Suggestions for Weirs Waterfront Usage

[greeleyhill]

Borrowing from another thread but interested is generating some ideas as to what people would like to see at Weirs Beach now that we have some investors entering the scene...see article for details.

This will be a big positive change for the area. I hope this spurs other investments in adjacent properties. Maybe this will start the Weirs area improvements that people have hoped for.

http://www.laconiadailysun.com/local...-pier-acquired

[fatlazyless]

From Sept 4, Labor Day, to May 30, Memorial Day, the Weirs Beach-Winni waterfront becomes a ghost town....a super attractive lake front area with a big lake and mountain view....and no people go there. It is sooooo dead that the City of Laconia even locks up the parking meters by placing blue canvas covers with little padlocks over each parking meter so's no one will put a quarter into a meter....that's very dead!

What the big waterfront building that used to the Winnipesaukee Gardens should be is a venue that attracts people to the area, every day of the year, all twelve months.

How's about splitting up the space and make it a combination workout exercise club, a dance, dance-a-thon, 1920's silent movie venue, and a charity, cash bingo hall with the charity percentage funding a monthly Ms Weirs Beach tiny bikini contest...... all rolled into one!

Then, if the NH legislature ever allows more gambling, the Weirs would already have its' foot inside the door with existing cash bingo venues.

Go ....... Weirs Beach! ....... go!

[thinkxingu]

I'd like to see a restaurant with lots of retractable glass on the end to see the view in winter and summer.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

[Biggd]

I hate to admit it but you need to attract the younger generation. Old people, like me, don't spend money on entertainment like the younger crowd. And let's face it, it's all about making money. They have a big nut to crack every month and they have to make money to keep improving the place. You can see what investors have done in Meredith. It started with Mill Falls hotel and shops and now has expanded to the whole town.
Personally I think a first class restaurant and shops would bring in the crowd with money to spend. The town of Laconia holds some responsibility in this. They have to let go of the past and look to the future. The world is changing fast and if you don't change with it you get left behind. Were the good old days really that good?
There's plenty of people with money up there. They just have to figure out a way to pry it out of peoples pockets.

[Mr. V]

I've suggested it before, and will suggest it again: a casino.

That would provide for year round use, and a big winner could walk downstairs and buy a new bought with his winnings.

Ka-ching!

One issue is that the size of the property would mandate a small casino, which might not be viable; perhaps it could be multi-level, like Casino Montreal?

[fatlazyless]

Maybe a fitness-exercise business could be a good fit? What that big space has going for it, is it is a big indoor space, with incredible water views through the windows, centrally located, and available parking.

Maybe you could lease the space out to an experienced fitness biz who will pay for everything like remodeling and equipment and everything else.

Have you ever been into www.thefitnessedgenh.com in Meredith just above the roundabout? That place always is busy, always has cars in the parking lot, always has people using it, even on holidays like Thanksgiving and Independence Day. The Fitness Edge has two floors of what is probably leased space.

One big advantage for a fitness biz is that it could bring people to that location on a year 'round basis which would help the other businesses.

The large pier building maybe is large enough to be home to both a fitness biz and a restaurant like www.anthonyspier.com..... "...experience unparalleled views!" Think they would get annoyed if I stepped inside while holding my rolled up yoga mat, and asked for a freebie courtesy glass of water..........Namaste?

Laconia has incredibly good town water so one cannot blame what's in the water!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Maybe a fitness-exercise business could be a good fit? What that big space has going for it, is it is a big indoor space, with incredible water views through the windows, centrally located, and available parking.

Maybe you could lease the space out to an experienced fitness biz who will pay for everything like remodeling and equipment and everything else.

Have you ever been into www.thefitnessedgenh.com in Meredith just above the roundabout? That place always is busy, always has cars in the parking lot, always has people using it, even on holidays like Thanksgiving and Independence Day. The Fitness Edge has two floors of what is probably leased space.

One big advantage for a fitness biz is that it could bring people to that location on a year 'round basis which would help the other businesses.

The fitness business doesn't make enough money to support a waterfront venue. That's why they are usually located in cheaper commercial spaces.

[robmac]

I myself don't feel a fitness center would a viable revenue stream year round and very limited during season. Remember Laconia bike week won't bring fitness business during the week so add that to off season it's a killer. I would like to see a medium price range food business that can be kid friendly as well as attract adults who want a place with fantastic views and good quality food. As far as other space I think an upscale pool venue such as Boston Billiards would also bring in revenue year round but thats just me. I hope new owners have something better to go to this season.

[jbolty]

A fitness center might be a good option as a fill in until a long term solution is found. They really don't require anything beyond a big empty room, some lockers and a couple showers so there isn't much remodeling; the showers could even be in a trailer outside.

As mentioned, no one could go there for a workout during bike week, or really any time in the summer, without fighting for parking.


Many, many years ago hanging out at the weirs was a thing to do, but that was before the internet and going to play arcade games and have a slice of pizza was a big night out. Hope they can find a balance now and make the rent adjustable so the business can survive the off season

[Dickie B from HB]

There is nothing like good restaurants (especially with a view) to bring in people year round.
First come the restaurants, then the other businesses follow: coffee shops, boutiques, gift shops, etc.
It always works. Example: Meredith

Remodel the old dancehall into two (or more) nice restaurants.

[Scott]

Imagine how cool it would be if the pier was actually more of a pier? Make it much, much longer. Lose the enormous bland building and make it similar in style to the pier at Old Orchard beach.

Does something like this even exist elsewhere in a lakeside setting? I would think development of this sort would really make a standout-attraction on a more regional level.

Probably only 1000-2000 environmental laws to overcome.

[TiltonBB]

The ideas above are interesting, but unlikely.

It should be noted that the purchaser of the property is a very successful owner of multiple new and used boat sales businesses in CT, ME, MA, and NH. He owns the Cobalt franchise that is on 104 in Meredith and he is the 3rd largest Cobalt dealer in the world. He is also in the top 10 for sales of Malibu boats. It is unlikely that he will head in a different direction with the new property.nd open a restaurant

There is now a void on the lake with the former Weirs waterfront Cobalt dealer no longer being a Cobalt new boat dealer. The only thing that the city of Laconia has been told so far is that the mini golf portion of the property will be turned into parking.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

The ideas above are interesting, but unlikely.

It should be noted that the purchaser of the property is a very successful owner of multiple new and used boat sales businesses in CT, ME, MA, and NH. He owns the Cobalt franchise that is on 104 in Meredith and he is the 3rd largest Cobalt dealer in the world. He is also in the top 10 for sales of Malibu boats. It is unlikely that he will head in a different direction with the new property.nd open a restaurant

There is now a void on the lake with the former Weirs waterfront Cobalt dealer no longer being a Cobalt new boat dealer. The only thing that the city of Laconia has been told so far is that the mini golf portion of the property will be turned into parking.

You don't have to be in the restaurant business to have a restaurant go in there. All you need is a tenant with a good restaurant background and money backing him. It would be a shame to see that space over the water used as a boat show room as I don't see that as being in the best interest of revitalizing the area, JMO. This is where the town has to step in and try to pursued the owner into making best use of that space to improve the area. They need forward thinking not backward thinking.

