[mcdude]

from the Citizen

End of boat launch at Ames Farm hits nerve
Gilford:

Tuesday, July 21, 2009
GILFORD — The town says it might take action by voters to resolve the issue of whether members of the general public can go to Ames Farm to launch their boats.

A release from the town said it has received "an overwhelming number of phone calls about the boat launching situation at Ames Farm.'

Prompted by the inquiries, Town Administrator Scott Dunn wrote, "It is hoped that Ames Farm will take the initiative to work with various town officials to resolve this problem in time for the 2010 boating season, but ultimately a solution will probably depend upon a town meeting vote."

Launching of boats into Lake Winnipesaukee by the general public has been prohibited since the Zoning Board of Adjustment ruled that such an operation was not a permitted use at Ames Farm because it is situated in the single-family residential zone. The Planning Board voted to allow boat launching as a grandfathered use, but the ZBA found the Planning Board had exceeded its authority in making such a finding.

As for alternative sites, the town suggested interested persons contact other establishments in the town, "such as Fay's Boat Yard or Silver Sands Marina, but additional information may also be found on the Internet."

Too bad most of the folks using the launch are not able to vote in Gilford