Center Harbor Zoning Board
 

We called to make a reservation at Lavinia's the other day and asked to reserve a seat on the patio.We were told that they couldn't serve food out there due to restrictions by the town.I was quite surprised because we've enjoyed many meals out there,both under Luke's and now Steve McGuff's ownership.I called Steve to see if it was really true and he said that the Zoning board had denied his request but hoped to get an approval at the next meeting (July14th)
I would appeal to the zoning board to grant that approval and to try to help small business'whenever they can.

I am curious as to the reasoning for the denial, especially, as you say, you have dined on the patio many times in the past.

I think they are trying to get approval for outdoor dining and a "live" band two nights a week.

Just curious if the "crowd" would change depending on the band.

Sam, all I will say is one wonders why these zoning boards seem to make it so difficult for businesses. It is with dread that most people go to these meetings and it shouldn't be that way. They are after all our neighbors, volunteers of a sort. Why do they have to be so difficult?

True, tis....as you go around the lake, every town has restaurants with outside dining. It adds a wonderful touch to summer.
The town of Meredith, especially, has been pro business and the results have been obvious. It is a thriving tourist destination. People love to eat outside as you can see driving by Town Dox. Doesn't seem fair to deny a restaurant a few extra outside seats. It's a very short season and business' need all the help they can get.

Think he's wanting acoustic music.....don't think he could afford AC/DC
Think the "crowd" would be older,well to do vacationers as well as locals.

I would guess that the Zoning Board is afraid that there might be "Garage Band" rock night. Not so much AC/DC, but the AC/DC wannabees....

That location went from fine dining to relaxed dining..... hopfully it doesn't become a shorts & tee-shirt dining with a roudy crowd on "band night."

Don't get me wrong, I like the current Lavinia''s. I can understand the Zoning Boards skepticism though....restaurants will do what it takes to make money. Including the theme nights that are out of character for the area.

Because although there are well meaning people on these boards, power corrupts, and a certain kind of person always volunteers for these positions. There is a reason our founding fathers were suspicious of government.

Unfortunately I believe you are right. And it's too bad. I can see the need to keep things under control but these boards are OUT of control. I am glad to hear Meredith has a good board.

McGuff needs to get the previous owners site plan rescinded or amended. That site plan approval was for only 15 rocking chairs and low conversational tables, serving cocktails while people are waiting for their table inside the restaurant. The plan did not call for serving food or acoustical background music which McGuff wants now.

I think it's just a formality and he will get approved at the next ZBA meeting.

Nice to see that approval was granted at last nights meeting.Outside dining is now allowed as well as two nights of acoustic music.

These are very good reasons why the people quoted above should volunteer for some of the citizen boards. The boards are a necessary part of governance; it's too easy to lob complaints. Get involved.

I look forward to the new ambiance. Let's hope Lavinia's and the new owners become a mainstay in Center Harbor!