[Dickie B from HB]

Originally Posted by Biggd

You don't have to be in the restaurant business to have a restaurant go in there. All you need is a tenant with a good restaurant background and money backing him. It would be a shame to see that space over the water used as a boat show room as I don't see that as being in the best interest of revitalizing the area, JMO. This is where the town has to step in and try to pursued the owner into making best use of that space to improve the area. They need forward thinking not backward thinking.

Put the restaurants (and maybe a coffee shop at the end of the pier) in the old ballroom. Put the boat showroom somewhere else.
Like I said, the other businesses will follow.
I know this works. You can't believe what happened to where I live in Huntington Beach, CA. They did this in our downtown area years ago, and it turned it from a run down surf town to a world class tourist center.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Dickie B from HB

Put the restaurants (and maybe a coffee shop at the end of the pier) in the old ballroom. Put the boat showroom somewhere else.
Like I said, the other businesses will follow.
I know this works. You can't believe what happened to where I live in Huntington Beach, CA. They did this in our downtown area years ago, and it turned it from a run down surf town to a world class tourist center.

Same thing has happened around here. My wife and I visit Portsmouth and Newburyport quite often for the waterfront atmosphere, restaurants, and shops. We occasionally visit Gloucester but there's not much there. They refuse to change their old fishing village ways and the result is they are always in financial straights. With the right people in charge, old and new can coexist to create a vibrant community.

[Bootkie2]

I think it would be neat to restore the pier building to its original state with all the exposed wood beams/wood floors. New Windows could let more light it and make it feel wide open. I think East Coast Flightcraft has a special opportunity to create something entirely unique and different. Cobalts are gorgeous, high end, timeless vessels and they would look great in that space with all the exposed wood. Scatter some dining tables in there too and create a one of a kind all in one dining/boat showroom experience. You get the lake view plus you get to eat amongst shiny new boats. Who wouldn't want that?

[pcmc]

Thankyou TiltonBB for some background on the new investor.
It makes the interest in the Weirs seem more like a personal gain scenario and not a revitalization. That pier with the restaurant and views, imo is where most people migrate to during a visit to the area. It's occupied every time I walk through, but I visit during summer weekends, so I can't vouch for year round.
Forgive my negativity, but what a shame to take the areas remaining attraction and convert into something people will only visit when they are in the market for their boating need. I hope I am misunderstanding the whole intent of what is being proposed here.
The weirs beach areas fate may be sealed.
I will hope for the best and hope to see community enhancing improvements commence.

Some great ideas by the way!

Edit: PS. What I mean by fate being sealed, is simply the visitor 'enjoyment' or touristy type attraction of the area may be going the way of commercial business. The strip may evolve into a shopping area vs. a destination on the lake to spend fun time. This is simply a thought and not any way a fore sight regarding the area. Let's hope a fine balance makes it all work.

[Mr. V]

I wonder what the owners of the current concessions at the Weirs say: are they making money?

Do they want to change things?

I enjoy the old school funkiness of the Weirs, the arcades, cheap T-shirts, caramel corn.

[thinkxingu]

Cool idea above: make it a Cobalt-themed nautical restaurant with natural light, historical photos and displays, and some good food and I'd be driving across the lake to eat there!

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[kawishiwi]

It seems to me that a seasonal approach wont enable this area to be more than Meridith. Not that that wouldn't be better but then theres competition between them. Some source of demand to bring in sufficient year round traffic could be a home run. A casino could do that. A destination resort with year round appeal? Maybe one of those indoor water park hotels to stay active during the shoulder seasons. Really push foliage & snowsports and summer of course takes care of itself.

[Descant]

We've seen it elsewhere: cars and motorcycles: A restaurant that is built around a product. Great idea.
Cobalt goes up to about 35 feet but almost 11 ft beam. Most of the slips under the ballroom are narrow, for older, less beamy boats. Nonetheless,.a 35 ft Cobalt cocktail cruise boat would be a nice addition. Past small cruise operations didn't make it because they had single, or no supporting business. A cruise supported by a restaurant AND a dealership could be a great asset to the Weirs.
Remember Flying Yankee? Lazy Bones? Tir Na Nog? Aishling? etc?
Could there be a pay for play deal where a picnic cruise goes to an island (partially) owned by the LRCT?
I see some opportunities that have not been available when there was "retail overhead".

Actually, I assume anybody who is fronting several million dollars, has already developed plans that make $$$ sense, and they don't need us. Just the same, fun to speculate.

[greeleyhill]

I'm sure they have a sound business plan and vision for making it profitable but it's fun just to brainstorm some ideas and think about what it could be. That was the real intent of the thread -get the creative juices flowing and think about bringing the Weirs back to its former glory.

[Descant]

The former glory of the Weirs was as a summer destination. For those who would make it year round, that's fine, but not with many of the existing buildings which were built decades ago and are not easily converted to heated or air conditioned structures. The Winnipesaukee Gardens is a case in point.
(Said this before): The Weirs needs to be from McIntire Circle to Tanarack to a point on the shore road with free or low cost shuttle transportation. Just thinking about 500-600 yards along the existing boardwalk to the beach is not going to work. The age of 2000-4000 square foot businesses and restaurants is gone. Even the Mount Washington is 15% bigger than she used to be.

[Riviera]

Originally Posted by greeleyhill

Borrowing from another thread but interested is generating some ideas as to what people would like to see at Weirs Beach now that we have some investors entering the scene...

The Weirs has seen a gradual decline, for several reasons:

1. Many years ago, the attraction of Motorcycle "weekend" (rightly or wrongly), was debauchery. Nudity, smoke shows, signage, crowds, noise, and speed, all were part of the "attraction". Now, those "attractions" have been tempered by the authorities, and the "attraction" is muted. The younger crowd was/is less attracted to the muted nature of the event. It would be politically impossible to bring back the debauchery, so it will always be "muted" in the eyes of the early participants.

2. As MC weekend "attraction" declined, so did the visitor count. The people that ran motorcyle "weekend" tried to counter the decline by introducing a week-long event. The week-long event helped hospitality businesses initially, but further muted the primary attraction of crowds and debauchery. It simply spread out the crowds.

3. In the late 80's the Weirs saw a significant reduction in hotel/motel rooms, due to condo conversions. This created a decline in vacationers to the area, and pushed motorcycle week(end) visitors to the periphery of the "action". People want to stay where they play, and there just aren't many places to stay in the Weirs.

4. A huge factor in the decline of the Weirs has been the conversion of visitor attractions to motorcycle week "vendor lots". To be a successful vendor lot, you need to have a flat gravel space, and the closer to the "action", the better. You don't need to invest in buildings, structures, employees, property insurance, real estate tax on buildings, utilities, or most any other cost associated with a typical business venture. If you can make a few "sure thing" bucks once a year, renting out your gravel parking lot, why risk investing significant funds on a more risky venture? As "vendor lots" became the better business venture, the investment in real property came to a standstill. Heck, one of the prime pieces of real estate in the Weirs was the old Karl's restaurant ... it burned decades ago ... and remains a fully paved "vendor lot" to this day.

