Gilford’s new red “barn”
 

Am I the only one who thinks the big red metal storage “barn” is a monstrosity? It’s on Route 3 near Walmart. I am very surprised that it got past the planning board. It’s such an eyesore.


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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

(and owner)

Regardless, it’s a behemoth storage facility and not in keeping with Gilford’s small town feel.


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I drove by there last summer and don't recall anything unusual; is it new?

How about posting a picture of it?

The argument against something like this being against Gilford's small town character, especially in that location was lost long ago. As you said, it's across from the Walmart, an even bigger monstrosity

Where exactly is this located? I remember the long abandoned cottage colony was being cleared out over the summer. Is that the location?


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It is...and to me kinda looks like a barn... I'm ok with it!

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Why so many storage facilities in the lakes region? Do we have so much crap that we don't have room in our homes? Who is using all this space?

People are storing boats and RV's among other things. HOA's often don't allow such. If you live in a condo or apt, you probably don't have a garage , storage shed or basement.

It IS amazing there are so many, isn't it? I can't believe it either.

whatcha think?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...e9f410e61a.jpg

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Not just for storing our "toys:" due to the high divorce rate people often change situations and partners, causing an interim or permanent need to store their stuff.

We should heed the words of Thoreau: "Simplify."

Just drive by. It’s bigger and closer to the road than shown here.


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All a good reasons, however the largest crowd to require storage buildings like this are Out-Of-Staters that have sold their large homes and now are downsizing and the need storage. Seems the OOS require the Lakes Region to change and twist NH values for NON NH values... And they are winning and will continue to make the Lakes Region Uglier and Uglier with Buildings such as these.

As put earlier: It is really more a matter of adapting to the change.
The change being exponential rather than arithmetic is a challenge, but it is a challenge we don't get a choice to avoid

As to the need..
 

Two years and change ago we rented a 20x30' unit in Gilford down the road up on the hill from this new one.

Needed 10x10 or 10x15 really, but 20x30' was the smallest they had.

> $400 a month - as we took it as there were ZERO other options within Laconia / Gilford / Meredith / Belmont. Every single one was taken, only the largest sizes were still available.

That's why they are still going up today (a bunch more right past Ellacoya Grille) - when nobody rents them I bet they will stop. Get used to it....

The old, "supply & demand" rears it's ugly head.

Storage Units
 

I could kick myself in the butt for not investing in one of these years ago when I had the opportunity….These places are a big time money maker!

Once built they have very little overhead and require little manpower to operate on a daily basis…most all are full in the area!

Oh well….better luck next time!

Dan

Many of these renters stop paying at some point, after they realize they have already paid more for the rental than the stuff is worth.

Maybe...

I believe all businesses look better from afar. I am sure there is aggravation in owning storage facilities. The only questions are how much and who gets aggravated.

If it weren't for employees and customers business would be easy! :D

The one great truth in this sometimes ugly world!


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To think you have to please people to take their money, what's this world coming to?:laugh:

We own one facility in Dover and just closed on our second last week. They certainly are easy once up and running, but it takes time to fill up and they always come with a fair share of problem tenants/headaches.

No office at either facility, just a kiosk at one. The rest is handled by phone, email and internet. A web-based software package manages everything.

I've seen them advertised all over the place on 1031 Exchange listings. You can buy in without using it as an exchange. Generally good passive income, but no much liquidity, and some fees to the developer/manager.

Ask Al Mitchell, the billboard king. He is investing heavily in storage. He was the one who wanted to put storage buildings in the Weirs area. Last I heard he is investing $200,000 in more buildings! Don't know where.

The Barn
 

So a large red barn-looking storage building isn't keeping Gilford's small town feel? Really? Does that mean you're fine with the big boxy buildings over at the storage located on Gilford East Drive and would like to see the same thing across from Walmart?

The Planning Board did its due diligence, had public hearings of which a number of people, including abutters, asked questions and spoke about the project.

Not one of them objected.

I think people would at least wait until the first building is completed to see if it is or is not in keeping with Gilford's small town feel. Judging based upon the half-built appearance is a bit premature, isn't it?

Heck, I wish the storage buildings elsewhere in town looked more like the new one being built.

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Weekend Pundit, I strongly disagree with your opinion. I don’t have to wait until it’s finished to say it is HIDEOUS. It’s already obvious! And, no, I don’t like all the other storage buildings around here either. In addition, I understand there is going to be constructed another storage facility (the same red barn?) directly behind this one. Ugh, ugh, ugh. 🤦🏼*♀️


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Don't we sign petitions and make an effort to get big red barns listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Maybe a pile of cow manure and a rusty hay baler out front will make it more acceptable? It could be chartreuse, you know. How about the former orange and whit Grossman's that was a few hundred yards away? Wasn't that OK?

And Then...
 

