ...... so's why the heck did they even build that very expensive-to-construct store there in the first place....if it has such poor performance????

By the way, it has a public rest room that is maintained extremely clean!

So many gas pumps ...... and so few gas customers ...... someone at Cumby management didn't do their research for that particular spot for the predicted gasoline sales demand .... or something????

p.s.

Riding a bicycle around the Weirs and especially around the residential area across the railroad tracks over behind the Winni Gardens building can be an interesting bike ride, and a good way to really see the area......some many very old homes built on tiny, close together, congested lots all crammed in together....very old construction and very tightly close to one another.... small narrow streets .... and then some real beauties of old restored homes directly on the water down through there.... riding a bicycle in through there is the way to go for a Weirs Beach sight-seeing ride....

....and .... if and when the www.wowtrail.org ever gets built through the Weirs....that could give the Weirs a tourist boost in the shoulder months of April-May ....... Sept-Oct-Nov .....

[birchhaven]

What I don't understand is why aren't these properties being developed? There is a carrying cost of owning these properties. They tear down the structures ie Karl's steak house and now the water slide with no plans to replace with an attraction or something that will draw people to the area. Am I missing something here? Is there just a lack of investment interest? If you drive further down lakeside ave to Lookoff Rock, they are building & selling high end town homes.
Go figure.

They make money having the land sit with no mainance till they make a quick buck from bike week. Bike week has to go.

A large portion of the Weirs is owned by the veterans, so it is kinda of a tough one. No one would ever want to take anything away from a group that has given so much. And while you could certainly begin the resurgence of the weirs by building at the water slides, and the arcades, no master plan would be complete without factoring in the Veteran Buildings.

[Woodsy]

Birchhaven....


In the interest of full disclosure, I am year round resident of the Weirs. I love it! The Veterans homes & the Bike Rally are not going away. That being said, the issues with the Weirs are many, and there is plenty of blame to spread around.

1. Property owners like the Baldi's, who let their burnt out eyesore sit there for 2 years while they played cat & mouse with the city & their insurance companies. I get that they are entitled to due process, but ultimately it was going to have to be torn down anyway. Finally tearing it down only to leave it a mess still and bury the toxic waste in the drive in! No doubt the same fate awaits the water slide.

2. The City for treating the Weirs like a red headed step child. They are happy to take as much $$$ from Weirs/Bike week as possible, with little to no re-investment into the Weirs.

3. The City for not being business friendly. A recent example is the BBQ guy that set up a temporary shop in the old Karl's parking lot. City ordinance said he could only operate x amount of weeks....

4. The State of NH for treating Bike Week as the Police Overtime Association. Way too many police for the amount of people! It discourages people from coming. They need to see how the other big rally's are run.

5. A loosening of the liquor laws.... Let people have a beer or cocktail (in a plastic cup) and walk around. Think like Key West. The Weirs needs to be inviting, not excluding!

The demographic of the area has changed dramatically. All of the old mom & pop motels are now condos. There isn't the weekly turnover of new people like there used to be. SO the question that needs to be answered is to how best attract people to the area? Everyone needs to have some input.

The "Family only" plan isn't working. There needs to be a balance of adult and family entertainment. Maybe a little less arcade, a few more bars/restaurants geared towards adults. Embrace bike week! The motel owners need to understand that shutting everything down at 11pm isn't good for them or the other businesses. The city needs to spend some $$ on keeping the Weirs looking nice. I don't think a copy of Meredith is what the Weirs needs, but it certainly needs to be spruced up. The vacant lots.... like the Baldis & soon the waterslide need to be addressed. No Bike Week vendor permits unless your property looks nice and is kept up to code.


There is lots more I am sure!

Woodsy

[fatlazyless]

www.weirsbeach.com/Largejpgs/nhvahistory.html

As I recall from an article in the LaDaSun maybe a year ago or so, all the veterans rental property is summer seasonal because it is unheated and has no foundations under cottages.

The biggest portion of their annual income comes from renting out retail concession spots along their grassy embankment that fronts on the sidewalk during bike week. This income goes to maintaining the properties.

The veteran's property is exempt from Laconia property tax.

[BroadHopper]

I have to agree with FLL regarding a rail trail from Laconia to Meredith. That will bring a lot of folks that are health conscious to the area. If the rail trail extends to Franklin as envision, I can see a big draw on events such as a bike, foot, run race at the Weirs. Unfortunately there are sour pusses that don't want ANYTHING in their back or front yards. Lighten up people the lake and surroundings are to be enjoyed by all!

[birchhaven]

I have to agree with FLL regarding a rail trail from Laconia to Meredith. That will bring a lot of folks that are health conscious to the area. If the rail trail extends to Franklin as envision, I can see a big draw on events such as a bike, foot, run race at the Weirs. Unfortunately there are sour pusses that don't want ANYTHING in their back or front yards. Lighten up people the lake and surroundings are to be enjoyed by all!

Not to get totally off topic, but I have heard this idea kicked around a lot for the past 10 or so years, I am hesitant to even say it because I think it will be a very polarizing idea.
Get rid of the train and replace it with trolly cars, that can be stopped at any location. So for instance South Down shores people can flag it down with a season pass card or something get on ride to Meredith have dinner, ride back to the Weirs, go dancing, get ice cream, then ride back to south down shores. Etc... I live on the tracks and this would be awesome IMHO

[Woodsy]

Birchhaven...

Might require some infrastructure upgrades....

But...

That is a GREAT idea.... its ideas like that the Weirs needs! :)

I am a big fan of the WOW trail too. Even though cutting through Southdown is a mighty unpopular idea with those folks!

Through the passage of time, and due to neglect the Weirs is no longer a "Destination"! Anything that can be done to change that would be a change for the better... and it would benefit most people! IMHO


Woodsy

[brk-lnt]

Birchhaven...


I am a big fan of the WOW trail too. Even though cutting through Southdown is a mighty unpopular idea with those folks!



Disclaimer, I'm an owner in SouthDown.

I'm opposed to the WOW trail because I don't buy in to the argument that it will attract any new people to the area. There are already many existing recreational activities in the area, and around NH in general. People aren't going to flock to the area just because you lay down a few miles of pavement.

The majority of the WOW trail would have no "destination" spots, especially the Weirs area which is pretty much the opposite of "healthy activities" right now.

The WOW trail has all the markings of a poorly thought out (but, well intentioned) pet project. 5 years after it's built, it'll sit there in disrepair and be a general eyesore. Take a look at some of the litter and graffiti along the existing portion for examples of this.

As a SouthDown resident, I see no benefit to that. I'm not concerned about people coming in to "my community" as much as I am concerned about some group dropping in a slab of blacktop that is going to be an eyesore, get in the way, and ultimately need to be dealt with by the residents.

[Bostonian]

Nothing like Internet Message Boards to chime in... So I will put in my two centers.


While I do not live at the Weirs, my family has been coming up to the lake to vacation for 3 generations. Currently, my family owns a house near Gunstock, and let me tell you it is depressing to go up there. Whether it is the Gunstock Inn sitting idle (which now appears to be changing), to the Surfcoaster rotting away to now the Weirs Beach Waterslide being torn down and lot after vacant lot popping up along the Weirs. It is an embarrassment...

Echoed in a previous post, the City of Laconia needs to step up and have the entire stretch redeveloped focusing on the natural beauty and create a destination to visit. Having a 4 star hotel, quality restaurants (not the greasy putrid gringo), entertainment that draws all walks of life and of course focus on the natural beauty of the lake is key. I want to be able to showcase the greatness of the Weirs, but instead we have nothing but a rundown empty strip that drives away people who want to spend money there.

[jess1234]

There is a meeting on December 23rd @ 7pm for comments not on the agenda at the Laconia City Council meeting, would we be heard as seasonal owners.

[WeirsBeachBoater]

I would think a taxpayer whether full time or not, should be allowed to speak?

[Lakesrider]

Probably having it just before Christmas because they think everyone will be too busy to show up. How about a contingent of Winnipesaukee.com members showing up with a Laconia resident as spokesperson? As I have always said Nothing happens if nothing is done.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

They have been taking down the water slide for a couple days now. They should leave some scraps and debris so it matches the rest of the corner.

[Shore Driver]

The Weirs is depressing. I just won't drive over there anymore.

[minni on winni]

There are alot of eyesores at the Weirs. Whatever they put in the place of the waterslide should be geared to get families to the beach. The iconic Weirs sign, the train , the Mount, Sophie, Doris, the Drive In are the "draws". We need something to keep kids entertained , not too costly for parents and something that wil be remembered fondly and will make you want to keep coming back. I think an out door amusement park with fun rides would be great.no need for a waterpark we have the beach. No need for more alcohol that is just a set up for litter in our streets and quite possibly bad behavior and accidents.

[jrc]

As other people have said, Bike week may drive this. According to the web, that property is valued around $600K and the tax rate is around $20, so say $12K a year. I bet a beer tent, some stalls and parking will raise enough to pay that and a handy profit in just 10 days.

Why risk investing money and running a real business, when you can make a profit in 10 days, with no risk.

Bike week has it's upside but it does become a crutch for the property owners around ground zero.

[birchhaven]

As other people have said, Bike week may drive this. According to the web, that property is valued around $600K and the tax rate is around $20, so say $12K a year. I bet a beer tent, some stalls and parking will raise enough to pay that and a handy profit in just 10 days.

Why risk investing money and running a real business, when you can make a profit in 10 days, with no risk.

Bike week has it's upside but it does become a crutch for the property owners around ground zero.

I could not agree more.

The city of laconia needs to stop promoting from with in and can everyone and start over, it really is pathetic.

[jrc]

The city can change the incentives and try to drive business behavior in a direction better for the area. They could make all the bike week permits contingent on year round business plans.

Say to a property owner, you can't have a that 10 day beer tent unless you make some improvement to the property. Obviously this becomes a political issue about how much is too much and unintended consequences but that's what governing is about.

[pcmc]

Forgive me if anyone interprets this as an insult! Lake George, N.Y. seems to be furnishing nicely. Would it be possible to consult their planning or development committees and get some advice. Yes, I know they are the direct competition but the area is successful and inviting. Why not even try to incorporate some sort of a vacation package between the two areas? Only a thought. I'm not saying copy them and create a second Lake George, but the events page on their website is pretty busy. Any help could be good for the area.

[jmen24]

I believe we are only a few years out from the Weirs finding the bottom of the hole, but it won't be a pretty ride to the bottom.

The reason I say that is, Bike Week continues to move further away from Laconia every year; Hill climbs, chapter rides, large crowd gathering events. They are all happening North and West of the Lakes Region. Those are some of the events listed on the Official Bike Week events page.

One thing that most people don't understand is exactly how profitable that empty lot is for Bike Week. I am certain the current owners will not chime in on this, but here is an example.

When the original owners of the Lobster Pound sold to the current owners, they sold the assets, the name and the land, but they did not sell the rights to that parking lot during Bike Week. The reason, that 10 day period generated an income for the owners approaching 7 figures, in that large lot with a very small building (in case anyone ever wondered why Lou and Harvey never fixed up the old LP). The current owners of the LP realized quite quickly that they misunderstood the "real" value of that property and bought out the rights to Bike Week for the following year. It took them a few years to figure out that they needed to supply their vendors with constant water and other necessary items, but they have the routine down now. The only difference is the building eats up more income than it likely replaces, but they were smart to build the LP into what it is today. They will be in the position to capitalize when a turn around of that area comes.

Why this story matters.

Bike Week continues to move away from the run down Weirs, so does that vendor income for the lot renters. Income continues to drop, so the price of rental space goes up to compensate. The State loves this as it spreads the tourist spending into other areas of our beautiful state and it does not put all the focus on the "Bike Week" atmosphere.

If looking at the Weirs as a business, it is only a matter of years before it will fold. The owners (read: Laconia and the lot owners) are in money grab mode, this is going to result in a developers dream, as they buy up one foreclosed property after another.

The players are just waiting for the other shoe to drop, that is how Meredith became what it is today.

[Lakesrider]

Yeah the city could do a lot. Will they? No. Civic pride in Laconia is dead. They have have a huge asset there slowly sinking into oblivion. The days of the Weirs are numbered. I heard so many complaints from bikers last year it wasn't funny. Every year it is the same complaint. Except for the tents selling stuff there is nothing to do around here. Getting anything acomplised in this area is tough. Look at how the owners of the burnt out place toyed with the city. What did they do for all that time. Nothing. Tied up in legal while an embarrassing structure on a renowned piece of land slowly rotted on its foundation. Still just a big hole years later. So now we will all get to look at a big leveled stretch of land that sits and looks like that TV show on the discovery channel...."Life after humans". Just bring in the Gypsies and traveling freak shows and it will all be complete. Gypsies.....yeah bring in some Gypsies.....