5. There are a couple/few dominant property owners in the Weirs, and those owners have not had the vision and/or risk tolerance to invest in property upgrades. One can't blame them, as the risk of being a visionary comes with a huge financial risk, particularly given that the business culture is so focused on motorcycle week.

6. As the primary visitor attractions to the Weirs declined over time, so did the visitor count, including conventional summer days, and motorcycle days. This is/was due to the decline in hotel/motel units, the decline in "attraction properties", the decline in MC week(end) "attractions", and the general decline in the physical condition of nearly all Weirs beach properties. It's become an eyesore, in the eye of most visitors.

Now what?

1. The City needs to come to grips with the fact that MC Week is no longer a significant attraction. They need to legislate significant fees, and/or zoning deterrents, that make it financially unattractive to own a gravel parking lot. In the near term, this will be painful, and controversial, especially as it relates to the primary property owners in the heart of the Weirs.

2. The City needs to create a zoning structure that limits the use of properties to the sort of long term uses that will attract visitors. Examples include hotel, short term rental, youth attractions, outdoor attractions, dining attractions, and shopping attractions. These are the only things that bring "feet on the street". They also need to create a stringent architectural ordinance, that requires high quality architecture, and high quality materials, as is required in Meredith. The City of Laconia would be well served to trade stringent parking requirements, setback requirements, height requirements, and density requirements, for architectural aesthetics. Some of the best developments in the world are intensely developed (including Meredith), yet they are some of the most attractive. People are drawn to things that are attractive.

3. The City needs to promote events that bring people. They need to think in terms of water event competitions, fairs, shows, and evening events. How about homemade boat races, water ski shows, a charity "floatilla", a "beach your boat night", an art show, a car show, a "funny pet show", or a few theme nights? Get creative and introduce fun. If Meredith is the upscale destination, make the Weirs the fun destination.

4. The City needs to consider financial incentives for early risk takers. Tax increment financing districts, zoning "bonuses", and grant money should all be on the table. They should even consider City investment if they find a developer willing to take some daunting initial financial risk. That said, no developer is going to take on substantive risk without some legislative changes that assure sound future development.

5. The City needs to make the beach itself more of an attraction. They should consider leasing some land to a restaurant/bar, and require a certain amount of entertainment down there. As it stands now, they are effectively giving away an asset that could attract more people, more revenue, and a create a better attraction. Can you think of a beach on the lake that would be better suited to such development?

6. Redo the docks. The docking system was built for boats that were 6' wide, and 18' long. That's not the boating market today. Reconstruct the docks such that modern boats fit. While they are at it, charge a fee for the docks, and allow overnight docking for an even larger fee. I don't care how big you make the fee, the place would be full with overnight visitors.

I've been here a long time. I grew up here. It pains me to see the lack of investment and creativity in the Weirs, and the general deterioration of an area that could be one of the nicest in the State. The biggest obstacle to making the Weirs successful is the status quo. If short term thinking prevails, the Weirs will stay "as is", and the Weirs property owners will continue to earn a modest, short term, return. If long term thinking were to prevail, everybody would benefit. That said, I'll concede that the long term financial beneficiaries of the existing property owners in the Weirs may well be the heirs of today's owners.

The Meredith redevelopment started about 30 years ago. Rusty McLear was a visionary, but I surmise he will tell you it was not a bed of roses at the outset. Further, the community rallied around his vision, and required that EVERY development be held to high architectural standards, even if it was an auto dealership, a grocery store, or a motorcycle dealership. It took a LONG time to make Meredith what it is today, and it will take a LONG time to fix the Weirs.

As it relates to the subject of this post .... No, adding a retail boat business to the Weirs is not going to help in the long run, even if they are a top notch retailer. The Weirs needs "feet on the street", and boat sales doesn't add enough feet.

[pcmc]

Riviera, one heck of first post!

I like your wording, needing "feet on the street", perfect.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by Riviera

The Weirs has seen a gradual decline, for several reasons:

1. Many years ago, the attraction of Motorcycle "weekend" (rightly or wrongly), was debauchery. Nudity, smoke shows, signage, crowds, noise, and speed, all were part of the "attraction". Now, those "attractions" have been tempered by the authorities, and the "attraction" is muted. The younger crowd was/is less attracted to the muted nature of the event. It would be politically impossible to bring back the debauchery, so it will always be "muted" in the eyes of the early participants.

2. As MC weekend "attraction" declined, so did the visitor count. The people that ran motorcyle "weekend" tried to counter the decline by introducing a week-long event. The week-long event helped hospitality businesses initially, but further muted the primary attraction of crowds and debauchery. It simply spread out the crowds.

3. In the late 80's the Weirs saw a significant reduction in hotel/motel rooms, due to condo conversions. This created a decline in vacationers to the area, and pushed motorcycle week(end) visitors to the periphery of the "action". People want to stay where they play, and there just aren't many places to stay in the Weirs.

4. A huge factor in the decline of the Weirs has been the conversion of visitor attractions to motorcycle week "vendor lots". To be a successful vendor lot, you need to have a flat gravel space, and the closer to the "action", the better. You don't need to invest in buildings, structures, employees, property insurance, real estate tax on buildings, utilities, or most any other cost associated with a typical business venture. If you can make a few "sure thing" bucks once a year, renting out your gravel parking lot, why risk investing significant funds on a more risky venture? As "vendor lots" became the better business venture, the investment in real property came to a standstill. Heck, one of the prime pieces of real estate in the Weirs was the old Karl's restaurant ... it burned decades ago ... and remains a fully paved "vendor lot" to this day.

5. There are a couple/few dominant property owners in the Weirs, and those owners have not had the vision and/or risk tolerance to invest in property upgrades. One can't blame them, as the risk of being a visionary comes with a huge financial risk, particularly given that the business culture is so focused on motorcycle week.

6. As the primary visitor attractions to the Weirs declined over time, so did the visitor count, including conventional summer days, and motorcycle days. This is/was due to the decline in hotel/motel units, the decline in "attraction properties", the decline in MC week(end) "attractions", and the general decline in the physical condition of nearly all Weirs beach properties. It's become an eyesore, in the eye of most visitors.

Now what?

1. The City needs to come to grips with the fact that MC Week is no longer a significant attraction. They need to legislate significant fees, and/or zoning deterrents, that make it financially unattractive to own a gravel parking lot. In the near term, this will be painful, and controversial, especially as it relates to the primary property owners in the heart of the Weirs.

2. The City needs to create a zoning structure that limits the use of properties to the sort of long term uses that will attract visitors. Examples include hotel, short term rental, youth attractions, outdoor attractions, dining attractions, and shopping attractions. These are the only things that bring "feet on the street". They also need to create a stringent architectural ordinance, that requires high quality architecture, and high quality materials, as is required in Meredith. The City of Laconia would be well served to trade stringent parking requirements, setback requirements, height requirements, and density requirements, for architectural aesthetics. Some of the best developments in the world are intensely developed (including Meredith), yet they are some of the most attractive. People are drawn to things that are attractive.

