Winnipesaukee Forum - Changes in Store for Blue Jay Mini-Golf

From the Baysider - January 31, 2008

Quote:

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=bottom><TD colSpan=2>Big Changes in Store for the Blue Jay Golf Course</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>http://www.thebaysider.com/images/z.gif</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>ALTON — The Blue Jay miniature golf course at Alton Bay may soon have a new look, if the changes proposed by its new owner go through.

Mark Blasko, who owns a miniature golf course in Chichester and recently acquired the Blue Jay property, appeared before the planning board on Jan. 15 for a conceptual consultation on the improvements he plans to make to the course and the adjacent arcade building (which currently houses the Alton Bay Post Office).

While he said there would be no change to the existing footprint on the property, Blasko proposed replacing the existing course with a new, "garden style" course, featuring real grass, running water, and an animated fountain that would entertain visitors with lights and music every 15 minutes.

Blasko also proposed tearing down the arcade, and rebuilding it with siding, and exploring options for a vacant retail space in the building.

His question, he said, was whether he would need a site plan review for the proposed changes, or simply an application.

Board Chairman Tom Hoopes noted that one thing to consider with such a small amount of space was whether any expansion would intensify use of the area.

In response to Hoopes' concerns about parking, Blasko replied that there would be no change in on-site parking.

The facility, he said, would also use a self-contained water system for the fountains.

Selectmen's representative Bill Curtin asked if there were any plans to change the number of bedrooms on the property.

Blasko replied that there are currently two one-bedroom apartments located in the building, and that set-up would not change. The plan, he said, does call for a change in the septic system, however.

Asked by alternate Timothy Roy what type of lighting plan he had in mind, Blasko explained that the most of the lighting would be low level, such as LED lights in the bottom of the water fountain.

Alternate David Hussey felt that any beautification of the site could only enhance the area, as long as Blasko agreed to adhere to the sign ordinance and ensure proper drainage.

The board agreed that a re-vamped Blue Jay would be a plus for the Alton Bay area. Hoopes said his only concern was whether the new course would be a distraction for nearby residents due to lights or color.

The board voted unanimously that a site plan would not be required for the renovation project, with the stipulation that if Blasko were to follow through on an idea to turn the vacant retail space into a pizza parlor, he would have to appear before the board for a site plan review.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>