[minni on winni]

Please don't bring in the traveling freak show and gypsies. An amusement park with rides for young children and teens would be a definite asset to the area.keeping a nostalgic feel to go along with the Weirs sign and Drive in .:D

[surfnsnow]

just a gut feeling, eventually gambling will become legal in n.h. and this de-valuing of weirs property would play right into the hands of cash rich casino builders. I neither agree with or disagree with this but something must be done . I used to love the honky tonk feel of this place in the 70's . now we go to old orchard beach for our fix

[minni on winni]

OMG!!! Can you imagine the traffic woes at the rotary , along Weirs blvd and Endicott street if a casino was in the Weirs?!!!!!!!!! I'm from taxachusetts and I drive to foxwoods now and again secluded place in the Connecticut woods. Hopefully never in the tiny Weirs!

[minni on winni]

Going to keep hoping for nostalgia

[Woodsy]

Ummmm.....

As resident of the Weirs I have to disagree with some of what is being said.

There is ALOT of pride in Weirs, and most people do wish it was better. But until the PROPERTY OWNERS in the Weirs change and embrace a new economic model... nothing else will change.

The whole economic dynamic of the Weirs has changed.

1. There are fewer places to rent from, this leads to less of a turnover of people at the "attractions"

2. The motels have mostly been turned into condos. Those people are up every weekend, but spend way less on the "attractions" per year.

3. There are fewer "attractions"... You have the Drive-In (night only) and the arcades. The 2 biggest kid attractions (waterslides) are now gone. Not saying there isn't stuff to do.... just that's its less and less.

4. Like it or not, the days of the Weirs being a super kid friendly destination are done. Kids today would rather stay inside and play video games linked up with their friends instead of going to drop quarters in an arcade.

5. Some of the property owners in the Weirs take pride in their buildings. Others unfortunately do not.

6. Bike Week has been treated like a neglected cash cow by the city and state for years. The milk is starting to dry up....

7. The amount of Police officers in the Weirs during Bike Week is DRACONIAN! It has become the Police Overtime Fund. It kills the mood... DEAD!

I could go on and on..

The Weirs needs a comprehensive balanced economic plan. My vote would be for an atmosphere similar to Key West....

Woodsy

[Lakesrider]

Like the Keys? Then we would have to legalize pot to get that laid back......:laugh: I still like the Lake George boardwalk way better. they have a bandstand and music every night until 10, bars that open to the lake, rental boats, party boats, shops galore....way more hotels and beautiful driving roads. Roads not like around here. Hmmmm......actually maybe we could start a new winter attraction. "Come ride the Rt 109 monster roller coaster. If your man enough......" We could call Frostyheave....

[Woodsy]

Lake George is Awesome... (don't tell the members of the Lake George Donzi Club I said that) :) We have a long standing rivalry.

The difference between Lake George & Lake Winni is striking. Lake George is a NY State Park... complete with access fees and a development plan with serious restrictions and rules. Google Lake George Park Commission. The islands and much of the waterfront on Lake George are not privately owned. I liken Lake George to Meredith... Of course some may say, as pretty as Meredith is, NH Hospitality pretty much bought up all of the available property and its just one big Common Man hotel.

I would like to see the Weirs keep its honky tonk image...

Woodsy

[jmen24]

Just to clarify as I did not distinguish in my post, but "lot owners" is in reference to the paved parking lot owners. I was not including residential property owners in my post.

As a resident of that area, I would be saddened by what is happening around me and angered that it was being allowed.

Nostalgia is great, but it becomes more irrelevant every day. Soon Classic Rock will only be heard on the oldies station.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

This topic is interesting because as I drove through the Weirs the other day I was thinking about how it hasn't changed since the 1960's. The only difference- everything looks older and older. Very sad. I had so much fun there in my teen years. I still have pictures of my friends and I from the photo booth. There were so many great bands at Irwin Gardens down on the pier. We had fun in the arcades also.

[minni on winni]

Teens might not want to drop a quarter in an arcade game but I think they would love to ride a coaster, a Ferris wheel, a tilt a whirl, etc... weirs is the perfect place for nostalgia. Just look at the sign!

[Woodsy]

Minni...

I think that would be great too! Unfortunately I do not think there is a large enough piece of property in the Weirs for that, nor do I think it would generate enough income. A lot of smaller amusement park type places are struggling or have closed.... Six Gun City etc. I cannot imagine what liability insurance would be on an amusement park.

Woodsy

[jmen24]

The problem with targeting to teens, is they do not want to go somewhere like that with their parents, they want to wander with their friends and hangout. Would you drop your teenage kids off at the Weirs to ride a coaster, or take a turn on the wheel? And if you did, what would you do while they were there.

I cannot even count the number of different businesses that I have seen in my lifetime that catered solely to teens that lasted more than a year or two. Teens get bored very quickly and each generation is in to its own thing. Putting yourself in their shoes doesn't work, because they don't fit.

A quick look around the country will give you an idea that in the amusement park world, it is go big or go home. The locations that have a single amusement type ride, bring far more to the table.

I should reclassify my prior statement about nostalgia, it isn't completely irrelevant. When it is preserved and presented in a way that shows it has been cared for or cared about, I am all for it. If it is allowed to rot in the backyard, not so much and it needs to be cleaned, because it is an eyesore.

Every time I travel through the Weirs, it reminds me of the movie Groundhog Day.

[birchhaven]

The elephant in the room with all our dreaming is the sign out front says for lease not for sale. So they have no intention of selling and no developer is going to do a ground lease to build a hotel, etc. And unfortunately it is pretty clear the owner actually want to spend as little as possible on the property so there is zero chance anything is going to happen there. Literally the only way to get the owner off center is for the city to deny their bike week permit.

[GTO]

This topic is interesting because as I drove through the Weirs the other day I was thinking about how it hasn't changed since the 1960's. The only difference- everything looks older and older. Very sad. I had so much fun there in my teen years. I still have pictures of my friends and I from the photo booth. There were so many great bands at Irwin Gardens down on the pier. We had fun in the arcades also.

It will be just a matter of time before the arcades close down now that everybody has a gaming system in their house...or even their phone. Growing up, we didn't have any of that so going to the Weirs or Funspot used to be the thing to do. Why go through a roll of quarters when you can download a free app. Now the photo booths you mention can be done directly from your phone and sent to all your friends within seconds. There are less and less people down at the Weirs over the years and its sad but something has to give. I can see in the very near future the arcades closing and empty buildings (until they mysteriously catch on fire). The docks are in terrible shape so its not fun to travel there by boat and tie up. So much has to be put into that whole area.

[Wolfeboro_Baja]

Minni...

I think that would be great too! Unfortunately I do not think there is a large enough piece of property in the Weirs for that, nor do I think it would generate enough income. A lot of smaller amusement park type places are struggling or have closed.... Six Gun City etc. I cannot imagine what liability insurance would be on an amusement park.

WoodsyRE: Six Gun City

I just checked and the area is still in business with a new name. They are now known as Fort Jefferson Fun Park (http://www.fortjeffersonfunpark.com/) and claiming this is their 58th season so all is not lost. That being said, I've never been there in my 55 years of life. :)

[minni on winni]

Jmen24
I would definitely let the teens "do their thing" and I would take the younger kids on rides suited to their age group .then I would go over to the boardwalk with a soft serve ice cream and enjoy the show on the lake.

[minni on winni]

What would make the city deny a bike week permit?

[birchhaven]

What would make the city deny a bike week permit?

It is laconia they make up the rules as they go! Ha
But seriously I am not one who thinks the Gov is the solution to problems but this might be one of those situations. They could have easily start denying bike week permits to these permanent parking lots, and in this case could have easily let the owner know that tearing down a structure for bike week tents is not in the best interest of the city and no permits will be issued. I am sure there would have been a legal battle but O well the government loves to spend money on attorneys and this would have been money well spent.

[secondcurve]

What would make the city deny a bike week permit?

The Weirs is the armpit of Winnipesaukee. It will get worse before it gets better. No vision. No planning. No nothing. The idiots can't even put up a decent public marina despite having significant lake frontage.

[jmen24]

Minni, that is fair enough and you would likely not be alone. We enjoy a good roller coaster as well, just not the same one every time and I was a teenager less than 15 years ago.

If it is any consolation, the Weirs sign would most likely be preserved and could be viewed every time you entered the lobby of the Boardwalk Casino. :)

[minni on winni]

We need more thanks buttons.i used all mine up already today. :)

[garysanfran]

For The Weirs...

Bring back Teen Haven and the big name concerts at Winnipesaukee Gardens. Late night teen hangouts can be successful.

Jack Irwin said...

“There was a place called Teen Haven just up the street where young people got together to dance. We started to change what we offered for music, putting on concerts from time to time instead of having big band dance music,” Jack recalls.
Among the big names which came to the Gardens at that time were the Beach Boys and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. “We’d get 2200 people in for a show and have two shows a night. But it was a different generation, different music. It was more of a show than dancing.”

Yup...Fond memories

I "attended" many concerts sitting in my boat with the "girl-of-my-dreams" floating outside of The Gardens listening to The Vanilla Fudge or The Turtles, etc.

And the BIG BAND era...More from Jack

Irwin’s Winnipesaukee Gardens opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1925 and was an instant hit with the music-loving public of the 1920s. Top bands touring the country now had a new, lively place to play in, one with an ideal lakeside setting that was perfect for a summer night. And WKAV was soon conducting live broadcasts from the Gardens, bringing the Big Band sound to listeners all over New Hampshire.

And Irwin was quick to capitalize on the bathing beauty phenomena which had been started by Atlantic City’s Miss America Pageant in 1919, creating the Miss Winnipesaukee Pageant the very same year that the Gardens opened. The pageant is still going strong and has produced more Miss New Hampshire winners than any other pageant in the state.

Jack Irwin says that until the crash of 1929, everything went great for screen above the stage.the Gardens, which also offered movies which could be viewed on a big
Jack says that he can still remember watching movies from the balcony, as well as some of the best band acts ever.

“I was just a little kid when I saw Fats Waller around 1938 or 1939. If my parents couldn’t get a babysitter they’d bring me to the Gardens and let me sit in the balcony and watch things until I fell asleep,” he says.

At one time or another just about all of the big bands played at the Gardens, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Harry James and Paul Whiteman. “About the only big names we didn’t get were Louie Armstrong and Guy Lombardo. It was the liveliest spot in the state, along with the Hampton Casino, for many years,” says Jack.

“Tuesdays and Thursdays were Big Band nights. That’s when we’d get those Big Bands which were touring the country. We’d have bands playing every night except Sunday. The house band played the other nights and they lived right up here at the Weirs all summer. The Tony Brown orchestra was one of the house bands and a lot of people liked to come by during the week to dance because prices doubled on the weekend, when we always had a full house.”

[dykg]

I have to think that things should improve in the Weirs. They are building million dollar condos where look off rock and there is the development of a Akawa yacht club. I have to think improvements will continue to make its way down the blvd.
Why would people make that kind of investment if the area continued to be depressed. I am optimistic.

[garysanfran]

In my opinion. Not improved by making it a condo development for seniors and boring residential property. It should become, and stay, a fun destination place to go.

[pcmc]

Gary I don't believe dykg meant investing in the area as in more housing development. He mentioned just up the street there are substantial developments that have been already built. Therefore to maintain the values and investments of these high end condos, the facelift to the Weir 's area will hopefully progress down the street, bringing the attraction back.

[dykg]

Thanks for clarifing PCMC.

[minni on winni]

With all the investing that Akawa is doing along Lakeside/Scenic road. They must have some idea of the future of the Weirs. Wouldn't you think?

[Steveo]

“Tuesdays and Thursdays were Big Band nights. That’s when we’d get those Big Bands which were touring the country. We’d have bands playing every night except Sunday. ”[/I]

I too remember seeing some great bands in the 60's and 70's there - Beach Boys, 3 Dog Night, Gary Puckett, etc, etc

I also remember that the reason they never played on Sunday was because there was an old "blue" law that you were not allowed to dance on Sundays - so funny.

[pcmc]

With all the investing that Akawa is doing along Lakeside/Scenic road. They must have some idea of the future of the Weirs. Wouldn't you think?

One would hope so. Living in CT. it seems if there is an open piece of land, a building has to be put on it. It's hardly ever about preserving the area, it's always about profiting off of every square inch, no matter how much damage will be done down the road when the areas age and time passes.(get run down) Greed can do a lot of damage, and usually is a ulterior motive., but I suppose this is what keeps the world going around. Sad.

Another thing, as a bright side. The Weirs being so space deprived, buildings and in this case the water slide, get torn down and replaced. Another pet peeve of mine is when there is huge vacant commercial building available , but a brand new 'similar' building gets erected just up the street, while the old one sits. (I realize it can be cheaper to build new vs renovate, and people want customized space, but the community should rank a little higher up.)

Sorry to rant.

[GTO]

Teens might not want to drop a quarter in an arcade game but I think they would love to ride a coaster, a Ferris wheel, a tilt a whirl, etc... weirs is the perfect place for nostalgia. Just look at the sign!

Ok, so it has to be fun.....why make it fun for just kids, how about all ages. How about a SkyZone? (Check out their website). This company is growing in popularity. Fun for all ages and could survive year round with private parties,corporate events, dodge ball leagues., etc.