3. The City needs to promote events that bring people. They need to think in terms of water event competitions, fairs, shows, and evening events. How about homemade boat races, water ski shows, a charity "floatilla", a "beach your boat night", an art show, a car show, a "funny pet show", or a few theme nights? Get creative and introduce fun. If Meredith is the upscale destination, make the Weirs the fun destination.

4. The City needs to consider financial incentives for early risk takers. Tax increment financing districts, zoning "bonuses", and grant money should all be on the table. They should even consider City investment if they find a developer willing to take some daunting initial financial risk. That said, no developer is going to take on substantive risk without some legislative changes that assure sound future development.

5. The City needs to make the beach itself more of an attraction. They should consider leasing some land to a restaurant/bar, and require a certain amount of entertainment down there. As it stands now, they are effectively giving away an asset that could attract more people, more revenue, and a create a better attraction. Can you think of a beach on the lake that would be better suited to such development?

6. Redo the docks. The docking system was built for boats that were 6' wide, and 18' long. That's not the boating market today. Reconstruct the docks such that modern boats fit. While they are at it, charge a fee for the docks, and allow overnight docking for an even larger fee. I don't care how big you make the fee, the place would be full with overnight visitors.

I've been here a long time. I grew up here. It pains me to see the lack of investment and creativity in the Weirs, and the general deterioration of an area that could be one of the nicest in the State. The biggest obstacle to making the Weirs successful is the status quo. If short term thinking prevails, the Weirs will stay "as is", and the Weirs property owners will continue to earn a modest, short term, return. If long term thinking were to prevail, everybody would benefit. That said, I'll concede that the long term financial beneficiaries of the existing property owners in the Weirs may well be the heirs of today's owners.

The Meredith redevelopment started about 30 years ago. Rusty McLear was a visionary, but I surmise he will tell you it was not a bed of roses at the outset. Further, the community rallied around his vision, and required that EVERY development be held to high architectural standards, even if it was an auto dealership, a grocery store, or a motorcycle dealership. It took a LONG time to make Meredith what it is today, and it will take a LONG time to fix the Weirs.

As it relates to the subject of this post .... No, adding a retail boat business to the Weirs is not going to help in the long run, even if they are a top notch retailer. The Weirs needs "feet on the street", and boat sales doesn't add enough feet.

So true! Great post!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Greene's Basin Girl

So true! Great post!

It starts with the people who run the town. If you don't have the right people, get rid of them and get the right people.

[fatlazyless]

Isn't the City of Laconia spending some big bucks, right now, on upgrading the Weirs waterfront road and re-installing all the overhead utility wires to underground, out of sight

Could well be there's enough space at the Weirs Pier to be home to the very high quality Cobalt Boats-East Coast Flightcraft, www.eastcoastflightcraft.com, plus a fitness center, a restaurant, plus some other businesses......all together in that one property that years ago was the Winnipesaukee Gardens....close to the boardwalk and the Mount Washington cruise ship tours.

And, as already mentioned, a fitness center will bring fitness customers in all year 'round.....all twelve months.....from 6-am to 6-pm....7-days/week.....364-days/year.....only closed for Christmas, December 25.

Picture this ..... you can step off your 32' Cobalt.....and in a fast two minutes.....be putting in some quality time on a rowing machine.....row-row-row-row....to make up for the exercise you never got on your motor boat.....with time to hit the gym .... and let's not overlook the www.anthonyspier.com spot for a restaurant.

Just picture this.....that restaurant location, high up on the Pier building, could be a good spot to be tossing out a single Cheez-it, Frisbee style, to some Canada goose that's never ever tasted a Cheez-it before ..... just imagine that!!!!

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Just picture this.....that restaurant location, high up on the Pier building, could be a good spot to be tossing out a single Cheez-it, Frisbee style, to some Canada goose that's never ever tasted a Cheez-it before ..... just imagine that!!!!

Thought there was a state law against feeding wild animals? Well this is in Laconia. If fining duck feeders can make money..........................

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Isn't the City of Laconia spending some big bucks, right now, on upgrading the Weirs waterfront road and re-installing all the overhead utility wires to underground, out of sight

Could well be there's enough space at the Weirs Pier to be home to the very high quality Cobalt Boats-East Coast Flightcraft, www.eastcoastflightcraft.com, plus a fitness center, a restaurant, plus some other businesses......all together in that one property that years ago was the Winnipesaukee Gardens....close to the boardwalk and the Mount Washington cruise ship tours.

And, as already mentioned, a fitness center will bring fitness customers in all year 'round.....all twelve months.....from 6-am to 6-pm....7-days/week.....364-days/year.....only closed for Christmas, December 25.

Picture this ..... you can step off your 32' Cobalt.....and in a fast two minutes.....be putting in some quality time on a rowing machine.....row-row-row-row....to make up for the exercise you never got on your motor boat.....with time to hit the gym .... and let's not overlook the www.anthonyspier.com spot for a restaurant.

Just picture this.....that restaurant location, high up on the Pier building, could be a good spot to be tossing out a single Cheez-it, Frisbee style, to some Canada goose that's never ever tasted a Cheez-it before ..... just imagine that!!!!

I don't see that as being the best use in revitalizing the area. It's a tourist area and that's where the big money is going to be. You're not going to make enough money on just the local full and part time residents. You have to draw people to the area that don't normally visit all the time. They are not going to visit because of a fitness center overlooking the water unless it's in a first class hotel.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Riviera

The Weirs has seen a gradual decline, for several reasons:

1. Many years ago, the attraction of Motorcycle "weekend" (rightly or wrongly), was debauchery. Nudity, smoke shows, signage, crowds, noise, and speed, all were part of the "attraction". Now, those "attractions" have been tempered by the authorities, and the "attraction" is muted. The younger crowd was/is less attracted to the muted nature of the event. It would be politically impossible to bring back the debauchery, so it will always be "muted" in the eyes of the early participants.

2. As MC weekend "attraction" declined, so did the visitor count. The people that ran motorcyle "weekend" tried to counter the decline by introducing a week-long event. The week-long event helped hospitality businesses initially, but further muted the primary attraction of crowds and debauchery. It simply spread out the crowds.

3. In the late 80's the Weirs saw a significant reduction in hotel/motel rooms, due to condo conversions. This created a decline in vacationers to the area, and pushed motorcycle week(end) visitors to the periphery of the "action". People want to stay where they play, and there just aren't many places to stay in the Weirs.

4. A huge factor in the decline of the Weirs has been the conversion of visitor attractions to motorcycle week "vendor lots". To be a successful vendor lot, you need to have a flat gravel space, and the closer to the "action", the better. You don't need to invest in buildings, structures, employees, property insurance, real estate tax on buildings, utilities, or most any other cost associated with a typical business venture. If you can make a few "sure thing" bucks once a year, renting out your gravel parking lot, why risk investing significant funds on a more risky venture? As "vendor lots" became the better business venture, the investment in real property came to a standstill. Heck, one of the prime pieces of real estate in the Weirs was the old Karl's restaurant ... it burned decades ago ... and remains a fully paved "vendor lot" to this day.