And I have talked to a lot of people in town who disagree with you. They like the 'barn' as it isn't an eyesore like most of the other storage buildings in town. I daresay it's better looking than some of the other buildings along that stretch of Lake Shore Road.

You are correct that there is a second barn that is planned to be built behind the first one. The land has been prepped and I think the slab has already been poured.

With that out of the way, what are your thoughts on the new Airport Deli/Haffner's/Dunkin's being built to replace the existing one at the corner of Route 11 and Old Lake Shore Road?

Two of the neighboring buildings have been demolished, a new foundation dug out and poured, and construction of the new store's frame should commence soon. Once completed, the convenience store/deli and Dunkin's will move into the new building, the old store building will be demolished and new gas pumps installed in its place. The old pumps will be removed and the first entrance off of Gilford East Drive will be removed.

Dunkin's will have a better drive-thru with two lanes. There's also been a rumor of a new pizza joint going in there as well.

You sound like one of the developers. Sorry, but TWO four-story monstrosities made of red vinyl along the main drag are NOT attractive. You may have spoken to “many” people who like it, but I have spoken to “many” who feel like I do. As far as the new gas station/Dunkin going in, whatever. It’s a replacement on an adjacent lot. We are used to seeing gas stations along main roads, unlike HUGE four-story storage facilities. Good God, enough is enough.


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You're preaching to the wrong choir.

Perhaps we should consider some of George Carlin's wisdom:

https://youtu.be/MvgN5gCuLac

Nope
 

Nope, not a developer or contractor. And they're THREE-story monstrosities.

Maybe it's time to pay attention to the public notices for Planning Board meetings and attend those that are listing applications for projects that you might oppose. Is a project you oppose passes then you can always appeal to the Zoning Board. Complaining after the fact accomplishes nothing.

And to reiterate what someone else posted up above, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wish all of the storage facilities in Gilford looked like the 'monstrosities' rather than a bland beige box or an over-the-top series of garages with ugly orange overhead doors.

The ZBA is for appeals to the Zoning laws, such as getting an exception for a different setback. Appeals to planning board decisions go through their own process and, if unsuccessful you can go to court.

Weekend Pundit: Man oh man, are you ever rude and disrespectful to someone who disagrees with your opinion! I see the “bland beige boxes” as being tucked sideways on roadsides as ONE STORY high and nowhere near as much IN YOUR FACE as this four-story (count the stories in the picture I sent) humongous eyesore.


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I don't think it is vinyl. Metal siding is more durable.
The nice thing is when the storage boom is over... the building is easily taken down and recycled.

Or one of the two may be reused to create a new Agway or other farm-oriented outlet.

Well sort of.

A planning board decision can be directly appealed to superior court. That is unless the appeal involves the planning board's interpretation of the zoning ordinance. In that case the first order appeal is to the ZBA. If that appeal fails, then an appeal can be made to superior court.

I'm being rude and disrespectful? Re-read what you've written. You've dismissed others' opinions about the 'barn' out of hand. I would say that's rude and disrespectful. I expressed my opinion about the appearance. So have you. Yet how am I in any way obligated to agree with your opinion? Aren't you doing exactly what you've accused me of doing?

Do you count an attic as a story? There are three floors for storage. Then there's the attic. (Yes, I am quibbling, but then so are you.)

I have also suggested a remedy for possible future projects to which you might object (or support, if it comes to that), but it appears you've chosen to ignore it.

Actually, the court would ask if you filed an appeal with the Zoning Board, something that has to be done within 30 days of a Planning Board decision. If the ZBA either upholds the Planning Board decision or chooses not to hear the appeal, then you can go to the court. If you skip a step the court is likely to deny hearing the case because you didn't follow the proper procedures.

It will never been enough for the OOS'r Crowds coming to NH. And they will Always WIN. Did you also notice the Location Gilford picked for these Ugly Orange Monstrosities. The are NOT next to their High School, there not even next to the town. They are on the very outside property Line of the town, so every LACONIAN has to put up with the disgusting view 24/7.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury... It is only going to get worse! I'm really not sure why people do not understand this.

The first appeal to the ZBA is required if there is an issue of interpretation of the zoning. If interpretation of zoning is not an issue, such as non compliance with planning board regulations, then any appeal would be to superior court.

Weekend Pundit: I choose not to respond to your extremely arrogant and uncalled for remarks. You are one of those who always wants the last word, so I am bowing out of this convo right now. Merry Christmas.


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I’m drive by there today. Looks like it belongs there with all the other congestion in that area. No biggie.

So-called 'progress' by greedy developers may be inevitable. However large landowners in Gilford are deeding their land to the Belknap Conservatory Trust to prevent developers from taking over. A tactic ever small town in NH should be doing to avoid large-scale development.