[minni on winni]

I hope that "the powers that be" will read these posts and see what the residents of the region want, Fun and nostalgia.... and what we don't want More Vacant lots!!!!!

[Bigstan]

The Weirs being so space deprived, buildings and in this case the water slide, get torn down and replaced. Another pet peeve of mine is when there is huge vacant commercial building available , but a brand new 'similar' building gets erected just up the street, while the old one sits. (I realize it can be cheaper to build new vs renovate, and people want customized space, but the community should rank a little higher up.)

Sorry to rant.

So what went into the Wide Open Saloon space? It wasn't torn down, it burned, but really the same difference. Easier in some respects.

That's right, nothing (unless something just did) - because noone wants to invest there.....who would want to be the first ? Why do you suppose that is?

[meredith weekender]

I hope that "the powers that be" will read these posts and see what the residents of the region want, Fun and nostalgia.... and what we don't want More Vacant lots!!!!!


Unfortunately, the "powers to be" cannot develop / build anything. What is needed is a developer with a vision and deep pockets. The Weirs is too seasonal to really sustain any type of year round development.

[RailroadJoe]

How about a nice new Marriot Hotel with indoor pool and fabulous restaurant? No condos, just apartments to rent by the day or week. And while they are at it tear down the drive in theater and make it the parking for the hotel.

[webmaster]

I don't recall the source but a few years ago someone told me that putting a upscale Church Landing style hotel at the Weirs on the site where Logs-O-Fun, the post office (and not much more) now is was being considered. Part of the plan was to build a nice footbridge over the channel to the beach and invest in beach improvements.

Apparently the plan was shelved but I thought that would be a great first step in transforming Weirs Beach.

Did anyone else hear about this?

[VitaBene]

I don't think investors will spend much money before a comprehensive master plan is established.

[jrc]

There's lots of ways this can happen but the likely ways are very slow.

The city can get involved, using taxes or permits to indirectly drive development.

The city can sit back and let private entities buy up the land for cheap as it gets more and more run down. Bike week does set a bottom limit on the value.

The city can take certain parcels by eminent domain and develop them or sell to a developer.

I'm not sure how a master plan comes in to play, who pays for this plan and who enforces it?

It only takes a few successful businesses to flip the trend. Think about a string of old time lakefront camps. One guy sells out and someone builds a mansion. Now all the nearby places, become much more valuable and their taxes shoot up. Suddenly the old timers places can't afford the taxes and must sell.

[BroadHopper]

Right now they are concentrating on revitalizing downtown, the character was destroyed by Urban Renewal. (City flatly denied to this day UR was not the problem). Weirs is the least of their problem as there is enough money generated by Bike Week.

I agree a master plan must be established. The beach erosion must be taken care of. etc. etc.

Until the city wakes up, I think Weirs will become a ghost town.

[pcmc]

Ok so if Bike Week is the bread and butter for them, they need to get on the ball before it migrates away. The two other events that I know of just off the top of my head are 1. Lake G. NY has a big event, 2. Hershey PA has an event. Both right in the backyard.

One thought I keep having for an idea at the Wiers is a long pier that would extend way out into the water. Similar to Clearwater, FL., I believe, but am not positive that is the right beach area. The attractions are out at the end, and the walk out offers great views . Although that pier is located on the ocean it would be nice on the lake, maybe a little smaller version. The winter ice may cancel that right out but it's only a thought.

[BroadHopper]

Make an extension to the Winni Ballroom pier would be an awesome idea. Except Shoreline Protection act and the DES will put a huge NO NO on the project.

The current public docks are useless as far as I'm concerned. They should rearrange the docks wider so they can be more useful.

[Sal]

Could be interpreted as another bridge to Governor's Island . . .

[pcmc]

Could be interpreted as another bridge to Governor's Island . . .

Yes, that is not the exact one in Clearwater, FL., but the exact same idea. I would vision that with provision for boat docking on either side. It could open a lot of options or just offer a nice walk with a different view perspective.

[Sal]

This pier is located on Clearwater Beach, about 1/4 mile from the HUGE Marriott. I took the picture this February.

[Irishfan]

Sad to learn the waterslide is being torn down. I remember it much different growing up spending summers at the Weirs. My uncle has a small seasonal cottage within walking distance of the Weirs. There were, I think, four waterslides total if my memory serves me correct. No cheesy volcanoes or any other props that take away from the attraction. Even my dad and uncles went down the slides. Great memories. That volcano looked like it was about to fall over any second.

I remember getting up early and going to the country store at the top of Lakeside Ave. for the fresh donuts they made at the store. Anybody else remember those? They were the best. Learning how to waterski with the old orange life jacket. Going to the arcades to play skeeball and save up your tickets all summer to get decent prizes. Last time I visited, most of the games in the arcades were out of order and there were a few skeeball games but it just wasn't the same. How bout those bingo and poker machines with the pink rubber balls? Great times.

I'm usually a lurker but just had to throw in my two cents. Sorry to rant.

[minni on winni]

Doesn't sound like a rant to me. Rather like a trip down memory lane and a pleasant one at that! :D

[pcmc]

This pier is located on Clearwater Beach, about 1/4 mile from the HUGE Marriott. I took the picture this February.

Oh, sorry. That isn't the pier I had been to years ago, but just as welcoming.

[RLW]

Hasn't anyone taken a resent picture as to how it looks at the present time? I would love to see how the property looks vacant.:)

[birchhaven]

Rlm sorry no pic but progress is very slow for a demo project.
The Land is valued at 165k so the owners only need to rent a couple tents a year and they will be in the positive so I don't see anything happening there for a long long time.
I had an interesting conversation about my position on bike week and I realized I might be stating why bike week needs to end for the place to be rejuvenated incorrectly. The actual bike week is not the actual problem it is how it breeds lazy land owners.
I will say it again the city could have easily made a condition of approving the demo permit that unless the site is redeveloped it will not receive a bike week permit. They have placed restrictions on other properties in the area exactly like that. I know for a fact.
Also I am always amazed on how this website works. You have 95 percent of the comments saying weirs needs something done, then along comes someone who wants it to stay the same or be turned back to trees.

[Billy Bob]

We are residents os st Pete beach/Clearwater and have a home on the lake for the summer . Attempting to compare the 2 isen't possible . Clearwater has a 12month season with snowbirds packing the area now and southern state folks enjoying the beaches in the summer. Also a lot more to do with the ocean and the Disney / Bush stuff so close. The lake has a very short season to make a buck and the return on investment isen't possible for large scale redevelopment. The weirs might have nostalgia but at this point it is what it is a dump that no one without a lake history will find cool.
Laconia is a financially poor city with big problems , few decent jobs and big drug and small time crime problems. Using development money to get more low paying seasonal jobs at the crummy beach probably is not at the top of the list

We avoid that area with the grand kids , it's history

[brk-lnt]

We are residents os st Pete beach/Clearwater and have a home on the lake for the summer . Attempting to compare the 2 isen't possible . Clearwater has a 12month season with snowbirds packing the area now and southern state folks enjoying the beaches in the summer. Also a lot more to do with the ocean and the Disney / Bush stuff so close. The lake has a very short season to make a buck and the return on investment isen't possible for large scale redevelopment. The weirs might have nostalgia but at this point it is what it is a dump that no one without a lake history will find cool.
Laconia is a financially poor city with big problems , few decent jobs and big drug and small time crime problems. Using development money to get more low paying seasonal jobs at the crummy beach probably is not at the top of the list

We avoid that area with the grand kids , it's history

I think this sums it up pretty well. Attempting to hang on to the past and nostalgia is only going to bring things down. The number of people with a "history" of the Weirs are outnumbered by newcomers who only see it as a place with little to no draw.

[pcmc]

https://www.google.com/search?q=st+petersburg,fl+pier&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

I don't recall comparing, merely suggesting a thought of a pier at Wiers beach.
I found the the one we visited. It was in St. Petersburg, FL.

[diz]

Hasn't anyone taken a resent picture as to how it looks at the present time? I would love to see how the property looks vacant.:)


http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/14/nubabazu.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/14/rahu7y2a.jpg

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Compare those pictures to post #43 and you'll see there has been some progress since my photo.
I think the excavator moved 35 feet.
Here's a couple pictures of the other side of the street.

[Gilligan]

Too bad that another attraction goes away with nothing to replace it. The costs of food and lodging goes up and the attractions go down. It feels odd that on one hand there is more crowding while on the other hand there are fewer entertainment destinations. Kids don't seem to mind that the Weirs are a bit run down as long as there are fun things to do there. Take away the fun and they are not pestering their parents to go there.

I wish I had answers or plan ideas but I don't. I just hate to see the current state of affairs and the dwindling number of family fun places.

[Jeanzb1]

I know that I'm in the minority, but I will miss the water slide. The grandkids didn't mind that it was run down. And now that it is in the process of being torn down, I just hope that they clean the debris up and not leave an unsightly empty lot.

[fatnoah]

As someone who grew up in Laconia (LHS class of '93), it's sad to see the Weirs fall into the state it's in. As a teenager, it didn't seem particularly seedy and I generally knew someone working in almost every single one of the businesses, whether it be the water slide, Surfcoaster, arcades, pizza/fried dough joints, etc. Compared to the rest of the area, the boardwalk was a pretty happening place in the summer.

Going back now, it seems much smaller and seedier than I remember. That's probably a combination if it actually being seedier and me having a slightly different world view than when I was 17.

[Misha888]

Today's progress photo.

[Misha888]

From the park.

[fatlazyless]

Looking into my crystal ball one year from now, on April 17, 2015; I can see the Weirs Beach waterslide-volcano location has been transformed by the dynamic local market economy of Weirs Beach ........ ta-ta-ta......rat-a-tat-tat ..... a little drum-roll here ......and one year later that volcano location has become......no big surprise here..... an empty vacant lot with a surface of hard-packed dirt and some old asphalt paving here and there... some remnant tent material left over from bike week and a for sale/for lease sign.

And, what else does it have? .....oh yeah.....it has a relatively high assessed value as determined by the City of Laconia. Say-hey.....while some waterfront areas grow hotels, restaurants, and public walk-ways.....other waterfront areas just seem to grow vacant parking lots. Occaisionally, I will stop and spend money at the Cumberland gas station or at Kellerhause for a 1.09 Wednesday ice cream when driving over to Lowe's or Walmart or St Vincent de Paul. You know that the Weirs Bridge was not closed for Bike Week in 2013 for the first time due to no need to close it.

Gee whiz.....if only that lot still had a good healthy stand of hardwood trees growing there, then the trees could be cut down and sold to the lumber mill up in Rumney just like the neighboring lots up the hill which continue to be.....you guessed it.....empty lots.

ps ......I wonder why the parking meters are covered with those blue canvas covers which are locked down with a small padlock that cannot be seen in the photo.....is that to keep car-parkers from putting money into the meters?

[Irish mist]

The area needs a master plan, expecting Laconia to do this anytime soon is doubtful. I have watched the city of Laconia turn into a typical non-working, non-functional section-8 infested mess. Back in the 70s the city was a solid working-class, blue-collar type of city that was safe and stable.

There's still not much random violent crime, yet, but petty crime, property crime, and drug crimes are on the rise. The current leadership in Laconia is not going to be able to turn this around, and quite frankly, I doubt it can be turned around at all at this point due to the massive influx of section-8 housing in the core of the city. It also does not help that the Laconia area has lost thousands of manufacturing jobs.

You just can't pepper a city the size of Laconia with thousands of units of welfare housing and not expect issues. These issues are of course bleeding over to Meredith & Gilford....so this is also a regional issue, and not just a Laconia issue.

You can spend tens of millions of dollars at the Weirs and it's really not going to matter until the rest of the town is somehow cleaned up, and I don't see that happening any time soon in the current political climate.

[secondcurve]

The area needs a master plan, expecting Laconia to do this anytime soon is doubtful. I have watched the city of Laconia turn into a typical non-working, non-functional section-8 infested mess. Back in the 70s the city was a solid working-class, blue-collar type of city that was safe and stable.

There's still not much random violent crime, yet, but petty crime, property crime, and drug crimes are on the rise. The current leadership in Laconia is not going to be able to turn this around, and quite frankly, I doubt it can be turned around at all at this point due to the massive influx of section-8 housing in the core of the city. It also does not help that the Laconia area has lost thousands of manufacturing jobs.

You just can't pepper a city the size of Laconia with thousands of units of welfare housing and not expect issues. These issues are of course bleeding over to Meredith & Gilford....so this is also a regional issue, and not just a Laconia issue.

You can spend tens of millions of dollars at the Weirs and it's really not going to matter until the rest of the town is somehow cleaned up, and I don't see that happening any time soon in the current political climate.

Maybe they can pave downtown for the bikers and fix the waterfront for the tourists?

[Irish mist]

Maybe they can pave downtown for the bikers and fix the waterfront for the tourists?

I'm not optimistic that any thing can be done in the short-term. It's taken 30 years of mismanagement to get Laconia to where it is today.