5. There are a couple/few dominant property owners in the Weirs, and those owners have not had the vision and/or risk tolerance to invest in property upgrades. One can't blame them, as the risk of being a visionary comes with a huge financial risk, particularly given that the business culture is so focused on motorcycle week.

6. As the primary visitor attractions to the Weirs declined over time, so did the visitor count, including conventional summer days, and motorcycle days. This is/was due to the decline in hotel/motel units, the decline in "attraction properties", the decline in MC week(end) "attractions", and the general decline in the physical condition of nearly all Weirs beach properties. It's become an eyesore, in the eye of most visitors.

Now what?

1. The City needs to come to grips with the fact that MC Week is no longer a significant attraction. They need to legislate significant fees, and/or zoning deterrents, that make it financially unattractive to own a gravel parking lot. In the near term, this will be painful, and controversial, especially as it relates to the primary property owners in the heart of the Weirs.

2. The City needs to create a zoning structure that limits the use of properties to the sort of long term uses that will attract visitors. Examples include hotel, short term rental, youth attractions, outdoor attractions, dining attractions, and shopping attractions. These are the only things that bring "feet on the street". They also need to create a stringent architectural ordinance, that requires high quality architecture, and high quality materials, as is required in Meredith. The City of Laconia would be well served to trade stringent parking requirements, setback requirements, height requirements, and density requirements, for architectural aesthetics. Some of the best developments in the world are intensely developed (including Meredith), yet they are some of the most attractive. People are drawn to things that are attractive.

3. The City needs to promote events that bring people. They need to think in terms of water event competitions, fairs, shows, and evening events. How about homemade boat races, water ski shows, a charity "floatilla", a "beach your boat night", an art show, a car show, a "funny pet show", or a few theme nights? Get creative and introduce fun. If Meredith is the upscale destination, make the Weirs the fun destination.

4. The City needs to consider financial incentives for early risk takers. Tax increment financing districts, zoning "bonuses", and grant money should all be on the table. They should even consider City investment if they find a developer willing to take some daunting initial financial risk. That said, no developer is going to take on substantive risk without some legislative changes that assure sound future development.

5. The City needs to make the beach itself more of an attraction. They should consider leasing some land to a restaurant/bar, and require a certain amount of entertainment down there. As it stands now, they are effectively giving away an asset that could attract more people, more revenue, and a create a better attraction. Can you think of a beach on the lake that would be better suited to such development?

6. Redo the docks. The docking system was built for boats that were 6' wide, and 18' long. That's not the boating market today. Reconstruct the docks such that modern boats fit. While they are at it, charge a fee for the docks, and allow overnight docking for an even larger fee. I don't care how big you make the fee, the place would be full with overnight visitors.

I've been here a long time. I grew up here. It pains me to see the lack of investment and creativity in the Weirs, and the general deterioration of an area that could be one of the nicest in the State. The biggest obstacle to making the Weirs successful is the status quo. If short term thinking prevails, the Weirs will stay "as is", and the Weirs property owners will continue to earn a modest, short term, return. If long term thinking were to prevail, everybody would benefit. That said, I'll concede that the long term financial beneficiaries of the existing property owners in the Weirs may well be the heirs of today's owners.

The Meredith redevelopment started about 30 years ago. Rusty McLear was a visionary, but I surmise he will tell you it was not a bed of roses at the outset. Further, the community rallied around his vision, and required that EVERY development be held to high architectural standards, even if it was an auto dealership, a grocery store, or a motorcycle dealership. It took a LONG time to make Meredith what it is today, and it will take a LONG time to fix the Weirs.

As it relates to the subject of this post .... No, adding a retail boat business to the Weirs is not going to help in the long run, even if they are a top notch retailer. The Weirs needs "feet on the street", and boat sales doesn't add enough feet.

I agree bike week is now and has been for a while an even that has attracted the kind of crowd and thus public display of behavior that only those that actually go appreciate, for everyone else for the most part it is repugnant. Clearly the past few years have illustrated that the financial benefits are simply not there either. However I think it is also short sighted to completely eliminate or discourage bikers from enjoying the area as they have money to spend just like everyone else. My guess is with a little thought a more civilized gathering could be sponsored.

I however vehemently disagree with the idea that the city should impose a tax/fee penalty on those that own property and choose to keep it a gravel parking lot or vacant. The use of re-zoning as a tool to encourage development is one thing, hey even offering tax incentives to do something.... however the city has no right to come in and force their will on a property owner to do something unless it is a public safety matter or zoning violation. At last check doing nothing with a raw piece of property is pretty much acceptable in any zoning district. I cringe at the thought that this is considered to be acceptable to force a land owner to do things just because everyone thinks it's a good idea or face a financial penalty for it. Guaranteed if that was your house and everyone thought it was a great idea to knock it down to do something else with it or else your opinion would be different.

There are a number of ideas you mention here that are great and should be explored, but really the key thing is to get somebody who can draw up a master plan that makes sense, take this to the land owners and try to work a deal - in fact arguably could even broker a relationship with potential developers so all working together could execute a revitalization of the area. However no matter how good the intentions of the city, residents, or other interested parties everyone needs to be willing to make something happen. This cannot and should not be done by means of legislation with the intended purpose to hurt those that may own a piece of the pie that are not interested in playing along as it is their choice not to. However if the right steps are taken to get the ball rolling and there is a perception that the area is drawing a different demographic and reliably over the course of the year anyone who has a vested interest in the area, IE landowners, will be inclined to do something as well, as they always say it's all about the money, if it is there to be made everyone will want a piece of the action.

[TiltonBB]

There are several things that stand in the way of improvements to the Weirs area and until the solutions to these issues make sense there will not be any big changes.

1. The Veteran's Association property is front and center to any substantial improvements and without a viable alternative they will be in the way of any large scale development.

2. The topography presents a much different challenge than what exists in Meredith. The steep hill does not make any substantial development an easy issue.

3. Existing property owners, primarily Ames, would have to be willing to develop their property and invest a substantial sum, or sell to a new investor who was willing to do so.

4. Whoever might chose to invest in the area would need the confidence that 10 weeks of income would make 52 weeks of payments.

There are many other factors to consider. The pier as it stands now is structurally challenged. The marine contractor who worked on it for many years refused to work on it as of 5 years ago because of it's condition and the obvious liability concerns. Anyone who has viewed the property from the water side has seen the structural issues that exist.

Whatever ends up on the Pier will require a very large investment, likely more than the purchase price, and it will take a lot of summer seasons to make a profit.

There are no easy answers or quick solutions. Comparing Laconia to Meredith is not a fair comparison. Even an investor with deep pockets would likely look at all of the challenges that the Weirs area faces and realize that after committing a lot of time and resources it would be a long time, if ever, before it became profitable.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I however vehemently disagree with the idea that the city should impose a tax/fee penalty on those that own property and choose to keep it a gravel parking lot or vacant. The use of re-zoning as a tool to encourage development is one thing, hey even offering tax incentives to do something.... however the city has no right to come in and force their will on a property owner to do something unless it is a public safety matter or zoning violation. At last check doing nothing with a raw piece of property is pretty much acceptable in any zoning district. I cringe at the thought that this is considered to be acceptable to force a land owner to do things just because everyone thinks it's a good idea or face a financial penalty for it. Guaranteed if that was your house and everyone thought it was a great idea to knock it down to do something else with it or else your opinion would be different.