I've never heard of the BRC...
But the town probably zoned it commercial/industrial because it wanted that type of development there.

https://www.belknaprange.org/

This is the correct name for Belknap Conservatory Trust. I believe they are also under the LRCT umbrella.

Please visit the Ramblin' Vewe Farm trust. My family contribution to the trust. Developers be damn!

Life is change, and a part of change is land development.

Sure, some may want to keep things the way they are but that really isn't how and why humanity has "progressed."

Besides, "money talks."

We are developers... if not the native forest is all that would exist.

I have a friend that owns 100s of units. It is a great business. He noted that the climate controlled units are where the bigger profit margins are. A lot of small businesses use them for fulfillment of perishable goods or things that cant freeze or get too hot.

It's Getting There
 

Most of the exterior work is done on the storage barn and it's looking pretty good. It looks like glass work and doors will be installed shortly.

Looks pretty good to me.

Christmas lights !!!
 

This very large barn rental storage business, located on a hillside just above Route Eleven, has excellent visibility as seen from cars driving along that busy local road.

If the owner wants to do it, it could become an impressive local Christmas display of a great big barn, all lighted up with Christmas lights, come Christmas time. So, Merry Christmas from the Gilford storage barn?

That's a great idea!

Gilford's new red "barn"
 

Right about now I'd settle for "Happy 4th of July"

Oh, I like that idea! That would be great!

As I have not see the rear of the barn, it is not clear to me how one gets access to storage. So I asked about a small sports car and got this response.

OK, so furniture? but you can't get your pickup truck near your storage area?

Alan

I am in the storage business (I own 2 facilities on the seacoast). I simply can't understand their model. It somehow works for Bluebird, although these are in much more populated areas. All of our units are drive up, exterior access. I get calls every week from potential clients who hate the inside model (ramps, elevators, stairs, etc).

I don't see a big need for solely indoor storage in the Gilford area, but clearly their feasibility study must say otherwise.

If you want to store the car in Dover, I have you covered! :D

Would it also have something to do with flammables like gasoline in the car stored indoors? There could be a fire department regulation against that.

People I know who store boats and RV's don't seem to have an issue with gas in the tanks, or propane for stove and fridge..

" insert shameless plug here" not only do you have their needs covered but also their vehicles covered as well...very clever!
Bluebird built a huge facility in beautiful downtown Epping, and apparently did so well they built a second facility right next door!

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Still shocked by that one. There is one going in right up the street from us in Dover as well.

There are two main entrances, one in the front and one in the back (on the second level). There is a freight elevator (or two) to move your stuff from one floor to another. There are also a couple of stairways.

I believe this storage building is climate controlled, so it isn't like 90% of the other storage facilities in the area. Not everyone wants/needs climate controlled storage.

If this new facility is anything like others like this there will be flatbed carts available to move stuff from your pickup to your storage unit.

You think that’s ugly, we have to look at the Lookout condos being built every day in the Weirs pulling out of Hilliard.

So many nice looking buildings that fit in with the area could have been built on the Lookout property. I don't understand the mentality of building something that looks like Chicken coops. I can't imagine that the appearance of the buildings has helped sales at all.

I would have to ask Tim, the project manager; but I believe they are sold before they are even completed.

The design comes from requirements of the City on the lot; and expressing the identity of the Weirs.

www.lookoutnh.com has a totally excellent 3:30-minute video, shot from a drone high up in the sky, that really shows Lake Winnipesaukee from this Weirs Beach hill top area and is a Look Out N.H. construction progression going from December 2021 to July 2023.

Green grass lawns, shrubs, and trees will be happening that will green up the homes and make it all look very grass green, trim and residential.

I've noticed a lot of the newer homes are going with that contemporary styling. I think it reflects the European buyers of today. They have a lot of money and are ready to spend it.
It's not to my liking but Boomers aren't the big-time buyers in the Lakes Region that they once were.

I totally agree. I don't love the style either.

No.
It has to do with the way that we have presented the area over time.

Some buyers refer to ''Adirondack'', which is really NH ''Camp-style'' or technically a natural material Craftsman.

Some buyers refer to ''Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard", which is really ''Cottage-style" - white trim with shakes being the favored. Many times this also has added elements of either colonial, cottage, or craftsman (mine is colonial).

For developments/condos, the developer is beginning to ask what does the area represent so that we can match the style.

The Weirs is most famous for Bike Week. The developers want something more upscale - so Bike Week leads to discussions about Daytona; and that leads to Miami.
Miami is upscale and still considered a ''party city'' near water.

But Laconia has limits within the planning requirements... so this was a take on the Miami-style that will be Laconia's upscale signature. It might be done better by other developers on other lots... but this is the direction.

We have a couple of cottages that are being designed European-style, but for those I have lots of stone siding, arched windows, and stone patios rather than decks. These tend not to be lake front.