[SIKSUKR]

Maybe they can pave downtown for the bikers and fix the waterfront for the tourists?

Wow. So those 100,000 bikers are not tourists? Didn't know all those bikes were from Laconia.

[secondcurve]

Wow. So those 100,000 bikers are not tourists? Didn't know all those bikes were from Laconia.

Perhaps a better way to say it is they are not the type of tourists the town needs. The reason for this is they are only there one week a year and while they spend heavily they seem to enable property owners to earn enough money to support run down businesses and parking lots without doing much else for the balance of the year. In a nutshell, bike week seems to crowd out capital investment which would lead to more desirable tourism. I'm sure it is a complex problem but something needs to change to improve Laconia and specifically its waterfront area.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Perhaps a better way to say it is they are not the type of tourists the town needs. The reason for this is they are only there one week a year and while they spend heavily they seem to enable property owners to earn enough money to support run down businesses and parking lots without doing much else for the balance of the year. In a nutshell, bike week seems to crowd out capital investment which would lead to more desirable tourism. I'm sure it is a complex problem but something needs to change to improve Laconia and specifically its waterfront area.

My opinion is the blame lies on the elected officials who allow the property owners to keep Laconia looking like the south end of a north bound skunk. They issue the permits and it seems they would have leverage against property owners who depend on said permits to earn during bike week.

In the end, with the Broken Spoke and the old Boot Hill both up for sale, the writing may already be on the wall for bike week moving to Lincoln. Be careful what you wish for.

[Mr. V]

The Weirs has deteriorated because investors do not see it as a viable area to invest in new businesses.

Frankly, the old school notion of an arcade and a dance pavilion surrounded with kitschy shops doesn't cut it in the New Millenium.

Folks, particularly kids, have other options for entertainment, such as video games.

Back in the day, the Weirs was "it."

Not any more.

I've no solution, only a suggestion: hello, amusement park!

"Six Flags over Winnie," anyone?

Add a casino.

That would draw everybody.

Otherwise, it's just a slow decline to oblivion, as things change.

[birchhaven]

QUOTE=PaugusBayFireFighter;224037]My opinion is the blame lies on the elected officials who allow the property owners to keep Laconia looking like the south end of a north bound skunk. They issue the permits and it seems they would have leverage against property owners who depend on said permits to earn during bike week.

In the end, with the Broken Spoke and the old Boot Hill both up for sale, the writing may already be on the wall for bike week moving to Lincoln. Be careful what you wish for.[/QUOTE]

In this particular case, I don't think the elected officials have any real power, the blame lies in the city employees who don't seem to change and seem to focus on the wrong problems.

[jrc]

The city, like many, has issues to deal with. Having 100k people come to you city and spending like drunken bikers, every year can be a huge revenue tool.

If the city cannot figure out how to leverage those millions of dollars, it's hard to fault the bikers.

Does Florida blame Disney Word for their problems?

[Bigstan]

The city, like many, has issues to deal with. Having 100k people come to you city and spending like drunken bikers, every year can be a huge revenue tool.

If the city cannot figure out how to leverage those millions of dollars, it's hard to fault the bikers.

Does Florida blame Disney Word for their problems?


Disney world is not a run down eyesore that hasn't changed in 40 years. Disney is self policing and wouldn't let things get to that level.

[jrc]

I guess Disney World was a bad example. My point was that having people visit and spend money, could be used as a positive to improve the area. How many cities are trying to attract events?

[Bigstan]

I guess Disney World was a bad example. My point was that having people visit and spend money, could be used as a positive to improve the area. How many cities are trying to attract events?

Agreed, that is the only way.

But it's the chicken and the egg - who will want to invest in a run down area with a short season with declining crowds? But without investment why would people come?

Is their a tourism board? If not someone needs to be put in charge with the goal of breathing some new life into the area. Cities do try and attract tourism and events, but as with anything else it will take spending some money to make money. I bet the enthusiasm for doing that isn't huge....

[Bostonian]

As a seasonal person/weekender, I see a couple of issues here...


In bringing up my family to the Lake, we want to avoid the Weirs... It is run down, and offers nothing for families. While bike week may generate a shot of revenue, the overall cost of policing the area, clean up and etc may not mean too much actualized revenue.

What I would like seen done is as was stated before... Create a Master Plan for the entire Weirs area. Make it a place where everyone can visit, day or night, with great restaurants, attractions and more. The Weirs should be spark plug that drives the western side of the lake from Meredith to Gilford and down to Alton.

[TiltonBB]

As in most things it is easy to be critical.

There are a few owners with property investments in Weirs Beach that have existed and done well for many years. The city of Laconia would face a significant challenge if they tried to make any changes that would impact those property owners.

It would be nice to have Laconia look like Meredith but how do you make that happen? Who would want to invest in the modernization and cleanng up of the Weirs Beach area if every eyesore in the area was not removed? How do you get the income from 12 weeks to support 52 weeks of debt? Many tourists, summer people, boaters and vacationers are here for the summer season and have no idea how much this area turns into a ghost town for 9 months of the year.

If you have really great ideas about how you can support the investment required for significant change that will make sense with the short season we have I am sure that the Laconia Planning Department would love to hear from you.

So, don't complain, offer your solution!

[Resident 2B]

As in most things it is easy to be critical.

There are a few owners with property investments in Weirs Beach that have existed and done well for many years. The city of Laconia would face a significant challenge if they tried to make any changes that would impact those property owners.

It would be nice to have Laconia look like Meredith but how do you make that happen? Who would want to invest in the modernization and cleanng up of the Weirs Beach area if every eyesore in the area was not removed? How do you get the income from 12 weeks to support 52 weeks of debt? Many tourists, summer people, boaters and vacationers are here for the summer season and have no idea how much this area turns into a ghost town for 9 months of the year.

If you have really great ideas about how you can support the investment required for significant change that will make sense with the short season we have I am sure that the Laconia Planning Department would love to hear from you.

So, don't complain, offer your solution!

My solution is to develop a Master Plan that addresses how to improve the area.

This plan needs input from the people that own commercial property at the Weirs, the residential property owners in the area that have been impacted property value wise, the bike week organizers and anyone else with a vested interest.

I have a place right across from the Weirs between Weirs Beach and Govenors Island, so I feel I have a vested interest. The only plan that will work should work for the majority.

Doing nothing is no longer acceptable to me. Laconia as a city has demonstrated they very good at doing nothing about the Weirs. It will not improve until a Master Plan is developed, approved and funded.

R2B

[pcmc]

So, don't complain, offer your solution!

Sorry if some are a repost.....a few thoughts that may bring interest back. Most are kid and adult oriented.

1.New updated drive in. (I think it should stay)
2.A long pier into the lake with attractions and access from a boat.
3.A large/ huge Farris wheel facing the lake.
4.Mini submarine tours(?).
5.Huge water slide into the lake.
6.Annual boat/ jet ski races of sorts.
7.Annual or multiple remote control boat races.
8.Annual or multiple remote control R/C car races.
9.Parasailing ( I wouldn't )
10.Car cruise nights at the weirs.
11.Boat ??? Cruise nights or mornings. (so to speak), never heard of one myself, such as a gathering of boaters like the car guys have C&C events ( cars and coffee). It seems it's always a free for all to get where your going by boat. Not an organized gathering to get a morning cup of joe and talk boats and such. I suppose docking is the #1 reason this doesn't happen.
12.Kids boat track...go-cart track on the water.
13.Surfing pool. Water is pumped up hill fast enough it keeps you stationary until you loose your balance, then it's bye bye swim trunks.
14.Wave pool
15.Six Flags Park near by.
16.Huge floating raft with water slides, and trampoline.
17.Bumper boats
18.Under water glass tunnel for walking with man made sunken artifacts placed around on the bottom that divers can investigate while observers in the tunnel can look on and watch the divers.
19.A replica Washington Monument for view seekers.
20.A dance hall for large get togethers.

Ok I'm rambling and pecking every thought that has bounced around in my head. These can get the ball rolling and everyone can feed off this.
PS. I would love to do some of these ideas if anyone would be interested in talking about them.

[secondcurve]

As in most things it is easy to be critical.

There are a few owners with property investments in Weirs Beach that have existed and done well for many years. The city of Laconia would face a significant challenge if they tried to make any changes that would impact those property owners.

It would be nice to have Laconia look like Meredith but how do you make that happen? Who would want to invest in the modernization and cleanng up of the Weirs Beach area if every eyesore in the area was not removed? How do you get the income from 12 weeks to support 52 weeks of debt? Many tourists, summer people, boaters and vacationers are here for the summer season and have no idea how much this area turns into a ghost town for 9 months of the year.

If you have really great ideas about how you can support the investment required for significant change that will make sense with the short season we have I am sure that the Laconia Planning Department would love to hear from you.

So, don't complain, offer your solution!

See Meredith. I'd go figure out who transformed Meredith and offer them, or someone like them, incentives to do the same for Laconia. No property taxes for twenty years in exchange for developing a high-end hotel at the Weirs? There must be town owned property (tax foreclosures) that could be given to developers in exchange for a commitment of heavy capital expenditures. Who developed the Meredith Hockey tournament? If I were running Laconia I'd improve the docking situation. Clearly this isn't rocket science. While I agree that running a seasonal tourist destination is difficult, why has every other town on the lake been HIGHLY successful? This is Lake Winnipesaukee....there is a ton of money around. If people were convinced that change and investment were happening money would flow to the Weirs and Laconia rapidly. While the area is downtrodden there is a ton of value here. What other town on the lake has that much commercial property at its waterfront? My God look at what has happened to Boston's South End.....take a peak at what has happened to places like Chelsea and Dorchester. These areas benefitted since they were values relative to Boston's Back Bay and North-end. Isn't the same relationship present between Laconia and Meredith?

[TiltonBB]

My solution is to develop a Master Plan that addresses how to improve the area.

This plan needs input from the people that own commercial property at the Weirs, the residential property owners in the area that have been impacted property value wise, the bike week organizers and anyone else with a vested interest.

I have a place right across from the Weirs between Weirs Beach and Govenors Island, so I feel I have a vested interest. The only plan that will work should work for the majority.

Doing nothing is no longer acceptable to me. Laconia as a city has demonstrated they very good at doing nothing about the Weirs. It will not improve until a Master Plan is developed, approved and funded.

R2B
I was hoping for ideas that will work. A Master Plan is a method but not an idea with a specific action or building or a type of business that will solve the problem. I was thinking more of specific ideas rather than a committee than has to come up with it's own ideas.

[TiltonBB]

Sorry if some are a repost.....a few thoughts that may bring interest back. Most are kid and adult oriented.

1.New updated drive in. (I think it should stay)
2.A long pier into the lake with attractions and access from a boat.
3.A large/ huge Farris wheel facing the lake.
4.Mini submarine tours(?).
5.Huge water slide into the lake.
6.Annual boat/ jet ski races of sorts.
7.Annual or multiple remote control boat races.
8.Annual or multiple remote control R/C car races.
9.Parasailing ( I wouldn't )
10.Car cruise nights at the weirs.
11.Boat ??? Cruise nights or mornings. (so to speak), never heard of one myself, such as a gathering of boaters like the car guys have C&C events ( cars and coffee). It seems it's always a free for all to get where your going by boat. Not an organized gathering to get a morning cup of joe and talk boats and such. I suppose docking is the #1 reason this doesn't happen.
12.Kids boat track...go-cart track on the water.
13.Surfing pool. Water is pumped up hill fast enough it keeps you stationary until you loose your balance, then it's bye bye swim trunks.
14.Wave pool
15.Six Flags Park near by.
16.Huge floating raft with water slides, and trampoline.
17.Bumper boats
18.Under water glass tunnel for walking with man made sunken artifacts placed around on the bottom that divers can investigate while observers in the tunnel can look on and watch the divers.
19.A replica Washington Monument for view seekers.
20.A dance hall for large get togethers.

Ok I'm rambling and pecking every thought that has bounced around in my head. These can get the ball rolling and everyone can feed off this.
PS. I would love to do some of these ideas if anyone would be interested in talking about them.

You have a lot of good summer ideas but I didn't see a solution to make the area, and the investment required, viable the other 9 months of the year. It is very difficult to support 12 months of debt on 3 months of income.

Since most families have children in school for 9 months of the year your target consumer is limited to people within about a 50 mile radius of Laconia who will only come on weekends. Many of them do not have the disposable income to support these ideas. As you reach farther south the income levels rise but so does the travel time which will again restrict the number of people willing and able to travel that far.

The area needs a 12 month solution in order to generate the income necessary to support the investment required for a substantial change.

[Happy Gourmand]

How about a casino within a hotel that could include some other attractions? I think the casino bill is coming up for another vote in NH. We were the 1st State in the country to approve a lottery, I believe. A casino seems like it could be a year round attraction that would bring in a lot of money into the area.

[pcmc]

You have a lot of good summer ideas but I didn't see a solution to make the area, and the investment required, viable the other 9 months of the year. It is very difficult to support 12 months of debt on 3 months of income.