You make a good point that taxing a landowner for not using or developing property is problematic at multiple levels.

But there's more than one way to skin a cat. As has been discussed in other threads, the towns can tax bike week businesses as a way of offsetting bike week expenses for safety, etc. So while I agree it's wrong to put a surcharge on an empty lot, it might be perfectly reasonable to charge a landowner for a permit (or to increase fees that may already exist) to run a bike week business on the lot that sits empty the rest of the year.

[Descant]

Greetings , Riviera and welcome to the Forum. A very thoughtful first post.
You chose a great name, as the Weirs could be the Riviera of NH, competing with Hampton Beach.
Although I would tweak your ideas some I don't want to disagree here as that is what tweaks are all about, not disagreements.
I agree with most of your propose.

The Weirs was originally developed by a few things coming together. RR's. Jim Irwin Sr and the Lavallees, among others. I visited Atlantic City many times over the years, and it is fascinating to see the parallels where AC promotions were followed at the Weirs. Not everybody could afford to go to AC, but they could get on a train and go to the Weirs Boardwalk, big name band dance hall, beach etc. People say we need an investor, but I agree with you that Weirs needs a visionary. I think Jim Irwin, as a musician, didn't have a lot of money, but he got others to invest in the Weirs. Probably lost a couple of fortunes in the process. Nevertheless, he was a great leader who helped develop Laconia, the Weirs, and the Lakes Region.

I think sometimes that, while Irwin of course, wanted to make a living, he just wanted the area to develop so that everybody around could be better off. I only knew him as a little boy, but he was always happy. That's a key ingredient.
Sorry to digress a little, but if you want to develop the Weirs, you have to have a sense of heritage.

[Riviera]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I however vehemently disagree with the idea that the city should impose a tax/fee penalty on those that own property and choose to keep it a gravel parking lot or vacant.

I'm not suggesting a fee for keeping the property vacant. I am suggesting that there should be a higher fee for vendor permits on otherwise undeveloped property, and maybe even all private property. Properties simply will not get developed if the highest and best use is a once per year weekly rental of vacant land.

Originally Posted by MAXUM

.... take this to the land owners and try to work a deal - in fact arguably could even broker a relationship with potential developers so all working together could execute a revitalization of the area. However no matter how good the intentions of the city, residents, or other interested parties everyone needs to be willing to make something happen. This cannot and should not be done by means of legislation with the intended purpose to hurt those that may own a piece of the pie that are not interested in playing along as it is their choice not to.

My business experience suggests that it would be nearly impossible to align the interests of multiple landowners, and/or multiple developers. The City is the only entity that can facilitate wide range change, as the City is the only entity with legislative powers. That being said, I don't think the City has the business and/or technical expertise to create effective legislation, nor the political fortitude to bear the pain of change. I'm suggesting change could happen, I'm not suggesting it will happen.

Originally Posted by MAXUM

However if the right steps are taken to get the ball rolling and there is a perception that the area is drawing a different demographic and reliably over the course of the year anyone who has a vested interest in the area, IE landowners, will be inclined to do something as well, as they always say it's all about the money, if it is there to be made everyone will want a piece of the action.

Agreed, but there is no catalyst to change the current perception of a declining business neighborhood/environment. There is no "piece of the action" until there is action. Absent legislative change, albeit painful in the short term, there will be no "action" to share.

[Riviera]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

There are several things that stand in the way of improvements to the Weirs area and until the solutions to these issues make sense there will not be any big changes.

1. The Veteran's Association property is front and center to any substantial improvements and without a viable alternative they will be in the way of any large scale development.

I am not particularly knowledgeable as to the VA property, but I agree that it is an aesthetic detriment if it can't be changed.

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

2. The topography presents a much different challenge than what exists in Meredith. The steep hill does not make any substantial development an easy issue.

I'd argue that the topography of the Chase House and Mills falls does not differ substantially from the topography on the north side of the main boulevard. The lakefront topography is more challenging, but the boardwalk is a unique amenity, as well as a unique challenge.

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

3. Existing property owners, primarily Ames, would have to be willing to develop their property and invest a substantial sum, or sell to a new investor who was willing to do so.

Agreed. There are 3 primary landowners in the Weirs. One has made investments, and is a benefit to the Weirs. The other two are not likely to make an investment. Remember, Meredith didn't happen all at once, so if successful development could start, the "old timers" may be willing to trade a relatively small income stream for a sale.

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

4. Whoever might chose to invest in the area would need the confidence that 10 weeks of income would make 52 weeks of payments.

Agreed. Hence my suggestion that there needs to be legislative changes that assure high quality development to support early development. That said, it snows in Laconia at about the same rate that is snows in Meredith. There are many seasonal destinations in New England that thrive with the seasonality.

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

There are many other factors to consider. The pier as it stands now is structurally challenged. The marine contractor who worked on it for many years refused to work on it as of 5 years ago because of it's condition and the obvious liability concerns. Anyone who has viewed the property from the water side has seen the structural issues that exist.

Whatever ends up on the Pier will require a very large investment, likely more than the purchase price, and it will take a lot of summer seasons to make a profit.

I'm not familiar with the specific structural challenges, but a pier with a building over the water is unique in many ways. It could be an asset, albeit with significant investment. I suspect some of that investment would need to come from the community. In downtown Laconia, the community is investing $15,000,000 to revitalize the unique Colonial Theater. The former owner of that property is a significant Weirs beach landowner. There are parallels.

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

There are no easy answers or quick solutions.

Agreed. If change were to happen, there would be pain in the short term.

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Comparing Laconia to Meredith is not a fair comparison. Even an investor with deep pockets would likely look at all of the challenges that the Weirs area faces and realize that after committing a lot of time and resources it would be a long time, if ever, before it became profitable.

I disagree. Prior to the redevelopment of Mills Falls, Meredith had an old asbestos factory, a 70's vintage ugly office building, a church, and a somewhat dated restaurant. They didn't have a beach, a boardwalk, a pier, or nearly as much land that could be developed. There are some added challenges in the Weirs, but there are also some unique advantages. It's not a direct comparison, but I believe it is a fair comparison.

[Riviera]

Originally Posted by Descant

I think Jim Irwin, as a musician, didn't have a lot of money, but he got others to invest in the Weirs. Probably lost a couple of fortunes in the process. Nevertheless, he was a great leader who helped develop Laconia, the Weirs, and the Lakes Region.

I think sometimes that, while Irwin of course, wanted to make a living, he just wanted the area to develop so that everybody around could be better off.

There is no doubt, that the world, and the Lakes Region, are better places due to the Irwin family.

Originally Posted by Descant

I only knew him as a little boy.

Descant ..... you may be older than me!

[bruinsfan]

As painful as it is to say, a Hilton, Marriott, or Sheraton Vacation/Resort hotel that offers winter and summer excursions and outdoor activities. A one stop vacation shop that has a steady clientele of customers.

