Any idea what is going next to Cumberland Farms in Weir's Beach?

[nicole]

The lot next to Cumby has had the "For Sale Commercial" signs for a while. About two weeks ago, I noticed cars there every day, then a trailer. Now over the past few days all the trees are gone and the for sale sign is "pending". Does anyone know anything?



Thanks!

Nicole

[WeirsBeachBoater]

I can't wait to see what the Laconia Planning board let fly this time. Once again they allowed a clearcutting of the land, I hope this doesn't end up like the disgrace across the street, or up past surfcoaster.

[Irish mist]

I asked the people at Cumberland and they said they are not sure, but are concerned that a Irving gas station might come in because the Irving people have been floating around the area this year.

[nicole]

I can't wait to see what the Laconia Planning board let fly this time. Once again they allowed a clearcutting of the land, I hope this doesn't end up like the disgrace across the street, or up past surfcoaster.

I know it is just terrible.

[nicole]

I asked the people at Cumberland and they said they are not sure, but are concerned that a Irving gas station might come in because the Irving people have been floating around the area this year.

I heard that from someone in the Gilford Shaw's but it was a person who I did not know-I was just chatting with them in line so who knows.

[Irish mist]

Zoning issues in Laconia, and for that matter many towns in the Lakes Region leave a lot to be desired. I would think that some kind of business use will be made of the property because I can't believe anyone is thinking of putting more housing, or condos down the Weirs, but who knows ?

[NoRegrets]

I belive that property in a zoned area can be use for that purpose. If is is zoned commercial, residential, industrial, or what ever was imposed by the zoning laws then you would be able to use it for that purpose. If you wanted to use the land for something other than the existing zoning then you would seek variance.

There are 15 zoning categories for Laconia. Here is a link to them.
http://www.city.laconia.nh.us/index.php/departments/zoning-inside/zoning-maps

I am not sure if the zoning board grants variances easily but most small towns seem to be very bureaucratic and make it hard to get a variance. (Only my opinion)

[Irish mist]

Drove by there today, and the whole lot is clear-cut and stripped of trees.....wonder what this will do for the water run-off problems in the Weirs:(

[kjbathe]

Once again they allowed a clearcutting of the land

Allowed? Does a property owner require permission to harvest their timber?

[no-engine]

permit is required. do not know any requirements.
just that paperwork is needed.

[jmen24]

Allowed? Does a property owner require permission to harvest their timber?

I personally feel it should be about trying to preserve the natural feel of the area. Commercial development does not play that game and it is up to the town to require it.

My office is on Main st in New London and across the street, Dunkin Donuts wanted to move into an existing space. This town required many things of them as this was the first national change to be permitted into this town. Basically, no lighted signs, no drive-thru and the exterior of the building had to maintain the original white exterior color to blend with the area. Quite frankly this is one of the nicest DD I have ever been in, hardwood floors, granite counters and non of the typical Eyesore exterior facade that come standard with these buildings, only the gold paint carved letters of all wood sign tell you it is a DD.

But, yes most towns and city's require a permit to harvest trees, mostly (at least the towns I deal with) are just interested in knowing if you made any money on the harvested timber. That is why most forms talk in board foot amounts of wood removed, it is all about the money.

[tis]

Of course they also want to collect their "timber tax" which you pay to the town.

[fatlazyless]

According to two who work next door at Cumby's, they have no idea and it is a big secret. One mentioned the lot is six acres size.

Total conjecture here, but six acres is too small of the necessary ten acres to be in current use so maybe the timber was removed just to raise some cash for the property owner? Over on Lake Waukewan, a large lot was clear cut on Waukewan St, just above the lake, maybe three years ago with nothing done there so far.

[angela4design]

I understand that Waukewan lot (I live on the opposite side of the lake with a view of that lot) was intended for new housing development. Then, the market bottomed out, which made it more feasible to halt development. (I forget where I heard that though.)

As far as the Weirs lot; is there any info on ownership to be had from tax maps or assessors databases?

[dpg]

Honestly why is everyone so concerned? It is what it is, you'll all find out soon enough or won't if FLL is correct.