Since most families have children in school for 9 months of the year your target consumer is limited to people within about a 50 mile radius of Laconia who will only come on weekends. Many of them do not have the disposable income to support these ideas. As you reach farther south the income levels rise but so does the travel time which will again restrict the number of people willing and able to travel that far.

The area needs a 12 month solution in order to generate the income necessary to support the investment required for a substantial change.

That's the million dollar question....The Solution with the game plan. I'm sorry I don't have it. That is responsibility of the state officials, imo. It won't be an over night repair. The first attraction will need to be built, draw some interest and drive the second attraction and so on and so on. I think the Fun Spot , the zip line place (can't remember the name, monkey something?) ect...are solid starts . The next improvement can't be 5-6 years from now, they need to keep upgrading and get people talking.

[RailroadJoe]

Thanks PCMC You are the first with a few solid ideas into solving some of the problems. Most complain, you provide answers. We use to say at work "don't give me problems, give me solutions".

[fatlazyless]

http://www.weirsbeach.com/Largejpgs/nhvahistory.html has been there since sometime like 1924, and will probably still be there in 2124. In 1924 the large Weirs Hotel on-site burnt to the ground.

They have a number of seasonal, un-heated historic buildings, plus a campground, and I could never figure out exactly what purpose these serve, what is their use and whether these civil war ear buildings are a plus or a minus for the Weirs area?

According to an article in the LaDaSun a couple years ago, the NH Veteran's Assoc pays no property taxes to Laconia and makes most of its yearly income during bike week, from rental income from the vender tents placed on the grassy embankment above the sidewalk, and the rental income gets used for building and property maintenance and repairs.

Are these old historic un-heated and presumably un-used buildings a historic benefit to the area, or are they an eyesore .......I dunno .....what do you think?? Whatever they may be ........they will most likely be there for many many years to come. Is the NH Veteran's Assoc historic buildings and campground a plus or a minus for the area?

Maybe the NH Veterans Assoc would be interested in removing all these old historic structures to a new location and replacing them with a brand new casino designed along a Civil War style design similar to these old buildings, and the casino employees could dress up like the soldiers who fought the Civil War in blue and grey uniforms. It could be an historical replica Civil War era waterfront casino .... and power-up the local economy....with a year round casino business.

[tis]

Very interesting that you brought that up, fll. I always wondered about those buildings too.

[jrc]

You also have to consider that some people don't want to change the Weirs. People may hate the traffic that bike week brings and think more attractions will just make more traffic.

Laconia has other issues beyond just The Weirs. Just like a lot of NH towns, they don't have a substantial industrial base to fuel the middle class. The lake brings money into the area which filters down from lake businesses to the rest of the town. There are few other business that actual bring money into the area.

Do this thought experiment, everyone living in Laconia is sending money out of town, very little food, electricity, gasoline or manufactured goods are made there. Where does that money come from? Lake tourists, and government payments, where else?

[Crusty]

...replacing them with a brand new casino designed along a Civil War style ... and power-up the local economy....with a year round casino business.

We got a similar line in Ohio and we now have 3 casinos draining money from the local economies.

To get the job done required amending the state constitution. This amendment included the number of casinos, the precise locations, exactly how and what would be taxed, and who got to own them (out of state "investors").

In Columbus, ours is located on an old manufacturing site in a somewhat blighted area. There was great excitement about how the casino would revitalize the area. --Not to mention the tax windfall.

Well, it's been a few years now and the roads and infrastructure have been updated (at taxpayer expense). Let's see how we did... First, the predicted tax revenue was quite a bit lower than anticipated. There was no "revitalization" of the area. In fact, casinos go to great lengths to ensure that, once you're on the property, you don't leave. Lot's of complementary food, hotel rooms, you name it. Why would you even think of walking several blocks to some local establishment. Most of the jobs created are lower-paying "hospitality" workers. Dealers get more, but there aren't that many of them.

And all the money taken in? Why, that goes to the out-of-state owners.

So, unless you think the local government is capable of building and operating (successfully) a casino, I'd fight like all heck to keep them out of the area.

[Resident 2B]

I was hoping for ideas that will work. A Master Plan is a method but not an idea with a specific action or building or a type of business that will solve the problem. I was thinking more of specific ideas rather than a committee than has to come up with it's own ideas.

Many ideas, once vetted, agreed to and proven viable, become the foundation of a plan. We need a plan.

Independent ideas are great, but how do these ideas get funded and become reality? How do these ideas link together to make some sort of sense that banks will support with mortgage investments? That is why we need a plan. Look where we are now without a plan. Best recent idea was to tear down the waterslide and pave the lot. WOW! Great step backwards. At least it did not burn down like the structures that were on the other paved lots.

Maybe the best plan is to tear it all down and restart, maybe there is no real solution and we will sit still until it all burns down or falls down by itself. I think that might be the city's plan.

What bothers me is I pay over $10,000 a year in taxes and the city sits there and makes no effort to address the decay problem. I am not the only person in this situation. Let's hear from people that own property there and get their thoughts regarding what should be done.

Easy to sit back and criticize when you do not have a local, vested interest.

R2B

[pcmc]

Still only an idea. The revitalization of the Weirs area could make a neat reality show. Attract investors like D. Trump(for example) and a network and you would be back on the map.

Casinos I'm not a fan of. Not a family atmosphere and they seem to beat the states out money in the end too, but it would be year round I suppose.

[TiltonBB]

There is concern in the City of Laconia about what to do to improve the area and find solutions that are financially viable. I have attended meetings conducted by the Laconia Planning Department asking business owners and residents what they would like to see in the future and what they would like the area to look like. The last meeting I went to was held at the Weirs Beach hall next to the fire station and was well attended by local people with a vested interest in the Weirs Beach area.

"Maybe the best plan is to tear it all down and restart" Although that might be a great idea what would you tell the NH Veteran's Association or the owners of the not so attractive Weirs Beach properties that are to be torn down?


There are many of us who own business properties in the Weirs area that would be very happy to see improvements and make the area a year round destination. Finding the right ideas that are financially viable seems to be a very elusive task.

[Resident 2B]

I am a Veteran as well, but I do not belong the NH Veteran's group. My "tear it all down comment" was tongue in cheek. However, if we continue doing what we have been doing, in time it will all be paved.

Nice to invite the residents to the meeting, but what about the non-resident property owners. I own on Lucerne Ave just down the street from the meeting, directly across from the Weirs and I was not invited, nor where my non-resident neighbors. We have a vested interest and are willing to work. I am happy to learn that at least some people are getting together.

R2B

[pcmc]

It's nice to hear of the evolvement by everyone there at the meetings.
There's no way around it, this is a huge undertaking. Reaching out to the world via the net is a step in right direction that may pay off eventually. IMO, there will NEVER be ONE correct solution to this.
If using the current site of the NHVA opens more potential for the area, I would suggest proposing it become part of the master plan, WITH the agreement that the association and ALL memorials get incorporated back into the project in their entirety. As far as the homes go I'm keeping my fingers(lips) shut, as I don't want to end up on their s*** list's.(sorry my dad came out in me)

Not an easy one, that's for sure!

There is concern in the City of Laconia about what to do to improve the area and find solutions that are financially viable. I have attended meetings conducted by the Laconia Planning Department asking business owners and residents what they would like to see in the future and what they would like the area to look like. The last meeting I went to was held at the Weirs Beach hall next to the fire station and was well attended by local people with a vested interest in the Weirs Beach area.

"Maybe the best plan is to tear it all down and restart" Although that might be a great idea what would you tell the NH Veteran's Association or the owners of the not so attractive Weirs Beach properties that are to be torn down?


There are many of us who own business properties in the Weirs area that would be very happy to see improvements and make the area a year round destination. Finding the right ideas that are financially viable seems to be a very elusive task.

[pcmc]

Has anyone researched boardwalks or similar waterfront lake areas around the country to around the world and found what designs and layouts that have made them successful. I don't mean to build an identical destination , but for me that's how ideas get sparked. If people like going, and returning to those spots, hopefully they will do the same in NH.

[pcmc]

This may be a bad idea but could grow into something.
For a winter attraction could one of those HUGE white inflatable buildings be erected ON the ice? It could offer hockey events, ice skating events- lessons, a flea market, any related sporting event, a snowmobile jamboree...
The cons- getting to it = plowing the ice for walkways after each snow, electricity to it, short unpredictable season, ect...and in violent storms they have deflated.
Sounds fun but maybe not realistic.

[jrc]

Don't forget, The Weirs does not exist in a vacuum. You want to attract $50,000 weddings, you compete with Meredith, concerts you have Meadowbrook, for arcades you have funspot, quaint downtown shopping you have Wolfeboro. Plus The Weirs and Laconia are too big to go small like Alton or Center Harbor. I'm pro-casino on libertarian grounds, but I think the ship has sailed on casinos single-handedly transforming an area.

The Weirs has the beach, the boardwalk, the train, the Mount, the Pier, Bike Week, the Drive-in, some small shops and arcades. Yes, some are not in their former glory, but it's a start to build on. To paraphrase Lee Iacocca, Laconia needs to lead, follow or get out of the way.

[pcmc]

NY had Woodstock.
NH could hold Weirsstock?:)

[kauriel]

There is concern in the City of Laconia about what to do to improve the area and find solutions that are financially viable. I have attended meetings conducted by the Laconia Planning Department asking business owners and residents what they would like to see in the future and what they would like the area to look like. The last meeting I went to was held at the Weirs Beach hall next to the fire station and was well attended by local people with a vested interest in the Weirs Beach area.

"Maybe the best plan is to tear it all down and restart" Although that might be a great idea what would you tell the NH Veteran's Association or the owners of the not so attractive Weirs Beach properties that are to be torn down?


There are many of us who own business properties in the Weirs area that would be very happy to see improvements and make the area a year round destination. Finding the right ideas that are financially viable seems to be a very elusive task.

Are these meetings open to the general public/non-resident owners? I'm not a resident but I'm a local property owner with a vested interest in the area and I have taken some courses in city planning and community development.

[secondcurve]

My concern with the Weirs is that it has gotten steadily worse during a time when the economy has gradually improved while interest rates have remained historically low. In short, the past several years have been a good time to buy real estate, finance development projects, etc. Banks are lending and local tax receipts have trended up based upon a slow improvement in the economy. What happens if/when we hit another recession? The Weirs has suffered during a time when it should have been getting gradually better. Now is the time to do something and turn this once great area around. If it isn't done soon, it is quite possible the situation could get much, much worse when economic conditions falter.

[TiltonBB]

The last meeting I attended was open to everyone. There was a sign up sheet passed around but only to document who was there. Everyone that wanted to speak was given the opportunity to do so.

There is more information here:

http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/laconia.pdf

In my opinion substantial improvement of the Weirs area is a two part problem. The first issue is how to deal with or remove all of the eyesores that are there. You can imagine the public outcry from the owners of properties that have been there and provided support for their families for decades. Not all people will see the changes as an improvement. There will also be push back from people both in the Weirs Beach area as well as tourists that do not want to see change and enjoy things just as they are.

The second issue is to come up with a number of viable businesses that can afford the investment that will be necessary for construction and operation of a yet untested year round attraction. That will require a financial gamble that many will be unwilling to make.

But.......................If you have some good ideas I am sure the Laconia Planning Department would love to hear them!

[riverat]

When the weirs had the only venue in the area with Famous acts and dancing and it had the only arcade in the area and the only diverse eateries and drive-in and mainstays like the Mount and train it prospered.
Now the uniqueness is gone, Meadowbrook, funspot, eateries spread far and wide, but fortunately we still have the Mount and the train.
we cannot go back so we must go forward.

[Mr. V]

I can understand opposition to a casino as an engine to fuel area redevelopment; casinos have done nothing to improve Atlantic City.

Consider, then, some form of year round attraction that would have true drawing power: perhaps a museum of some type?

I was just in Las Vegas and enjoyed touring the National Atomic Testing Museum.

That was interesting, and unique due to the proximity of Las Vegas to the testing site.

I've no idea for a theme for a Weirs museum, but I suppose the concept is worth thinking about.

[kauriel]

The last meeting I attended was open to everyone. There was a sign up sheet passed around but only to document who was there. Everyone that wanted to speak was given the opportunity to do so.

There is more information here:

http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/laconia.pdf

In my opinion substantial improvement of the Weirs area is a two part problem. The first issue is how to deal with or remove all of the eyesores that are there. You can imagine the public outcry from the owners of properties that have been there and provided support for their families for decades. Not all people will see the changes as an improvement. There will also be push back from people both in the Weirs Beach area as well as tourists that do not want to see change and enjoy things just as they are.

The second issue is to come up with a number of viable businesses that can afford the investment that will be necessary for construction and operation of a yet untested year round attraction. That will require a financial gamble that many will be unwilling to make.

But.......................If you have some good ideas I am sure the Laconia Planning Department would love to hear them!

Thanks for sharing! It's good to see that the city has had plenty of professional support!