It'll attract high end vacationers and allow other small business to grow in the area as well.

Motels and B&B's can not financially sustain year round guests; it's going to require big corporate bucks to bring in a constant flow of visitors. Most people trust a corporate logo more so than Bob's Motel with free HBO. (unfortunately)

How many of us research Hotels and Restaurants on the internet? (Yelp, TripAdvisor, ect) Everyone looks up where they are going to go and what there is to do in the area. Can't remember the last time I ordered a hotel brochure.

Look at Meredith.... If it wasn't for the Common Man company, it would look like the Weirs.

[Biggd]

There has to be a vision and a plan. These things don't happen over night. Meredith is nice but it's still a work in progress. You need to start somewhere and a new owner of the pier, with $$$$$$$$$$, is a good place to start. The town has to jump on this and be proactive. Shame on them if they let this slip by the wayside.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by bruinsfan

Look at Meredith.... If it wasn't for the Common Man company, it would look like the Weirs.

The Common Man company is just a tenant operating restaurants in the properties in Meredith. The developer and owner is Rusty McLear.

[Phantom]

Originally Posted by bruinsfan

As painful as it is to say, a Hilton, Marriott, or Sheraton Vacation/Resort hotel that offers winter and summer excursions and outdoor activities. .

If not mistaken .... a few years back just such a chain attempted to do just that. Details of the failure are fuzzy to me, but essentially, as I recall, got no help from Laconia & a lot of "push back" from local B&B, cottage rental owners, etc.

This would be in the same timeframe that the Marriot Town Suites was built in Gilford !!! albeit not a "Resort Hotel" but I always figured they downsized their initial plans given that it was no longer in a potentially lucrative location. Coincidental -- I think not !


.

[Acrossamerica]

The primary reason why a major brand hotel has not arrived on the scene is two fold.
1. The lakes region contrary to belief is not really a four season destination and brand hotels look to areas that have traffic 12 months of the year. A brand hotel sells franchises they do not build their own properties and the franchise fee before even beginning to build is into the $100,000 range plus a set of standards that makes the local zoning ordinances look easy.

Secondly, Brands are not pioneers. They look for established areas where others have done the heavy lifting. The Weirs is anything but established to the liking of any brand of lodging.

Therefore, any turn around will require as has been stated a visionary (think Music Man) who can charm investors out of the trees with a vision and a sound plan.

Finally, could it be that overall NH style tourism (lakes and Mountains) and particularly the Weirs has passed is prime in attractiveness to a sufficient number of young tourists? Most of the suggestions made so far on this site have been trips down memory lane. I also love the old stuff but if it were still popular with a sufficient number of people to make money it would never have gone out of business.

As to Meredith being similar to the Weirs, it is not. Location, weather and water conditions, ice in and ice out and so on. The events held in the winter at Meredith could not be held at the Weirs and as to a comparison to Atlantic City. That is very true as was Hampton Beach but Atlantic City is no longer Atlantic City of your remembrance and one really does not wish to emulate Hampton Beach unless you are all into second languages.

Within a few years Bike Week will be a memory as the real bikers age out and then maybe without that carrot being dangled in front of everyone something real can take place. In the mean time there is a new owner for part of the Weirs who is in the boat business. While it is not an ice cream cone it is taxable property and heavens knows there are not enough boats on the lake.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

The Weirs is anything but established to the liking of any brand of lodging.

Therefore, any turn around will require as has been stated a visionary (think Music Man) who can charm investors out of the trees with a vision and a sound plan.

Best to totally fuhgetabout about redoing the Weirs with a new super hotel, and just be happy the City of Laconia has been redoing the road and overhead utility wires, and hope for a new fitness center and a small restaurant like www.anthonyspier.com to compliment what's already been there for years and years .... the www.cruisenh.com

As already mentioned, a fitness center is maybe doable, and will bring people there, like 364-days of the year! If a fitness center gets created in the big old Winni Pier building, a large old structure built up on stilts over the Lake Winnipesaukee water, with boats docked underneath it ..... will people show up to use it and work out? ..... what do you think?

And, oh yeah, is that old building, the Winnipesaukee Pier, safe to use?

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

The primary reason why a major brand hotel has not arrived on the scene is two fold.
1. The lakes region contrary to belief is not really a four season destination and brand hotels look to areas that have traffic 12 months of the year. A brand hotel sells franchises they do not build their own properties and the franchise fee before even beginning to build is into the $100,000 range plus a set of standards that makes the local zoning ordinances look easy.

Secondly, Brands are not pioneers. They look for established areas where others have done the heavy lifting. The Weirs is anything but established to the liking of any brand of lodging.

Therefore, any turn around will require as has been stated a visionary (think Music Man) who can charm investors out of the trees with a vision and a sound plan.

Finally, could it be that overall NH style tourism (lakes and Mountains) and particularly the Weirs has passed is prime in attractiveness to a sufficient number of young tourists? Most of the suggestions made so far on this site have been trips down memory lane. I also love the old stuff but if it were still popular with a sufficient number of people to make money it would never have gone out of business.

As to Meredith being similar to the Weirs, it is not. Location, weather and water conditions, ice in and ice out and so on. The events held in the winter at Meredith could not be held at the Weirs and as to a comparison to Atlantic City. That is very true as was Hampton Beach but Atlantic City is no longer Atlantic City of your remembrance and one really does not wish to emulate Hampton Beach unless you are all into second languages.

Within a few years Bike Week will be a memory as the real bikers age out and then maybe without that carrot being dangled in front of everyone something real can take place. In the mean time there is a new owner for part of the Weirs who is in the boat business. While it is not an ice cream cone it is taxable property and heavens knows there are not enough boats on the lake.

We all like to go back to our youth and remember what was but what was popular then is not popular now. Young people are the spenders of the future. Wanting to keep the Weirs the way it was back in time is a recipe for disaster. Like I said, we need forward thinkers in the town not old farts. A new owner of the pier with money is a starting point. Let's hope it builds from that. I'm surely hoping for something more than a fitness center or boat show room. That would be disappointing, IMO.

[AC2717]

i think the first move should be to move the road and have that land be storefronts with the boardwalk - much like downtown Disney, and other places, and eminent domain at fair market value for the land could do that. by moving the road that opens up a lot of land to develop, in fact don't move the road, stop it before it gets past the sand on the beach and where the boardwalk begins) and make it a big parking lot (thereby taking less land)
and now that road area can be developing land that the town can sell with property lines up to the boardwalk, that would start to force the change with the other properties or they will become obsolete more than they already are

[Descant]

Eminent Domain can't be used to encourage private business.

BTW, a fitness center usually is in a densely populated area. I don't think people drive any great distance so they can work out. They do it to/from work.

Since many motels in the area were condo minimized 30+/- years ago, we have lost a lot of tourists and tourist businesses. IMHO, the lakes region now caters to summer folk, not tourists.

I return to the concept in one of the old Weirs threads that the Weirs should be defined as running from McIintire Circle to Funspot and the shorefront a mile or two beyond Winnipesaukee Pier with a free shuttle continuously running that loop. The people in all those condos (kids too young to drive, etc could go to lots of places along that route and not have to worry about parking way up the hill.