The Weirs is great in that it has many family-friendly activities. In the summer kids love the arcades, go-karts, and drive-in and in the off-season you also have Fun Spot and Kellerhaus. I think a large family-friendly resort with an indoor water park would help attract more families to the area, particularly in the off-season. I'm not sure if Weirs Beach is considered too close to other indoor water resorts but I would think that it could potentially be considered an attractive area given close proximity to other family-friendly activities.

I would also suggest trying to attract some family-friendly restaurants and indoor activities (e.g, indoor playgrounds) to the Weirs area. Given the large number of kid-friendly attractions in the area it would be good to find ways to encourage families to stay longer and spend more.

[Resident 2B]

As far as an easy to do "starter" idea, the docks at the Weirs are designed for boats much narrower than today's boats. This makes it hard for folks to boat to the Weirs during boating season. A beamy boat can block several other boats from using the adjacent docking space.

If a few of the fingers were removed, so that the dock configuration became more like the Meredith docks, accessability would improve. Leave some of the docking the way it is today and restrict that docking to boats with a beam of 8' 6" or less and force the more beamy boats to the larger dock openings made by removing the fingers.

This is a "low hanging fruit" idea, something inexpensive and easy to do that would bring some fairly quick results.

R2B

[Resident 2B]

.....

There is more information here:

http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/laconia.pdf



Thanks for this report. To me, this is a great start that I was totally unaware of. Any future meetings planned?

Thanks again,

R2B

[brk-lnt]

As far as an easy to do "starter" idea, the docks at the Weirs are designed for boats much narrower than today's boats. This makes it hard for folks to boat to the Weirs during boating season. A beamy boat can block several other boats from using the adjacent docking space.

If a few of the fingers were removed, so that the dock configuration became more like the Meredith docks, accessability would improve. Leave some of the docking the way it is today and restrict that docking to boats with a beam of 8' 6" or less and force the more beamy boats to the larger dock openings made by removing the fingers.

This is a "low hanging fruit" idea, something inexpensive and easy to do that would bring some fairly quick results.

R2B

Honestly, given some of the rest of the activity around the Weirs, I'm not super excited about tying up there and leaving my boat unattended. Those docks need to be completely rebuilt though if they want to draw any activity by boat.

[windsail]

Reading this thread is a little unsettling seeing we just bought a house in Laconia. My husband would come up with his family when he was young and always wanted to live here so here we are. We bought in a great neighborhood on Lake Winnisquam. I thought the downtown looked a little shady, but it has such promise. Here in NJ, Wildwood Beach was going down, and they took the old and made it new. People remembered the do op Hotels and dances so they brought them back but new and beautiful. it is doing very well. Perhaps if they turned our old memories into new ones it would bring back the people who loved the place as children. What I'm trying to say is people want to relive their old memories but with a clean, new, modern look. A six-flags type park would be great. And don't forget the skiing.

[Descant]

Look at the change in lifestyles. In the 50's a lot of lakeside motels were built and these fueled a lot of small restaurants and other family businesses. Nobody owned their own boat. By the 80's these motels and restaurants, with huge numbers of summer jobs, were no longer viable, so they went condo and everybody has their own boat.
So, if you are still defining the Weirs as a few hundred yards from the sign on Rt. 3 to the old Grange Hall, what do you have? Small lots, no parking and long walks pushing strollers and pulling kids. Today's businesses need large flat lots with lots of parking, or public transportation of sorts. Compare the present Funspot with their starting location on the second floor of Tarlson's Arcade building. Small operation, no parking grown to "world's largest" with lots of parking.

I agree that docks should be removed to improve accessibility, and that's cheap. A dock master would be a huge asset on busy days.

After that, redefine the Weirs as an area from McIntire Circle (that's really Gilford) north to the Meredith line, or maybe up to Funspot. There are some larger plots that could be developed if they needed a little less parking. Remember the double decker bus that Funspot ran at its own expense? A similar bus (or Molly the Trolley as in Wolfeboro) could run a circuit going up Rt 3, up and back past the train station, maybe to AKWA Marine (there's some new development $$ for the naysayers BTW) and up to the Winnipesaukee Museum, or Funspot. A couple of these on summer days so I could get a ride every ½ hour or so would be perfect.

Now I could come by boat and easily get to these remote sites, my kids could ride from my condo on Paugus Bay up to the beach or to some new attraction and the traffic would be much easier to deal with. The drive-in used to have benches down front and you could come by boat and walk in for a quarter. Everything could be attended by my kids with their baby-sitter or elder sibling.

Whether it’s a resort hotel or some other attraction, cheap, fun transportation is key. Think of how spread out Disney World is. They've made the bus, the boats, the train and the monorail part of the attraction, and you rarely think of the time and distance between parking or your hotel and the actual destination.

Summary: Redefine "the Weirs" and add great transportation.

[Orion]

Great ideas Descant. To make the transportation even more interesting, how about putting in dockage for a water taxi at strategic locations along your defined "Weirs" area and have that be a minimal fee ride to get from one location to another in addition to the trolly (which would be faster but not as much fun)?

[minni on winni]

Know I've said it before..going to say it again (just in case someone reading these can actually do something about the Weirs). There is nothing wrong with nostalgia. Look at the Weirs sign!!! I love seeing it lit up every spring to fall. The place should be brought back to the past by way of the future. An amusement park with rides parents/grandparents can enjoy and rides the kids would be excited about. I remember Paragon Park at Nantasket beach as a kid.Great summer fun! A casino would just create traffic woes! Having a water taxi would steal business from the Doris and the train. Maybe even the Mount. We wouldn't want that. The Weirs is a seasonal destination Weirs beach(ice in makes it that way.New England winters and all)
A seasonal destination that is done right can certainly draw people in. I vote nostalgia!!!!

[camp guy]

The post by Mr V is right on target. All one needs to do is look at the history of Hampton Beach to have insight into Weirs Beach. Hampton Beach had been a gem of a vacation spot, then, slowly, and then rather rapidly, things began to fall apart at the Beach, literally and figuratively. Frankly, it was no longer safe for a family to take a vacation there. There were roving gangs of undisciplined youths making it very uncomfortable for a family, and certainly not the place for children to be without their parents.

Then, all of a sudden, things began to change. Both the State and the Town poured a ton of money into the Beach and slowly, but surely, the conditions began to change. Merchants invested in their properties, the beach area was significantly cleaned up, the parking was improved, restaurants began to meet the needs of the vacationing public, and law enforcement was increased to make the area safer, less scarey to adults and safer for children.

This took time and investment, both in money and spirit, but it is paying off.

Now, all of the above having been said, I am not so naive to say that the Beach has become a "choir boy of virtue", but I am willing to say that it is now a place that draws huge crowds of all ages.

Could this happen at Weirs Beach (?), I don't know, it would take effort on all sides of the table to put together a Plan, stick to the Plan, and work togvether to improve Weirs to a place of enjoyment safety and entertainment.

[Misha888]

Hasn't anyone taken a resent picture as to how it looks at the present time? I would love to see how the property looks vacant.:)

I'll take some tomorrow. Heading down that way for a Mothers Day cruise on the mount.

[MeredithMan]

....drove by there on Friday afternoon and it looks like they had just hydro-seeded where everything had been. So, at least it'll be a classy vacant lot....:laugh:

[Buoy #67]

http://www.weirsbeach.com/Largejpgs/nhvahistory.html has been there since sometime like 1924, and will probably still be there in 2124. In 1924 the large Weirs Hotel on-site burnt to the ground.

They have a number of seasonal, un-heated historic buildings, plus a campground, and I could never figure out exactly what purpose these serve, what is their use and whether these civil war ear buildings are a plus or a minus for the Weirs area?

According to an article in the LaDaSun a couple years ago, the NH Veteran's Assoc pays no property taxes to Laconia and makes most of its yearly income during bike week, from rental income from the vender tents placed on the grassy embankment above the sidewalk, and the rental income gets used for building and property maintenance and repairs.

Are these old historic un-heated and presumably un-used buildings a historic benefit to the area, or are they an eyesore .......I dunno .....what do you think?? Whatever they may be ........they will most likely be there for many many years to come. Is the NH Veteran's Assoc historic buildings and campground a plus or a minus for the area?

Maybe the NH Veterans Assoc would be interested in removing all these old historic structures to a new location and replacing them with a brand new casino designed along a Civil War style design similar to these old buildings, and the casino employees could dress up like the soldiers who fought the Civil War in blue and grey uniforms. It could be an historical replica Civil War era waterfront casino .... and power-up the local economy....with a year round casino business.
Great site, (Weirs beach), with great pictures... thank you !! Quite the history piece...

[TiltonBB]

Great ideas Descant. To make the transportation even more interesting, how about putting in dockage for a water taxi at strategic locations along your defined "Weirs" area and have that be a minimal fee ride to get from one location to another in addition to the trolly (which would be faster but not as much fun)?

Several things that have been suggested have been tried and failed. It just gets back to either coming up with a year round solution or finding something that will generate enough revenue in 12 weeks to support 52 weeks of debt. Many people posting here only see this area from Memorial Day to Labor Day and don't understand what it is like at the lake for the rest of the year.

Water Taxi: Tried and Failed

Parasailing: Tried and Failed

SeaTow: Tried and Failed

Party Barge: Tried and Failed

Sailboat Tours: Queen of Winnipesaukee: Tried and failed.

I continue to wonder how the Mount Washington stays in business. Most days when I see it go by there does not seem to be enough people aboard to even pay for the fuel. I hope it is here forever. and I think that it is a great way for tourists to see the lake. but in reality it is one more example of the difficulty of operating a profitable business in the Lakes Region.

I do not mean to be negative but I do understand the difficulties that every business and property owner in the Weirs Beach area faces.

[Mr. V]

Would it be fair to say that in its heyday, the Weirs was packed not so much with locals, or folks who owned cabins and were here for long periods of time, but by day trippers and week-enders, usually from Massachusetts?

If so: can anything be done to bring them back?

[secondcurve]

Several things that have been suggested have been tried and failed. It just gets back to either coming up with a year round solution or finding something that will generate enough revenue in 12 weeks to support 52 weeks of debt. Many people posting here only see this area from Memorial Day to Labor Day and don't understand what it is like at the lake for the rest of the year.

Water Taxi: Tried and Failed

Parasailing: Tried and Failed

SeaTow: Tried and Failed

Party Barge: Tried and Failed

Sailboat Tours: Queen of Winnipesaukee: Tried and failed.

I continue to wonder how the Mount Washington stays in business. Most days when I see it go by there does not seem to be enough people aboard to even pay for the fuel. I hope it is here forever. and I think that it is a great way for tourists to see the lake. but in reality it is one more example of the difficulty of operating a profitable business in the Lakes Region.

I do not mean to be negative but I do understand the difficulties that every business and property owner in the Weirs Beach area faces.

Please note that many other businesses in the other towns on the lake have learned to survive in the winter. Further, the price of land/buildings in the Weirs will fall until it is possible for businesses to become viable. It doesn't make sense that all the other businesses in towns on the lake can be viable and the Weirs' businesses can't.

[jmen24]

Please note that many other businesses in the other towns on the lake have learned to survive in the winter. Further, the price of land/buildings in the Weirs will fall until it is possible for businesses to become viable. It doesn't make sense that all the other businesses in towns on the lake can be viable and the Weirs' businesses can't.

All the other lakeside towns transitioned themselves away from being a summer only stop years ago. The Weirs never got the memo, coupled with a higher than average accumulation of summer only businesses, makes it a harder nut to crack.

Who wants to be the only 4-season business in a 1-season town. You need a group of investors to come to the table at the same time to create a core in which to build out from. As more and more property becomes vacant and run down, this gets closer to reality.

Hopefully your favorites can hold on until that point in time, but smart investors are not going to just throw money at that area until they feel certain that it is going to produce a high return. That will require a weight shift in the area of those on board with the change vs those that want to minimize their investment against return.

You only need to look as far as Meredith to find two of the largest investors in this state that focus on hospitality. Neither of them have shown any signs of slowing down their growth. One of those gentlemen already has a large stake in the Weir's!

[Little Bear]

Several things that have been suggested have been tried and failed. It just gets back to either coming up with a year round solution or finding something that will generate enough revenue in 12 weeks to support 52 weeks of debt. Many people posting here only see this area from Memorial Day to Labor Day and don't understand what it is like at the lake for the rest of the year.

Water Taxi: Tried and Failed

Parasailing: Tried and Failed

SeaTow: Tried and Failed

Party Barge: Tried and Failed

Sailboat Tours: Queen of Winnipesaukee: Tried and failed.

I continue to wonder how the Mount Washington stays in business. Most days when I see it go by there does not seem to be enough people aboard to even pay for the fuel. I hope it is here forever. and I think that it is a great way for tourists to see the lake. but in reality it is one more example of the difficulty of operating a profitable business in the Lakes Region.

I do not mean to be negative but I do understand the difficulties that every business and property owner in the Weirs Beach area faces.