[RUGMAN]

Location, location, location. I would want to take advantage of the tourists that visit in spring , summer and fall.Being new to the area , would think revitalizing the pier with a good restaurant with entertainment would be great and could attract people in the winter as well. Walking my dog in the morning I have been amazed at how many people come up to me waiting for the Mount and ask, where they can get a cup of coffee and a muffin. They want to spend money, not on pinball machines. I have to tell them to walk up tower road to cumberland. There is no better location on the lake, someone has to get with it!! This past year was my first experience with bike week, I did not see it as a problem,lot of people spending money. We need to find ways to make this area attractive for all the other great weeks in spring, summer fall and winter. I am looking forward to what the new owner of the Pier has in mind, just removing the mini golf eyesore was a huge improvement, that cost next to nothing.

[Pineedles]

How about what they have in Nashua, Skyventure? Wave pool, rock climbing, skydiving. Year round fun for all ages. Anyone been there?

http://skyventurenh.com/

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

How about what they have in Nashua, Skyventure? Wave pool, rock climbing, skydiving. Year round fun for all ages. Anyone been there?

http://skyventurenh.com/

You wouldn't use prime waterfront property for something like that. The old Surf Coaster property would be better suited for that type of business.
As other people have mentioned, I think the area needs more resort rental property. A lot of the rental property has been turned into condos over the years.
No matter what happens it's going to take investors with a lot of $$$$$. And the reason they have a lot of money is because they stay away from losing propositions.

[kauriel]

Probably too expensive and big for direct waterfront but I think it would be great for the Weirs area to have a year-round resort with an indoor waterpark (bonus points for a tropical pool-bar for the adults!) to attract winter guests along with an outdoor wedding venue with water views to attract additional summer guests. A shuttle to area attractions would also be a great addition but not sure if it would bring enough additional revenue for businesses to support it.

[Reilly]

How about a used car lot, not enough around here😊😊😊😊

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Descant

Eminent Domain can't be used to encourage private business.

Eminent Domain has been used to encourage private business—approved by The U.S. Supreme Court:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v..._of_New_London

(But 'better hurry!)

.

[tis]

One of my pet peeves. If they would pay a fair price that would be one thing. But from my experience they don't want to. They want to steal the land. I hope they don't try that here.

[fatlazyless]

I have probably never been inside that large, old building known as the Winnipesaukee Pier, that was the former Irwin's Winnipesaukee Gardens, that sits atop stilts on top of the water, with room underneath for docking big boats.

Looking at it from the outside, it is a very large, old all-wood construction. Cannot tell from the outside if it has two levels inside, or is all on one level?

The more I think about it, a fitness center could be a good fit there, and hopefully it is doable? That could be a rock'n good location for a combined year 'round fitness center, Pier big view restaurant www.anthonyspier.com , and the #1 best Cobalt dealer in the country www.eastcoastflightcraft.com !

[Mr. V]

Demolish the pier.

Build a casino, provided the developer can acquire enough adjoining land to make it viable.

A casino will draw in people, no question, and Cobalt could take advantage of it by having a dealership on lake level.

Wynn did it with Ferrari in Las Vegas, with big players reportedly buying a new toy on impulse after a nice score.

Really, I don't understand the resistance many folks have to casinos.

No, I doubt it will happen at the Weirs, but it would probably be the most profitable venture one could have there.

Food for thought?

[Descant]

Originally Posted by ApS

Eminent Domain has been used to encourage private business—approved by The U.S. Supreme Court:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v..._of_New_London

(But 'better hurry!)

.

The CT case encouraged an amendment to the NH Constitution in 2006(?) to prevent the same thing.

"No part of a person's property shall be taken by eminent domain and transferred, directly or indirectly, to another person if the taking is for the purpose of private development or other private use of the property."

[Descant]

The water level has about twenty boat slips, not enough height for "big boats", but good for those around in the 20's and 30's, narrow by today's standards. The main ball room, of course, is one level. To the east there is an area raise a step or two, and on the south side there is a balcony. On the north side of the ballroom dance floor is a small stage for bands.

Aside from the fact hat there is no winter population to support a fitness center, the entire building would require huge conversion to insulate, heat and air condition.

For major upgrade, I think you're buying the footprint, and otherwise need to start over. Witness the size of the project to remove and replace the MP headquarters which was a 1960 era building and still way outdated.

[bruinsfan]

Article about sale and redevelopment:

http://www.newhampshire.com/Weirs-Pi...lesale-do-over

[Winn99]

That article is great. I am excited to see the weirs come back to life and be something other than bike week. The italian joint near the drive in is great food, a couple more good restaurants will bring back life to the little hotels in the area. Possibly we should have some events - they have a great event up north - snowdeo could we do something like this in the weirs ?

Regardless I am excited

[Doobs41378]

A boat drive thru Dunkin Donuts..... It sounds like they have some plans for it and it doesn't include a showroom or a fitness center. 4 million in sales is like 20 Cobalts

[Scott]

Originally Posted by bruinsfan

Article about sale and redevelopment:

http://www.newhampshire.com/Weirs-Pi...lesale-do-over

That sounds pretty promising. I wish them good luck.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Doobs41378

A boat drive thru Dunkin Donuts.....

20 bucks says somebody tries to get a boat to big in that drive thru and gets stuck!

Got to believe the neighbors in the area are going to complain of the increased boat traffic and the scratchy sound of the drive thru speaker blaring "was that 2 or three sugars with your coffee" at 6:00 AM.

Still it's a clever idea if they can pull it off.

[Doobs41378]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

20 bucks says somebody tries to get a boat to big in that drive thru and gets stuck!

Got to believe the neighbors in the area are going to complain of the increased boat traffic and the scratchy sound of the drive thru speaker blaring "was that 2 or three sugars with your coffee" at 6:00 AM.

Still it's a clever idea if they can pull it off.

I agree, some people cannot even dock their boat let alone roll up to a designated spot, order, wait in line then get close enough to pay and get hot/iced coffee...YIKES

[Descant]

So maybe snowmobiles can use the drive up too?
I think drive up, not drive thru. Order and pay on a mobile app, then nudge your bow rider into the pick up slot.

[eyenotall777]

I do not believe I saw anything mentioned about the one at the Pier being removed - but if they do, maybe FunSpot could have a shuttle from there (for people arriving via boat w/ kids and elderly)

[SIKSUKR]

I think was a misprint.

After a few years, company officials will likely revise their changes based on consumer activity, he said, and will probably add more to the pier.
"By then, we'll probably be in the tens of thousands in investment," Cardella said.

Tens of millions is more likely.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Demolish the pier.

Build a casino, provided the developer can acquire enough adjoining land to make it viable.

A casino will draw in people, no question, and Cobalt could take advantage of it by having a dealership on lake level.

Wynn did it with Ferrari in Las Vegas, with big players reportedly buying a new toy on impulse after a nice score.

Really, I don't understand the resistance many folks have to casinos.

No, I doubt it will happen at the Weirs, but it would probably be the most profitable venture one could have there.

Food for thought?

Casinos are great as long as they are in some one else's neighborhood.