Just to clarify: The founders and initial operators of the Queen of Winnipesaukee are close personal friends of mine. The Queen was a very successful operation when they owned it, and the boat was full on most cruises. They made a conscious decision to sell the business, and it was the subsequent owners and partners that perhaps "tried and failed". If the City of Laconia had the vision, fortitude and integrity that the initial owners of the Queen had, then Weirs Beach (and Laconia) would be on par with Portland, Maine or Burlington, Vermont. But alas, the exact opposite is true. Sadly, I think it will continue in a downward spiral and will ultimately look like a 3rd world country.

[pcmc]

Several things that have been suggested have been tried and failed. It just gets back to either coming up with a year round solution or finding something that will generate enough revenue in 12 weeks to support 52 weeks of debt. Many people posting here only see this area from Memorial Day to Labor Day and don't understand what it is like at the lake for the rest of the year.

Water Taxi: Tried and Failed

Parasailing: Tried and Failed

SeaTow: Tried and Failed

Party Barge: Tried and Failed

Sailboat Tours: Queen of Winnipesaukee: Tried and failed.

I continue to wonder how the Mount Washington stays in business. Most days when I see it go by there does not seem to be enough people aboard to even pay for the fuel. I hope it is here forever. and I think that it is a great way for tourists to see the lake. but in reality it is one more example of the difficulty of operating a profitable business in the Lakes Region.

I do not mean to be negative but I do understand the difficulties that every business and property owner in the Weirs Beach area faces.

TiltonBB, I (we)appreciate the feed back, this can't be sugar coated, the facts rule.
With the Weirs being challenged with the single season troubles, could it be best to design the area to remain a single season area? It might be best to do one season really well, instead of four seasons just OK.
What if local business owner"s" that survive year round were to invest in summer attractions there?
Back to four season thoughts...Another thought (if it could be possible). I can't visualize the layout exactly, but could a strip of shops/diners/attractions be built at the boat docks level 'under' the boardwalk/sidewalk? The boardwalk/sidewalk would be widened and extended out over the lower level shops as a roof so you would be standing on the top of building and not affect the view at all OR affect any of the properties on the opposite side of the street. This could allow access for all seasons from the lake. Via foot, snowmobile, ice skates(?), ATV, boat, ect... The train station has a lower level so I think it may be possible.

[pcmc]

Just to clarify: The founders and initial operators of the Queen of Winnipesaukee are close personal friends of mine. The Queen was a very successful operation when they owned it, and the boat was full on most cruises. They made a conscious decision to sell the business, and it was the subsequent owners and partners that perhaps "tried and failed". If the City of Laconia had the vision, fortitude and integrity that the initial owners of the Queen had, then Weirs Beach (and Laconia) would be on par with Portland, Maine or Burlington, Vermont. But alas, the exact opposite is true. Sadly, I think it will continue in a downward spiral and will ultimately look like a 3rd world country.

Very true, not everybody can make a success of what others can. It's never as easy as it looks.
If this is the result of city neglect, it's a complete shame.

[Woodsy]

The downward slide of the Weirs has many facets....

A state that treats Weirs beach like an orphan... unless of course its Bike Week, then its the Police Overtime Fund.

A city who has treated the Weirs like an orphan... taking the money but spending very little. Little to no plan for the future, grinding Bike Week into the ground.

Property owners in the Weirs who invest little or no money in the upkeep of their property or businesses.

A completely changed demographic. We once had booming motel business with a large turnover of vacationers weekly... now we have a large amount of condos with very little turnover. This means less $$$ for businesses in the Weirs.

The theory that property values will drop to the point where a year round business becomes viable is silly. There isn't a year round population to support a recreational/tourist business.

Meredith has done well because the city allowed NH Hospitality to essentially have a monopoly on the property around Meredith Bay. They did an awesome job with it no doubt. But there is very little to do there. You have some cool shops and some restaurants.

The Weirs needs a plan... and that's a very contentious issue. As we have seen in this thread, some people want family activities, of which the Weirs already has a few. Others, myself included would rather things be of an adult nature. Throw in some property owners who don't care at all. The city/state cannot make the Baldi family clean up that eyesore that was the Saloon. They cannot make any of the property owners do much of anything.

The end result is nothing changes.... until the rules/laws change. Until the city & state look at what they have and spend some $$$ to improve the area.

Woodsy

[jmen24]

I would say that the population would support a year round business. People just need to think outside the box.

Take Jay Peak for example, a run down property that was purchased for % of its value. Investors with forward thinking and the capital to realize the potential. How many people laughed when they heard about an indoor water park, now you have to reserve your spot days in advance to ensure access, anytime of the year! That area is far more remote than Laconia in regard to population grab. The Weir's is an investment gold mine, it just hasn't reached its value yet.

The lots in the Weir's are small, you need quite a few of them to make something worthwhile that has multi-demographic and multi-interest draw.

If you think that your property values are not dropping as your neighbors pave theirs lots one at a time, that's silly. It's happening and I guarantee that the people with a plan (and the capital to finance it) are watching and they won't be building single one-off independents.

Other than the property values, I agree with Woodsy completely. If I had a vested interest I would start looking at who has control over these decisions at the state and city level, because the ones with a hand in jar are certainly helping the decline along. Maybe that is what needs to happen, I don't know, but the water has a funky smell to it.

[Woodsy]

Jay peak had huge amounts of land and very few neighbors close by. They had the space and the water resources to build that water park. They also already had a ski mountain. If a waterpark were to be built in the area, I would look to Gunstock.

I live in the Weirs year round, and I can tell you without a doubt, its a ghost town in the winter. You have the Lobster Pound, Tower Hill Tavern and the Gringo and Looney Bin. The ONLY tourist type business open year round is Funspot. Everything else is boarded up.... In the winter people drive 45 minutes north to Lincoln... or to North Conway.

Even Meredith, with all of their NH Hospitality hotels, is a ghost town in the winter... with the obvious exception of Pond Hockey & Fishing Derby. I would love to know the occupancy rate in the Winter... my guess is 30% - maybe 40%.

You really only have a few pieces of property "in Play" at the Weirs and IMHO they are too small to make the Weirs a year round destination.

The Pier... been for sale forever. Minimal owner investment made to keep property up.

The Wide Open Saloon property.... but the Baldis didn't file a new site plan to rebuild on the old footprint within a year, so now the setbacks make the property very hard to build on.

The Waterslide property.... decent footprint with odd shaped sloped lot. Definitely buildable, perfect spot for a hotel. But the owner wants to lease it. You will see Beer tent & vendors there for bike week, maybe a clam shack in the yellow building. but little else.

The Surf Coaster property... been for sale forever. The city did vote in a zoning change to encourage a hotel complex there. But no nibbles.

The arcades.... minimal owner upkeep and while nostalgic, they are pretty run down.

The hotels 5 miles away in Meredith make it very hard for a hotel in the Weirs to be viable.

So what can the Weirs do different from Meredith and still attract people. My answer is the same that made the Weirs famous in the first place... Nightlife. Bars, restaurants, music venues. Give people a reason to come here. Relax the rules a little, let people walk around with liquor or beer (in plastic of course). Let the venues have outside music past 10:00pm. Maybe bend the rules so the Baldis or someone else can rebuild on the old Saloon footprint. Tax breaks to the property owners that do substantial upgrades to their properties... etc etc.

Woodsy

[4 for Boating]

I would have to agree that whatever goes there would need to be able to support itself over a short year.

I know it would be tough for any type of restaurant to survive but I always thought an A&W type drive-in would be great in the spot. Even a Sonic drive-in I suppose.

Too bad the season is so short in NH.

[Misha888]

For Sale or For Lease.

[jmen24]

The situation with the Weirs is not unique. Areas that have a huge asset (the lake, hence the Jay comparison) and get run down have a history of being transformed from the outside. I do not own property in the area, so my point of view does not take that into account, but I believe we can agree that it will likely get worse before it gets better.

[jrc]

I was riding around a few weeks ago and went by an empty Cheshire fairgrounds. Maybe this is the de-facto model for Weirs.

A few transient events and empty the rest of the time. Obviously we have bike week, now add a few smaller events and presto pocket full of money with no risk or investment.

It's not my ideal solution but it seems inevitable.

[SIKSUKR]

With regard to Jay Peaks water park, that was not Jays or local money financing that. Almost all of it was EB-5 money from non citizens that invest large amounts of money in return for citizenship. FWIW

[jmen24]

Agreed, the investment came from outside, as do most of these deals. Some are a waste of money due to a lack of innovative thinking (Ragged is a great example of this), they just throw money at an idea without thinking all through.

My point was that with the asset of the lake frontage, someone has their eye on that area and it is easier to purchase a large piece of the area, one small chunk at a time. Most people don't pay close attention to these sales, they get a bunch of hype and speculation in the beginning, people stop talking about it, then all of a sudden the lot gets cleared and sits in a holding pattern. These properties are owned by LLC's, which in this state can be owed by other LLC's or S-Corp's and there is no regulation on the length of that chain. Research could give insight on the common piece to this puzzle. There are 3 very large abutting pieces of property that fit and are under mutual control, despite what their tax cards read.

Even if it takes 20 years to fill in the puzzle, the water front is not going away and any current or future zoning can be navigated and worked around by a moderately competent individual, it just takes research and determination.

[glennsteely]

Irishfan, great post feeling of old time mems! I used to LOVE weirs! I litterally spent every minute (and cent) that I could there when I was a youngster. Lots and lots of memories! 😎😎👍

[Bostonian]

Jay peak had huge amounts of land and very few neighbors close by. They had the space and the water resources to build that water park. They also already had a ski mountain. If a waterpark were to be built in the area, I would look to Gunstock.

I live in the Weirs year round, and I can tell you without a doubt, its a ghost town in the winter. You have the Lobster Pound, Tower Hill Tavern and the Gringo and Looney Bin. The ONLY tourist type business open year round is Funspot. Everything else is boarded up.... In the winter people drive 45 minutes north to Lincoln... or to North Conway.

Even Meredith, with all of their NH Hospitality hotels, is a ghost town in the winter... with the obvious exception of Pond Hockey & Fishing Derby. I would love to know the occupancy rate in the Winter... my guess is 30% - maybe 40%.

You really only have a few pieces of property "in Play" at the Weirs and IMHO they are too small to make the Weirs a year round destination.

The Pier... been for sale forever. Minimal owner investment made to keep property up.

The Wide Open Saloon property.... but the Baldis didn't file a new site plan to rebuild on the old footprint within a year, so now the setbacks make the property very hard to build on.

The Waterslide property.... decent footprint with odd shaped sloped lot. Definitely buildable, perfect spot for a hotel. But the owner wants to lease it. You will see Beer tent & vendors there for bike week, maybe a clam shack in the yellow building. but little else.

The Surf Coaster property... been for sale forever. The city did vote in a zoning change to encourage a hotel complex there. But no nibbles.

The arcades.... minimal owner upkeep and while nostalgic, they are pretty run down.

The hotels 5 miles away in Meredith make it very hard for a hotel in the Weirs to be viable.

So what can the Weirs do different from Meredith and still attract people. My answer is the same that made the Weirs famous in the first place... Nightlife. Bars, restaurants, music venues. Give people a reason to come here. Relax the rules a little, let people walk around with liquor or beer (in plastic of course). Let the venues have outside music past 10:00pm. Maybe bend the rules so the Baldis or someone else can rebuild on the old Saloon footprint. Tax breaks to the property owners that do substantial upgrades to their properties... etc etc.

Woodsy

Woodsy,

While these points are very good observations, it still doesn't really address what can be done in terms of turning around the area. As indicated before, there needs to be long range planning and identifying a certain goals they want to attain. For example, just going on the city's website, their master plan is dated 2007, which is 7 years old already and very much outdated. One thing they can do, and there is state and/or Federal money available is to do streetscaping (trees, median strip and etc). Allow street vendors along the boulevard, and have licenses available annually. Again these are not earth changing moves, but it will allow for a better experience during the summer months. Partner with local area institutions to do a "Weirs Weekend" and etc - Discounts at local eateries and etc. Again this is where the city and local leaders are failing... Being reactive rather than pro-active.

It's a shame I live and work in Boston - as I would LOVE to get involved in the planning and restoration of a great lakeside draw.

[thebix]

http://laconiadailysun.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/77363-city-budgets-for-master-plan

Director outlines timeline for development of new Laconia Master Plan
Published Date Wednesday, 14 May 2014 12:52
LACONIA — Planning Director Shanna Saunders outlined a budget of some $120,000, consisting entirely of grants, and timetable of between 24 and 30 months for the preparation and completion of a new Master Plan to the City Council this week.

Saunders told the councilors that the 2014-2015 budget appropriates $20,000 for the Master Plan, which together with equal appropriations in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 brings the total allocated for the project to $60,000. She explained that municipal funding would be offset in whole or in part by grants.

Saunders said that the Orton Family Foundation of Middlebury Vermont and Denver, Colorado has awarded the city $75,000 worth of in-kind technical services, including services, analysis, mapping, communication and outreach. The Carsey Institute of the University of New Hampshire, which administered the New Hampshire Listens program, has contributed similar services valued at $25,000. And the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has underwritten the preparation of the Master with a cash grant of $20,000.

Saunders said that she expects to begin work on the Master Plan in June and complete the first four chapters of the plan — community character, land use, economic development and housing — in a year and aim to finish the other chapters — transportation, natural resources, cultural and historic resources and community facilities and services — by December 2016. State law recommends that municipalities revise their master plans every five to 10 years. The city last adopted its master plan in May, 2007.

[Happy Gourmand]

Sounds like they are planning to plan. That's akin to getting ready to get ready!
Many solid ideas have been presented, but the missing factor is money. What is really needed is a man (or woman) with a vision.....and the resources to implement on his ideas.
Master plans are great. You get a new one every 7 to 10 years according to the post above....at a current cost of about $20K.
And nothing changes.

[jmen24]

Sounds like they are planning to plan. That's akin to getting ready to get ready!
Many solid ideas have been presented, but the missing factor is money. What is really needed is a man (or woman) with a vision.....and the resources to implement on his ideas.
Master plans are great. You get a new one every 7 to 10 years according to the post above....at a current cost of about $20K.
And nothing changes.

And nothing changes, except that people feel better about it knowing there is a plan and they stop voicing their opinions on the internet for a few years.

I would like to know how you get on the list to be paid $20K to come up with one of these plans? A few of these a year and I could golf as much as I want!

[jmen24]

Personally I think I am going to purchase one of these open lots and put up a parking garage. Think of all the Bike Week vendors I could get in there. I would also be in a position to capitalize on the new master plan that will transform the area in 2017 or was that 2008.

[Orion]

Sounds like they are planning to plan. That's akin to getting ready to get ready!
Many solid ideas have been presented, but the missing factor is money. What is really needed is a man (or woman) with a vision.....and the resources to implement on his ideas.
Master plans are great. You get a new one every 7 to 10 years according to the post above....at a current cost of about $20K.
And nothing changes.

Exactly. The plan gets written, then sits on a shelf. It is unlikely it will have any vision regarding a commercial remake of the area. It will mostly just document what's existing. It will take entrepreneurs, not politicians to remake Weirs.

[Diver Vince]

Well there is an established formula when dealing with a blighted area to resurrect it like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes. Case in point, look at Atlantic City NJ. Will it happen in the Weirs? From my point of view, slim to none (and Slim has been spotted leaving the building).
Bottom line is this state needs money and I am mystified why the legislation does not approve legalized casino gambling.

[BroadHopper]

The owner of Paradise Club sum it up nicely as to the fate of the Weirs in a recent article about extending the days for the Bike Week beer tents.
'When the owners want to go left, the council goes right. When the owners wants to go up the council goes down'. Seems like the Weirs business owners are at their wit ends!

[Resident 2B]

The owner of Paradise Club sum it up nicely as to the fate of the Weirs in a recent article about extending the days for the Bike Week beer tents.
'When the owners want to go left, the council goes right. When the owners wants to go up the council goes down'. Seems like the Weirs business owners are at their wit ends!

I do not have any inside info on this, but this is not the first time I have heard the Laconia City Council is not one bit interested in helping to address the issues at the Weirs. What do these folks think their job is? They have to work with the local business. Otherwise, we get negative progress and that is exactly what we have at the Weirs.

I saw one plan to address the issues and to me these issues are accurate and clearly defined. Now I am hearing another study to establish another Master Plan. Why not continue to work within the framework of the active plan? Why does that not make sense? I hope the Laconia City Council is aware of the existing plan. So frustrating.

R2B

[tis]

I don't know many towns where the councils or planning boards try to make it easy for businesses. Do you?

[Mr. V]

Well there is an established formula when dealing with a blighted area to resurrect it like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes. Case in point, look at Atlantic City NJ. Will it happen in the Weirs? From my point of view, slim to none (and Slim has been spotted leaving the building).
Bottom line is this state needs money and I am mystified why the legislation does not approve legalized casino gambling.

As I understand it, legalized gambling in Atlantic City has done nothing to revitalize that seaside city. The ghetto still surrounds the casino enclave, the poor are still poor, nothing fundamental has changed. Please prove me wrong.

[pjard]

As I understand it, legalized gambling in Atlantic City has done nothing to revitalize that seaside city. The ghetto still surrounds the casino enclave, the poor are still poor, nothing fundamental has changed. Please prove me wrong.

I am not really opposed to legalized gambling but it does nothing for the economy. I lived in CT for 15 years and I can say with 100% confidence it did nothing for the taxes I paid. In fact at one point, both casinos in CT were in chapter 11 and it actually cost the state money.

Rather than continute to bash Laconia I would like to know if anyone actually has any insight as to who/what may be interested in the property?

[fatlazyless]

While I hope this doesn't happen, a Dunkin Donuts may be interested in that spot and that would be a year round business similar to the other DD's in Meredith, Laconia, Ashland, Bristol, and Campton. DD had a store nearby in the mini mall behind the Weirs post office which closed up due to lack of business but this new location has much better visibility.

..... say-hey.....maybe DD could build a moving sign that features a volcano-coffee-donuts design to help put it on the local map and blend with the Weirs.

That could be a pretty good location for a Dunkin Donuts; better than the Meredith and Ashland spots what with all the locals from Meredith who go past it enroute to Wal-Mart and Lowe's.

While I never-ever or almost never-ever go to Dunkin Donuts myself, that location could be a good one for a viable successfull all year around DD ...... it seems like an easy home run for DD ....or maybe a double or a triple ....but at any rate a good spot for the them.

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkin'_Donuts ...... with 15,000 restaurants in 37 different countries .... and something like 7-billion dollars(?) in annual sales .....DD probably knows a good spot when it sees one and this seems like a great spot to me!

A Dunkin with a hillside waterfront view that looks down to welcome the sun every morning as the sun comes up over Governor's Island and the lake.

One donut costs something like 75-cents now which is pretty danged expensive for one lousy donut..... and with that fine waterfront view a DD would probably be an immediate hit with the Laconia Police Dept.

[RailroadJoe]

FLL Time for you to check out Dunkin Donuts. Last I knew they were 95 cents plus the 9% snack tax.

[Jeanzb1]

FLL: I paid exactly $1.00 for a DD donut at the Airport Deli DD in Gilford, not the 75 cents you made reference to. Outrageous!

[windsail]

It leaves a whole lot of big lake waterfront. That is where the millionaires buy. Perhaps not for cheesy places but the land is worth a lot. What does Alton, Meridith or even Wolfeboro have for kids? It's a great location on the lake. The lake and Mountains are what people come up for. Certainly not run down water slides. I have never seen a lack of boats in the area. Being new to the area I really don't know. But it seems like this may make a more attractive area, different but better. Does the land have to be sold as a business? No trees to cut. Laconia has a downtown, restaurants and stores that vacationers from other towns visit. Like I said I don't really know, just moved here.

[rander7823]

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin' hot spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

Ooooh, bop bop bop
Ooooh, bop bop bop

[pjard]

Rander, that's funny! Counting Crows version was much better. Paul Warnick did a hell of good version one night at Patrick's too! This whole thread has gone haywire.

[Scott]

On a related note:

1.8

million

dollars.

http://www.beangroup.com/homes/NH/Laconia/03246/38_Endicott_Street_North/2134355232/

[Misha888]

On a related note:

1.8

million

dollars.

http://www.beangroup.com/homes/NH/Laconia/03246/38_Endicott_Street_North/2134355232/

Maybe they can start a trolling company. CAP rate must be really good.

[HellRaZoR004]

On a related note:

1.8

million

dollars.

http://www.beangroup.com/homes/NH/Laconia/03246/38_Endicott_Street_North/2134355232/

That place looks like a dump!

Pretty impressive on future taxes though :P

Tax Year : 2103
Taxes : $3,378.00

[fatlazyless]

Well, the empty paved lot down next to the new roundabout that used to be Karl's Fine Food restaurant has been up for sale for maybe 5-10 years or so with no buyers including no Duncan Donuts?????


Ya know that Weirs roundabout could have been a lot better looking if it were similar to the Meredith roundabout which has granite cobble blocks on the outside as opposed to smooth concrete. Wonder why Laconia did that and went with a smooth concrete while both the Meredith and Plymouth roundabouts use granite cobble blocks??????

[Lin]

Unfortunately we are not up at the camp because our daughter wanted to share it with friends this weekend. She has been gone for four years at a Florida college and is back this summer. She helped me open the camp earlier this month. She had not been to Weirs beach since she was 18 and this is what she said when I asked if she was having fun. They were at pirate's cove mini golf, red hill dairi and a couple of other fun places but then she texted -"also the weirs is very run down - everything is pretty much closed down."

We love the location at the weirs pretty views, the icecream shops, and the beach and have had very fond memories of being at the weirs both as kids and as raising our kids. My aunt Shirley Avery Hames (related to Captain Avery that used to captain the MT Washington) grew up there and one of the cottages to the north of the pier was Nana and my great Aunt's first purchase at the lake back in the thirties. My parents spent summers at the weirs before my great aunt bought a nice place up on wentworth shores in the fifties. I and my siblings spent every summer at the lake and enjoyed our weirs visits as did our kids. But it is getting run down over the years.

It would be nice to see some improvements on the strip.

[Bostonian]

I was up at the lake this past weekend (first time since about April for the closing of Gunstock's winter season). One of the things I had noticed was the tale of two towns. On Saturday, my family and I went to Meredith for lunch. The town was bustling, with traffic, pedestrians and just life to the town. We ended up eating lunch at the Lake Side Deli, which was fantastic. Whether it was the crafts fair, the people, the food and so on - there was a pulse to the area... Then on our way back to Gilford -

We passed by the Weirs... Empty lots, no bustle, urban decay, and just a sense of loss. As the previous poster indicated, some improvements to the strip would be nice and are needed. Getting businesses into the area that are sustainable, and a draw to the area would be good too. having family friendly, long term sustainable business is the answer. While a Dunkies is nice for the weirs rottery (not that we need another chain), it doesn't provide a longer term solution for a village in Laconia that was the heart of the Lakes region for so long.

[Dickie B from HB]

I live in Huntington Beach, California. When I moved here in 1965, the town was a run down little surf spot with cheesy bars and surfboard shops, and not much else. The town council decided that the time had come to rescue the town from further decay. They created a tourism board whose sole purpose was to provide the vision and the knowhow as to how to redevelop the area to attract new business.
And it has worked out well. Working with the council and the population, bond issues were passed, and redevelopment took place. It took many years, but today Huntington Beach is an attraction for not only tourists, but people that live in the surrounding areas as well. In fact, tourists are not the prime supporters. The bulk of the spending comes from visitors from the nearby cities.
There is no casino, but there are nice shops, nice restaurants and street side cafes, and nighttime clubs. The tourism board has come up with events that happen almost on a weekly basis.

Where it once was a summer only type place, it now attracts people all year round. The key to the redevelopment was that the city took over most of the prime area (they bought out the old business properties)and built new structures that were very attractive, and leased them out to new business. Therefore, the new businesses did not have to invest huge sums of money in real estate. They also built a very large parking garage. It took time, but the formula has been very successful. Now the area is home to a Hilton hotel and a Hyatt Regency Resort among other large brands.

Something similar could happen to the Weirs, but it isn't going to happen if only small business is relied upon. The government needs to step in and give it a boost.

[Sal]

Thanks for the HB success story. But . . . that is liberal California

. . . . this is good ol' Live Free or Die New Hampshire.

Fat chance of the gubmint doing that, around here. Ayuh.

(?Right, FLL??)

I am donning my flame-proof suit now.

[Dickie B from HB]

Gotta tell ya Huntington Beach is not a liberal city. We're in the heart of Orange County. This is Republican territory, far to the right of center.
What the city did here wasn't liberal or conservative. It was just the smart thing to do.

[Misha888]

I spied growing grass on the lot. It has that going for it now.

[HellRaZoR004]

Wife and I docked at the Weirs on Monday and decided to try out the Tower Hill Tavern.

We both shared a R.O.B. burger and thought it was delicious. We even decided to eat outside at one of the open tables along the street. The weather was great but the motorcycle noise was too much. Every idiot with a bike thought it was a great idea to rev their engines as they passed. Not very inviting.

Walked down towards the Weirs sign and commented that everything was run down. What is the yellow building at the corner all boarded up with windows almost falling out? What an eyesore.

o0o, did I mention you need to make sure when docking your boat it's at the end of the dock; otherwise you are not getting out without moving someones boat....very bad design.

[BroadHopper]

Built when boats were pencil thin. Weirs can do themselves a BIG favor by adding more space between slips!

[Misha888]

Built when boats were pencil thin. Weirs can do themselves a BIG favor by adding more space between slips!

The only reason I miss our Carrera SS7M. 4th of July we could just glide in between the boats and get front row parking . . . now, we don't even bother going. Boat is too wide.